Cedar River Montessori School

Posted: December 3, 2023

Posted: December 3, 2023

Education they offer is great, but there’s a lot of focus on social issues as well. If that’s your thing, this school is for you. They offer a gender identity counselor and celebrate not just one day but the entire pride month in June. These things are for all ages, there is some tailoring for the younger kids. Admissions are difficult if you can’t check a diversity box, yet they don’t offer a foreign language. The wait list is a joke. They won’t tell you where you are on the wait list. They won’t give you any indication as to why you got out on the waitlist vs getting admitted. Lots of siblings applying, only a few spots open, anything would be nice. Unfortunately, it was likely do to the child being white male based on the kids who did get in. You do get priority admissions the following year allegedly. We pulled our application. The admissions lady is not the most friendly, thankfully the rest of the school isnt like that, but she’s a huge turn off during the admissions process. The school setting is amazing. Animals, gardens, trails, playgrounds. The curriculum is fantastic and the teachers are super nice. I wanted to love this school so much but it’s just not for my family.

Posted: December 3, 2023

Posted: December 3, 2023

Posted: December 3, 2023

Posted: December 3, 2023

Posted: December 3, 2023

Posted: December 3, 2023

Posted: December 7, 2017

Posted: December 7, 2017

Over the years, our family has experienced the Issaquah school district as well as another private school in the area. We came upon Cedar River when our kids attended their full-day summer camp experience. When Fall came they were begging to attend Cedar River's academic year program, but we were already enrolled elsewhere. Still, the fantastic programming that is Cedar River stayed close to our mind and heart. Eventually we took the plunge and left a private school with close friends and caring teachers to attend Cedar River.

Everyday we ask ourselves why we didn't make the change sooner! The school strikes a delicate balance in so many areas: Students are autonomous and collaborative, but teachers are intimately aware of their strengths and personalities. They explore the 12 acre campus and research history and the sciences for a rich understanding that transcends one dimensional project learning, yet they are rigorously trained in the math and grammar that prepares them for High School and the PSAT. As someone who has worked in academia, I've never seen a more amazing math, grammar and inquiry curriculum. Blown away.

I'm grateful our kiddos have had positive learning experiences throughout their schooling, but honestly cannot speak more highly of this Montessori program.

Posted: December 7, 2017

Posted: December 7, 2017

Posted: December 7, 2017

Posted: December 7, 2017

Posted: December 7, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

Posted: August 18, 2017

I know one long time family left the school to start their own program nearby. We came on after that happened and have been amazed at the growth. Last year the school received a makeover both in new construction as well as new leadership. The principal is open, respectful of teachers and eager to move CRM into a fresh take on Montessori with technology, arts and the outdoors. Older students become mentors to younger students. Our child is gifted and able to excel at her own pace doing math above her grade level. The community is friendly and the entire school is framed by 12 acres of nature!

Posted: July 21, 2016

Posted: July 21, 2016

Posted: July 21, 2016

Posted: July 21, 2016

Last year on attending Cedar River Summer program everything seemed great. This year everything seems very different.

- My kids come home with Flea bites on a daily basis (probably from poor care of the livestock they have there.

- It is very pricey but does not offer the stuff advertised. There is no swimming lessons as of yet.. and when they were told to go in my kids came home with a rash in the bathing suit areas. Poor pool care? who knows? No one will accept responsibility. Also, aftercare swim seems very biased on who gets in. Usually it is kids who attend during the school year not summer camp only attendees. They will claim that "your child isn't ready" even though you take your kid to swim all the time and they are just fine.

- Lost or stolen items. My kids seem to be missing stuff all the time. clothing items, lunch items. All in all it must be close to $50 in missing things and we aren't even halfway through summer.

- Last year my kids seemed happy but this year I often find them miserable and dehydrated sitting in the sun when I go to pick them up. I even witnessed other children scratching each other with no supervision.

- In their contract it says that you have to pick up your kids by a certain time otherwise you are fee'd, often when I get there my kids are not ready to go (missing items, late back in from an excursion, In the classroom with the doors shut).

- Construction going on during camp hours, water shut off's , etc.

