Step by Step Montessori

How much ever I praise the effort put in by all the staff at step by step, it would never justify the wonderful job you all are doing in taking care of the kids.
From the creative aspect of every session that involves thought planning and execution to the ability to spark and satisfy a child’s curiosity. u guys ace it!
If we had to not relocate, I would have definitely continued arjuns schooling here, infact; started my daughter here too. that is the confidence I have in you all.
You all do a commendable job.
Arjun will sure miss his friends and esp Miss Martha.
My best wishes and regards to Rachel, Pallavi, Darlene, Martha and the entire team.
Thank you.
Swati

This is not a review of the Montessori system but specifically the Step by Step Montessori school. There’s a lot of Montessori schools out there but only the good ones will apply the Montessori system properly in this day and age.
Our daughter is currently attending her second year and last year we had our son at Step by Step Montessori school before he graduated from preschool and started Kindergarten this year (at a public school).
Both of them love (d) being at Step by Step Montessori School (SbS) and each morning they are looking forward to going to school. Ever since they started at SbS, we felt how their social, inter-​personal (with adults & children) skills improved very quickly! The main reason we decided to have our children attend preschool was the lack of frequent social interaction with other same age children — so this was a perfect outcome for us!
We love Miss Marzi and her entire Team of teachers! Everyone at SbS is super friendly, polite, warm, open, caring — in other words — wonderful human beings and great role models!
We also feel our children are very much more receptive to routine duties — because they are being asked the same at school as well as at home («clean up after yourself when you’re done», «wash your hands after/​before … «, etc.) — we still have to say it a 1000x a day but I think that’s just natural for kids this age and at least there’s no resistance after a friendly reminder.
Our children have also become so much more independent than before they attended SbS. That is because they are being respected by the teachers as individuals with their own will, emotions and requirements and encouraged to do things on their own at their own pace. Although it’s hard — we try to do the same at home and see really good results!
All in all — we endorse and absolutely recommend SbS to anyone looking for a great preschool!

Before we used to love everything about this school. Recently, the school has added Chinese language to their side program. To other kids, it could be good. To my son, it’s a terrible hour since he has to be outside with just few friends. Most of his friends are in the classroom «doing work». He feels left aside. So do we. We’ve never though of by not signing up this side program would put us aside and impact us that much.
Another downside about this school is the amount of «turn-​over» teacher aids. We’ve seen new faces every few months and could not even keep up with the names.

My son who is 2.5 yrs old has been going to Step by Step Montessori for the last 6 months. I feel so relieved to have found a place that I can feel comfortable knowing that while I am at work I don’t have to worry about his well being or whether or not he is happy. He loves it there and I usually have to plead with him to go home at the end of the day because he wants to stay longer.
The thing that pleases me the most is that the teachers see things from the child’s eyes. They totally get that the children are little beings who deserve to be seen, heard and respected the same way adults do. They actually «see» the children. We tried other places that although they met the standards I could see they did not actually «see» the children they just managed them which is not the same.
I also love the way they teach the children to respect each other too. All the children know each other’s names and the older children help the younger ones. When my son first started and was initially reluctant for me to leave him in the mornings one of his little friends (4 yrs old) would tell him to come sit next to him. That is a testament to children learning to show empathy to each other and can be missing so often because it’s not being modeled for them. The children there are very self expressed and not afraid to talk to their friend’s parents or to each other. You can tell they are encouraged to be healthy well adjusted, confident beings.
Another thing I really love is how they discipline. They teach the children to say how they feel to a child who may have hurt them instead of placing the offending child in time out or something without letting him/​her understand how they have impacted the other child. I really appreciate that they get that discipline is not about punishment it is about teaching. I love that they don’t do time outs. Too many times I have seen children around us hit another child and just say «Sorry» because that is what they have learned to do, but they don’t actually feel regret or really mean they are sorry because they were just taught the word or don’t want to get in trouble.
Another great thing is they organize cultural and community events for the children and parents which I really appreciate because you get to see the children perform what they have learned and get to meet other parents and learn new things too.
I feel very lucky that my son gets to go to a Montessori school as I subscribe fully to the Montessori philosophy and love that the tuition is affordable given the type of care and education he is getting. More than that though is I know my son loves his main teacher Ms Martha and all his other teachers Ms Rachael, Ms Mary, Ms Jasmine, Ms Palavi and the Director Ms Marzi and that is because they show love to him and all the other children too.

