Montessori Academy opened their charter school campus in Paradise Valley in 2001 for students in kindergarten through 8th grades. The school on average has 92 students enrolled each year.
The school uses a curriculum based on the Montessori method, which integrates multiple learning approaches to learning and living. Along with core subjects, the school provides other activities including sculpture, painting, drama, dance, chorus, computer arts, dance, gymnastics, basketball, cheerleading, field hockey, physical education classes, swimming, soccer, badminton, newspaper, yearbook, student government, and science & technology.
Parents are very far apart when it comes to their opinion of the school. On the negative side, you hear that the school is not teaching at all and that in kindergarten the students have no type of curriculum. On the positive side, parents expressed the school had wonderful caring teachers that are nurturing and work with students on a personal level. Quite a few stated they had pulled their children out of the school due to them not learning and falling behind, while others praise how well their children are doing.
To get an idea of if the school is doing their job of teaching children to succeed in the world, it is a great idea to look at percentages of students that pass or exceed the AIMS series of exams. Third graders did exceptionally well with 100% passing writing, 95% passing reading, and 95% passing math. Fourth graders were above average in reading, and science, but were below average in writing and math. Fifth, sixth graders were below average in all courses. Seventh graders were below average in reading, but above average in writing and math. Eighth graders were above average in all courses.
It seems the percentages of students passing the exams jump around as much as parents opinions of the school. It would be best if you learn more about the school by talking with teachers and parents before enrolling your child.
Montessori Academy – Scottsdale Campus
6050 N. Invergordon Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-945-1121
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