Tatum Ranch Montessori

The playground is large and kids enjoy playing there. Class sizes are exceedingly large (30+ kids) with single teacher and 1 or 2 assistants. Assistants are well spirited, they do not seem have any montessori training. During the class hours some teachers are texting or on Facebook. We have heard this school used to be better, now the quality of instructions is just okay. Individual attention is lacking. Academically inclined parents are marching their kids to Kumon to supplement the classroom. Teachers seem to play favorites among kids (and parents). One teacher is loud and screams at the kids. Kids are not rewarded for their achievements.The owner seems to be semi-retired, is never to be seen.
--Submitted by a parent

I have put 4 children through Cave Creek Montessori. My mom was a pre-K and elementary school teacher and education was very high on my family's priority list. So when my mom and I looked at 14 preschools for miles around, we found this school to be an excellent choice. I can tell you, that I believe, BY FAR, that my children's education at this school will likely be the best we experience. Dont get me wrong, we love our highly rated, rich curriculum public school now, but our teacher at CCM was INCREDIBLE. Very balanced, structured montessori curriculum that is EXTREMELY well implemented. Our teacher runs a classroom with 30 kids (with two veteran assistants) better than I've seen the same number of teachers run the pre-k program at our elementary school, which only has 20 students. Absolutely amazing foundation that I believe contributed to my childrens' future successes and confidence.
--Submitted by a parent

awesome school, awesome staff and an awesome place to send your kids!
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school for little ones, we are very happy with it. All the teachers are extremely good and quite academic. The teachers, staff and the owner will go out of the way to solve any issues that arise. The play area is clean, very large and the kids have lot of fun. Our daughter had an extremely positive experience and progressed well academically. Few years back we moved her from a commercial day-care center to this school and that was the best decision we made. We highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been sending my child there for over a year and a half. The teachers are ok, the owner isn't there when there's a problem. For the amount of money I spend per month there I expect a lot more. My child goes there full days, full time so that's $660 a month. On top of that if you want your child to eat pizza on Fridays, that's another $45 a semester and then add snacks on for a whole week once a month, that adds up. If I were you, keep your money and go some place else because all they are in for is the money and the class sizes are getting too big. Not the Montessori way.
--Submitted by a parent

I found the school to be among the best preschool options in the Tatum Ranch area. My two sons will be more than ready to Kindergarten thanks to them. Much better money spent than some daycare.
--Submitted by a parent

This schools named has been changed to Tatum Ranchette Montessori. Starting in January they will be offering a toddler program for children 2-3 yrs old. The school's teachers and administration are simply the best! Also, this scvhool is always very clean.

We are so glad to have found this school. The campus is beautiful and feels like a home. The rooms are spotless. The teachers are wonderful with children and helpful to parents.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is filthy, It seems like they are just cashing in and not putting money back in to the program. The classes are quite large and although I like the teachers the Administration staff seem absent from the school. I have noticed that the children spend an excessive amount of time outdoors,
--Submitted by a parent

Thanks to Cave Crek/Tatumranchette Montessori my daughter was able to overcome her speech impediment and shyness towards others. I strongly feel that the teachers and staff have kept true to the school's magnificent reputation. As a loyal parent to the school, I have to sincerley disagree with the statement made below. Yes, the summer program is more laid-back, however, the children have been working hard all school year, hence, the fun activities/playtime are very much needed and make for an excellent transition in blancing out the school year. I have nothing except thanks to all the wonderful teachers and administrators of the school and because of Tatumranchette Montessori, I can safely say that my daughter is now more than prepared for the first grade.
--Submitted by a parent