REVIEW OF Head Start Montessori School BY parent, Paola Wu
- Date of Review
June 03, 2026 - Child 1
Nursery/Toddler - JK (Female, Day Student) - Child 2
Nursery/Toddler - SK (Female, Day Student)
(5) Student Experience
Both our daughters loved going to HSM. They had fun, made friends, and learned so much. The teachers were very professional and caring towards the students and stuck with the true Montessori way. Our older daughter graduated from the 3-year Casa program, and we felt like it really helped her to be ready for grade 1 in traditional schooling. While being the youngest in her grade, she was already far ahead of others, which helped her throughout her elementary school years. She continues to excel in school (now in grade 8), and I think a big part of it was that she built a great foundation at HSM. Our younger daughter did the Casa program for 3 years as well; however, we transferred her out to our local school for French immersion during her SK year. She was already reading quite well before she started her last year of the Casa program, so we felt confident that she was ready to be challenged more by learning French. She had no problems quickly adapting her reading skills she learned at HSM to read in French when starting SK.
Why Head Start Montessori School?
We chose HSM initially because we liked how calmly the children were all working when we visited the school. We also liked the philosophy of the Montessori way.
Expectations vs. Reality
I would say the school met all of our expectations. We were happy with the way our older daughter was doing, and that's why when our younger one came along, we continued her there.
Your Advice
You get a sense of a community when your child attends the school. The directresses are very welcoming and friendly. Even though my children left the school 5 years ago, they have fond memories of the school and will ask to visit. Our older daughter has volunteered there in the summer for the past 2 years. HSM is a great school and program. Please continue to read with your child and practise daily living skills at home too!
(4.5) School Leadership
We enjoyed attending the fall festival every year when our kids were at the school. It was nice meeting other parents and seeing the children play with their friends.
(4.5) Teaching
(4.5) Academics
(3.5) Extracurriculars
Before COVID, there were programs offered after school for dance and music, but things changed due to restrictions at that time. I'm not sure how things are now for extracurricular activities.
(4.5) Students
It was great seeing kids of different ages in the same class and how each student played a different role in the classroom. As the students got older, they had the chance to be in a leadership role (esp during their last year in the Casa program)
