Top Schools in Zionsville, Clay township, Hamilton county, Indiana, United states

Carmel / Zionsville Maria Montessori International Academy

Address: 4370 Weston Pointe Dr #100, Zionsville, IN 46077, USA

“Strengths: -Teachers: The head teachers all have degrees in the field in addition to their Montessori training. The support teachers have advanced training as well. They know each child's academic strengths and weaknesses as well as their personal ones, and individualize their teaching styles. There is extremely low turnover of the faculty and staff. Even the subs know my children and their interests and hobbies. My children are safe and loved when I'm away. Most teachers are bilingual, as are many children. -Curriculum: The curriculum is common to Montessori schools, and is adapted to the child. It respects the child as a whole person and allows them to develop self discipline, curiosity, and skills in addition to mastering typical topics. This school is special in that it has a music/dance/yoga/art curriculum in addition to the unusual. The school meets all the requirements for certification (I asked and looked it up too), but chooses to use the cost of the certification for a big summer project each year for the kids. Expect optional field trips, extended care, and wrap around care for some breaks and holidays. -Building: The building is nice; big rooms with natural light and separate doors for outside in each class. There are sinks and potties for the children, with a flow between rooms for exchange of children and activities if needed. Meets highest safety standards (certificate in the window). There is a washer and dryer, so you aren't responsible for your kid's sleeping stuff and extra clothes each weekend. People: The other parents who come here are all committed, passionate, interesting people. Having school friends over is easy; their friends are kind with good self control and their parents are comfortable supporting the children's independence. Areas that work for us, but might not be your choice: Food: There isn't a cafeteria, so you pack lunches every day. Also, there is a snack calendar and families take turns bringing assigned snacks. This is fruit, veg, grain, and protein snacks, and most parents bring awesome snacks that keep my kids coming back for seconds. Expect that cost once a month about... Maybe every other. Breaks: If you are familiar with Montessori, you know it has more time off than a typical daycare. This school does a good job of supporting the parents who need child care in addition to education, but it won't always match your work schedule. They do have a parent night out every month that is nice. Screens: There isn't screen time/computer time. We teach them these skills at home. The teachers have a device where they can post your child's photos/diaper changes like most places, but expect a once a day update. These might not even be done every day, because your kids are getting eye contact instead. I like this, but it was an adjustment. For us, the pros outweigh the cons.”

Shaarey Tefilla Preschool

Address: W 116th St, Zionsville, IN 46077, USA