- The sand box is uncovered and they have cats roaming around. The lost and found "hamper" smells like cat urine when you go to search for your kids missing items (which are never there).

- There seems to be a great lack of care when anything is brought up.

Very big disappointment! Everything is even more expensive this year than last. I really wish they would take an extra step and make it worth it. Doubt we will be back next year unless some big changes happen.

Posted: September 28, 2015

The teachers are very effective but this is Montessori which is not full of lectures and constant teaching to. The materials and the child 's focus are also major parts in the effectiveness of teaching. The Montessori environment creates focus.

Posted: September 28, 2015

I have always felt that the homework load was just right and if it was going to be too much the teachers were willing to set individual plans. Our Lower Elementary teacher was pivotal in making my child feel accountable for his work. Initially my child felt overwhelmed and communicated that to her and a plan was devised to make it more doable. By the end of the year not only the work being done but turned in early.

Posted: September 28, 2015

I have always been able to approach the teachers as well as the support staff when I have had concerns. Or questions. Children are encouraged to communicate their needs at all levels and my child has always felt his needs are listened to.

Posted: September 28, 2015

This school builds confidence and curiosity and the six years I have been there I have seen amazing progress with my student. The staff knows each and everyone of the kids and the ciriculum is fantastic.
I have also seen an wonderful community that does not tolerate gossip or bullying from parents or kids alike.
Every school will not be for everyone but there is magic that happens here.

Posted: July 29, 2015

My son has been at Cedar River for one full school year (Early Childhood) and one summer. He is now 4 and doing well regarding his social adjustment with the children, learning kindness and cooperative play, and starting on early learning fundamentals. I enjoy this school because it seems to be able to accommodate different learners- by their style of learning and speed of learning. I also found the administration to be great. I'm utterly confounded by the comments below regarding admin - especially the Head of the School. They seem knowledgeable, engaged, and progressive. Maybe it's my sympathy for non-profits (as I've worked in one, and I know how much more slowly they move vs. for-profits) but I have found the administration to be very responsive to parental concerns. In fact, one of my parent friends is not shy and is always bringing up "things"- and they are all over it. I can only assume that there was a change happening in the leadership and board at the time of these complaints- and you know how people deal with change :) One other thing, with all of the research around grit/growth-mindset, experiential learning, and how brains get information and build networks, this school is very tapped into that developing work. They are integrating it into Montessori and highlighting the parts of Montessori that excel in developing these skills. I feel like I can trust that my son is going to get to be himself and make choices at this school to help him be interested in his education and learning- vs. becoming some passive robot to spit out facts. Sometimes the kids are mean to each other, but I have sat back and watched them take care of it. I think this school has helped me stop monitoring every child's interaction for potential bullying and trust that kids do have good hearts and will take care of each other in the right, supportive environment.

Posted: May 31, 2015

Posted: May 31, 2015

I can not say enough great things! This school just continues to get better and better. The staff, teachers and families are really great and you see it in the bright wonderful kids. Take a tour, talk with families and cross your fingers to get in.

Posted: February 13, 2014

Our daughter attends Cedar River Montessori School and we couldn't be happier with the experience so far. Everyone from the assistants all the way to the Head of School seem to be on the same page when it comes to focusing efforts on the children and their learning. We like to think our daughter was already a gifted learner before CRMS, but she has truly blossomed in this environment. The way the children help each other learn, and all know each other is wonderful. A big thanks to their entire staff.

Posted: December 29, 2013

Our children attended Cedar River Montessori for several years. While many teachers and staff work above and beyond for the students, the lack of leadership and oversight negatively affects the whole school. Our kids did not have a good overall experience, resulting in poor academic progress. The board of directors is very hands off, not having a true feel for what is going on in day to day operations, allowing a substandard administration and head of school to continue. I would not recommend this school until significant leadership changes take place allowing teachers & staff to provide what they are truly capable of... a great education & community for the children who attend.

Posted: September 22, 2013

Cedar River Montessori School is truly a gem. The staff are well trained and intentional about their teaching. The children are curious, responsible, and kind toward one another, and the community is supportive and engaged. The spirit of this place brings out the best in all of it's students, who are more capable of independent problem solving, academic achievement, and cooperating with others than students I have seen anywhere.

