Montessori School-Laguna Beach

I started my 3 year old son at Montessori School of Laguna Beach in 2017. I was completely unfamiliar with the Montessori method at the time that I enrolled him, but quickly became enamored with the style of teaching and the lessons he was learning at school. Pre-Covid we were allowed into the classroom several times per year to observe the class in progress. I was absolutely shocked during my first observation. I walked into a classroom of 3-6 years olds, quietly working independently on their own lessons. The room was peacefuI and the teacher was circulating helping the children with their work. I remember watching a young girl, probably about 3 years old, gather her work mat and systematically set up the project with each piece of the work on a specific area of the mat. When she had completed the work, she cleaned up and put everything back in its original place. I was shocked at the child's independence and capabilities when given the opportunity to do their own work. All of the teacher are great. I have been lucky to work most closely with Mrs. Hassim and Mrs. Farukhi. I love that they share their culture with the children during holidays. They are strict, but warm and kind. They are respected by the children. I love to listen to the way they speak to the children. The school has activities built into the day, including art, yoga and gardening. They have the most fabulous performing arts teacher, Miss Garmen, that rehearses musical theater with the children. The performances are adorable. They also offer after school dance classes occasionally throughout the year.My one complaint would be that, in the past, communication has not been great. This year things have been much better. The new office manager has been wonderful sending weekly emails about the week's happenings, including pictures of the kids doing activities. This has been a big improvement. My son was more than academically ready for El Morro when he entered in 1st grade. It was bit shocking for our whole family going from the closely monitored, tightly-knit community of Montessori to public school. But we've successfully figured it out. My daughter is now enrolled in Montessori and doing great.I would highly recommend this fabulous school to anyone who wants to teach their child independence, kindness, and cultural differences. I wish my kids could have stayed there longer.
Dec 21st, 2022

We adore this school. My two kids are absolutely flourishing here since we moved to Laguna and joined a year ago. By now I've worked with all the educators and we love all of them -- and more importantly I think they have a true love and unique relationship with both my kids. The office staff are lovely, responsive and attentive. I know my kids are safe, loved and learning -- it's amazing what they come home knowing and talking about each day. Can't imagine our lives without Montessori LB.
Nov 30th, 2022

We absolutely love this school. My oldest was pretty shy/lacking in self confidence and watching her grow over her last 2 years here brings tears to my eyes. Her first few school performances were head down not singing, even though she would do all the songs at home. Her last few she has been on stage, performing solos even and fully enjoying herself. She is THRIVING. She has also learned so much, I am constantly blown away by her knowledge. She comes home at 4 years old telling me all of the continents, recognizing them by picture and knowing all of their names. She has great handwriting already and I feel like she will be ahead of her class when she gets to kinder next year. Our youngest just started a few weeks ago and I cannot wait to see her grow in confidence and education in the same way. She is already coming home singing the songs from circle time and repeating all of her shapes and letters. The outside time they gave them is incredible - watering plants, gardening, exploring. I love that they get to choose their own "work" and it can be adjusted to where they are in their developmental or educational stage at that moment. The teachers and staff are beyond. My kids sometimes tell me I "came to pick them up too fast" after a full day of school! The teachers love them, support them, and treat them with such kindness and respect. The school shows so many different cultures, my children are mixed cultures/races and I love this aspect. They offer amazing after school classes - tap, ballet, art...They are quick to respond to inquiries or concerns. They truly care about your child's growth and well being and happiness. I love that my kiddos are safe here, are learning here and are so happy. We cannot say enough good things about Montessori and the positive impact it has had on our children!
Sep 14th, 2022

I enrolled my son here after touring schools. Our son was to start in January and we all caught delta variant. They kept our entire months tuition. My son then began in February attended 4 days of school and didn't want to return. They also kept all of February tuition plus our deposit. Not once have they contacted us nor returned any items in his cubby. Poorly ran administration and the teachers seem to be more like nannies. Communicating is key especially when you are sending your child to a place you should feel comfortable.
Mar 29th, 2022

Both of our children have flourished at Montessori School of Laguna Beach, and in our experience the classroom instruction is consistently excellent and loving.  Every child is different. For our children, this school was the right fit, and it has helped them to become independent and community-minded kids, who also have a strong mastery of fundamental math and language arts concepts. Each of our children started at the school when they were two years old and our eldest just completed the kindergarten year in June (the youngest is still happily enrolled -- literally -- on the way out the door this morning she exclaimed that she loves school). The teachers in each classroom are Montessori trained and have years of experience teaching using Montessori methodology. They lead all of the lessons and do so using Montessori manipulatives and materials.  When you look around the classroom it is evident that the school is committed to the Montessori method -- the materials are everywhere. And both of my children will tell you that neither Mrs. Hassim or Mrs. Saadat will let you skip a step in the process for any given exercise. It's as "real" a Montessori school as you are going to find anywhere. It is the case that the teacher's aids who assist the lead teacher and co-teachers in each class have not completed extensive Montessori training. However, they work only under the careful guidance of the lead teachers and many of them have been at the school for several years and have a lot of experience. They are a loving, caring presence and enrich the school experience immensely.I will confess that in the past I have been frustrated with some of organizational and communication issues at the administrative level. Since the arrival of the current assistant director about a year ago, however, things have improved immensely on this front.  The school handled all of the upheaval that came with Covid-19 very well given the circumstances.I also want to stress that I have never experienced these frustrations at the classroom level. All six of the teachers who have taught our children have been accessible and all-round great partners (five of the six are still at the school currently).
Sep 29th, 2020