REVIEW OF Head Start Montessori School BY parent, Alisha Gulamhussein

(5) Student Experience

Our two sons attended Head Start Montessori School and had an amazing experience. The school provided a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they looked forward to learning every day. The teachers and staff were caring, supportive, and truly invested in each child's growth and well-being. What our boys appreciated most was the sense of community, the hands-on learning, and the friendships they built with both classmates and teachers. Even now, at ages 10 and 12, they still talk fondly about their time at Head Start and the positive memories they made there. The school helped build their confidence, independence, and love of learning. Their only disappointment was having to leave when it was time to move on to the next stage of school, but we’re so fortunate that our connection with the directors and teachers remains - all these years later.

Why Head Start Montessori School?

We initially chose another Montessori school and had already paid a deposit when a friend recommended that we visit Head Start Montessori's open house. We decided to take a look, and within minutes of walking through the doors and meeting the staff, we knew this was where our son belonged. The warmth, professionalism, and genuine care shown by the teachers and staff immediately stood out. The environment felt welcoming, nurturing, and focused on the whole child. We left the open house feeling confident that Head Start Montessori would provide the supportive and enriching experience we wanted for our son. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made for his early education.

Expectations vs. Reality

Head Start met and exceeded our expectations. The caring, supportive environment and quality education were everything we hoped for. What surprised us most was the lasting impact—years later, we still have strong friendships and meaningful connections with the directors and staff.

Your Advice

Whether you're considering Head Start Montessori or another school, trust your instincts when you visit. For us, the warmth, care, and dedication of the staff were incredibly important. We knew our boys were being loved and cared for while learning valuable life skills. The positive impact of a great early-years school lasts well beyond a child's time there.

(5) School Leadership

What stands out most about the leadership at Head Start Montessori is how deeply they care—not just about the students, but about the families as well. They foster a warm, positive environment, communicate openly and effectively, and always approach situations with thoughtfulness and fairness. Throughout our years at the school, they supported our family through both joyful and challenging times, and that level of care and commitment is something we will always appreciate.

(5) Teaching

The teaching at Head Start Montessori was exceptional. The teachers were knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely invested in each child's growth and development. They communicated well with parents and created an environment where our children felt both supported and encouraged to challenge themselves. What we especially appreciated were the many opportunities for parents to engage with the staff and students in the learning environment. Being able to observe their work and participate in school activities gave us a firsthand look at the teachers' dedication and the valuable academic, social, and life skills our children were developing.

(5) Academics

The academic program at Head Start Montessori School is well-rounded and enriching. The school offers a strong balance of academics, music, arts, sports, and practical life skills, creating a holistic learning experience for the children. Through classroom learning, special instructors, onsite activities, and field trips, students are consistently exposed to engaging and meaningful opportunities to learn in different ways. The academic culture is nurturing, hands-on, and supportive, encouraging curiosity, independence, and confidence. Rather than focusing only on traditional academics, the program develops the whole child. We felt our children were very well prepared for their next steps, not only academically but also socially and emotionally, which gave them a strong foundation for future success.

(5) Extracurriculars

Yes, there were plenty of extracurricular opportunities at Head Start Montessori School, both for enjoyment and for broader enrichment. Our children were exposed to music, arts, sports, special activities, and field trips that helped bring learning to life in a fun and engaging way. There were also opportunities to participate in structured activities and school events that built confidence and teamwork.

(5) Students

The student body at Head Start Montessori felt very inclusive, warm, and community-oriented. From our experience, the families shared similar values, which created a strong sense of connection among students, parents, and staff. There was a real spirit of kindness and respect between the children, and they interacted well across different ages and classrooms. The school’s events and family activities helped strengthen these relationships and foster a true sense of belonging. It genuinely felt like more than just a school—it was a community where children and families were known, supported, and valued.

(5) School Life

The overall quality of student life at Head Start Montessori School was outstanding. Our children genuinely loved going to school each day because they felt safe, supported, and excited to learn. The environment was warm and engaging, and they were encouraged to explore, grow, and build confidence in a very natural way. What stood out most was how happy and comfortable they were within the school community. Between the caring staff, meaningful activities, and a strong sense of belonging, the school felt like a place they truly wanted to be. In terms of improvement, it is difficult to identify any major gaps, as our experience was consistently positive. The school already provides a rich, well-rounded, and nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal development. For prospective families, it is truly a place where children are known, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

(5) Community

What stands out most about the broader community at Head Start Montessori School is how welcoming and connected it feels. The parent community reflected shared values, and there was a strong sense of mutual respect and support among families, staff, and students. Parents were very much welcomed into the life of the school through events, celebrations, and classroom involvement opportunities, which helped build meaningful relationships and a true sense of community. These experiences made it easy to feel engaged and connected to our children’s learning environment. Overall, we felt the level of parental involvement was appropriate and meaningful, and the school already does a wonderful job of fostering an open and inclusive community.

(4) School Location

The school is located on the ground floor of a large office tower, which gives it a unique urban setting. There is a GoodLife Fitness, a beautiful coffee shop, and a few small businesses on the same level, which adds to the sense of a lively, connected environment. Despite being in a building, the school does a great job of incorporating both indoor and outdoor experiences for the children. There is access to outdoor space when the weather permits, and plenty of safe indoor areas for colder days where the children can walk, explore, and stay active. Rather than feeling like an “island,” the school feels integrated into a broader community space while still being secure and well-contained for young children.

(5) Admissions

We were fortunate that there was no waitlist when we applied, as the school had just moved into its current location. The admissions process itself felt straightforward and supportive, and it was clear the focus was on finding the right fit for each child and family rather than being stressful or competitive. My best advice to new parents would be to plan early, visit the school, and attend open houses whenever possible. These visits are invaluable for getting a true sense of the environment and for speaking with staff and other families. Engaging directly with the community really helps in understanding whether the school is the right fit for your child.