Posted: September 22, 2013

Cedar River is where both my kids grew up and learned to be independent, successful and caring. They loved the teachers and staff and we enjoyed activities to bring staff and parents and students together.

Posted: September 21, 2013

This is a great school my son has been going there for 6 years. The teachers are wonderful.

Posted: September 20, 2013

Cedar River Montessori (CRMS) is a great school to provide your kids a solid foundation in learning to learn, responsibility for one's self and awareness of the larger community. My sons have been 'ahead' of grade level for various topics and the Montessori classroom experience allows them to follow the passion for learning. Great campus rounds out a great school!

Posted: September 20, 2013

Cedar River Montessori does an outstanding job at teaching my kids to be independent. It allows them to follow their interests and gives them time and room to grow

Posted: September 20, 2013

I have two very happy kids at Cedar River. The campus is beyond beautiful in a natural forest like setting. The staff is very caring, they really love the kids and love of learning and gentleness are everywhere. Very nice parent community and great academics. Not to say everything is always perfect but there is a real drive to make it the best it can be. I feel privileged that my kids can spend their childhood in such an special learning environment. Of course, Montessori philosophy is pretty amazing

Posted: September 19, 2013

Great school for those looking for something beyond a typical educational experience. The class ratios are amazing and the learning experience for my son has been top notch!

Posted: September 19, 2013

A wonderful school and a great learning experience for my child. We are very pleased with the teachers, administration and other parents. It is a warm and caring environment. The school grounds and animals are an added plus. I recommend the school to everyone. The Middle School is new and appreciated.

Posted: September 19, 2013

We LOVE this school. There are three things that stand out most: 1) outstanding teachers who obviously love their jobs and love teaching kids, 2) lots of great all-school activities where all of the students and their families get to know each other, 3) the sense of community, which is sort of an extension of #2. The kids all know each other well (from the youngest to the oldest students), and most of the parents know pretty much all of the kids. Also part of the community spirit of the school is that the older students frequently help out the younger students by supervising, helping them learn "the ropes" as it were, and helping them with their work sometimes. We plan on having our kids here through all of the grades offered. We love the place and the people.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Our son is beginning his second year at Cedar River. Since he started here, we have seen a complete transformation from a once wild child to a little boy with an eagerness to learn each day. The teaching staff is so wonderful and have a unique gift for helping young minds flourish. I only wish I found this school when my daughter was younger. Above all, the one thing I find so wonderful, is each parent and child is part of a community. I have need seen this level of parent involvement from any school PTSA.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Great school with placements for kids 3 years to 9th grade. It has animals inside and outside the classroom and is situated on a wooded campus with a garden. Some of the teachers are award-winning and have been at the school for several years.

Posted: April 14, 2013

I want to concur with the previous poster's comment that the teachers are excellent and the families are wonderful. In fact, this school has one of the most supportive communities we've ever seen. Where I would disagree is with the comments about the head of school. In my point of view, the firm decisions of our Head of School have created the exact environment that attracts excellent teachers, and wonderful families. Those things don't happen by accident. And the community of this school has improved immensely since she was hired. That's a head of school's job first and foremost, in my wife's and my opinion, to steward the learning environment of the school and foster its growth in positive ways. We couldn't be happier with her decision making, and refusal to give in to demanding parents who have since moved on from Cedar River. We love this school, and are thrilled they've added a middle school!

Posted: March 25, 2013

The teachers are incredible, the families that attend are wonderful. The head of school should be replaced. Too many reactive decisions and unprofessional choices. Her poor management effects the parental involvement and teacher moral.

Posted: November 8, 2012

We love this school. Our son is in his 3rd year at Cedar River and is simply in love with learning. The school does a great job of honestly pursuing the Montessori ideal, fostering a love and interest in learning I'd never seen before with kids as young as our son. The environment is beautiful, the staff are warm and very approachable-- the family community is excellent-- but bottomline, I can't imagine our son having a better experience at any other school, at any price.