My husband and I – and most importantly, our son – all love this school. And that’s how I’d review it if I had just one sentence.
My son began attending full time when he was 2 (potty training beforehand is not necessary), and six months into his time here, he’s continued to blossom before our eyes! All of his developmental areas continue to improve, the Montessori «curriculum» is a good structure for him, and there’s genuine LOVE from the teachers there, for all of the kiddos.
The latter is what makes my heart melt for this place – all that LOVE. The tremendous patience, kindness, and support. All the hugs and kisses and fun had with the kids. It’s something you can’t fake, if you don’t have it to begin with, you know? But at Step by Step, every single one of the teachers and staff seem excited and motivated about what they do. That’s something I picked up on right away, back when I was checking out a couple of different preschool options.
So in addition to «passing» all the other tests (license in good standing, clean organized environment, comfortable and homey setting, lots of experience among the staff) – Step by Step passed the oh-​so-​critical «gut test». I had a good feeling in my gut that this was a safe, constructive, and loving place, and it has turned out to be true.
And FYI, there are a total of 5 ladies, all with different roles that blend together seamlessly for a well-​run, organized, and fun school. Multiple bachelors degrees among them. And of course all have the necessary ECE units.
Another awesome thing is that the average employment there is like, 8 years or something, so «turnover» is low. Basically, staff don’t come and go. These women are rock solid and committed to our kids.
The school has good hours for working parents (I tell friends/​family that it’s really like preschool + childcare all rolled up in one, for our son). And the day is totally structured – predictable times and routines every day. Kids (and mine too) love that. And it’s nice to think of my kiddo at any given time of the day, and know exactly what’s happening right then for him at school.
They serve healthy snacks twice a day (my son has learned to enjoy carrots and celery sticks, thanks to them!). The place is a converted former house, so there’s lots of light, a very open and comfortable floor plan, and big backyard. There are itty bitty toilets, perfect for both the «training» and the «trained».
I’ll end with this: of course I think my kid is amazing (he is!), but also I’ve noticed that all the other kids at school are incredible and wonderful too. That really struck me, when we were still new – just how sweet and friendly (and also multi-​cultural) all the kids are. Every single one. It’s like another bonus of attending Step by Step! And it’s another aspect that helps my son thrive. And I’m convinced the school has played a huge part in shaping all these kind and bright little ones.

We knew this was the preschool for our son when we met the Director, Miss Marzi. Her energy seemed very kind but also wise, as she gave us a tour around the preschool. We explained that our son had Type 1 diabetes and that he would need extra care. She said simply that they would learn whatever was necessary to care for him. And learn they did! We trained the staff, and we now feel he receives superior care for his diabetes while at preschool. My husband and I were also very impressed that each teacher had so many years of experience at Step by Step – more than 7 each for Miss Marzi, Miss Martha (who teaches the 2 – 3 year olds), and Miss Rachel (who teaches the 4 – 6 year olds)! We also appreciated that Step by Step was a Montessori school that emphasized doing things for themselves, freedom within limits, and honoring each child’s natural sense of development. Now, at almost 2 years since he started, we’re very happy that our son goes to Step by Step Montessori Preschool.

I love this Preschool. My daughter has thrived here. First with Miss Martha as her 2 – 3 year old teacher. Then With Miss Rachel as her 4 – 6 year old teacher. If I have ever needed something or had any questions I can talk right to the teachers or the Director Miss Marzi. I love that they always welcome the kids as the walk in the door. I also love all of the school projects they do. They recently watched baby chicks hatch from their eggs! My daughter loved it! My son is turning 2 this summer and he will be going to Step By Step. If you are looking for a fun and loving place for your child to go this is the place.

Our oldest daughter has been at Step By Step since she was three. She’s now 5 and going to Kindergarten in the fall and we have nothing but great things to say about the school, the facilities, the teachers, and the friends both my daughter and I have met there. My youngest (turning 3) will be starting here in the Fall as well — I can’t imagine taking her anywhere else. The teachers are very attentive to the needs of the children as well as to the parents. If you ever need something or have a question you can talk right to the teacher or the Director. It’s very re-​assuring to have a strong relationship with the people who your children spend so much time with! Other reviewers hit the nail right on the head when they explained how this school offers ample amount of academics while still allowing our little ones to just be kids. This preschool has been invaluable for our daughter and I am excited for my youngest to benefit from the school as well. The teachers have such loving and tender ways of teaching and the kids all adore being there. There are multiple events at the school throughout the year that really offer a sense of community for the school. A great example is today, my girls and I are headed to a Mothers Day Tea held at the school. It’s the sweetest thing! I could go on and on about our wonderful experiences here!

I have two kids at this school – my 5 year old has attended since she was 2, and my 3 year old started last June. I love this school! It’s a great mix of academics and letting kids be kids! The teachers all love the students and love teaching – you can tell they take pride in what they do. They are very positive with the children and really foster learning from the beginning. The director is very attentive and listens to any concerns or questions that the parents have and addresses them right away.
What I love most of all is the diversity that is embraced there. Every April we have a Cultural Fair, where everyone brings a dish from their ethnic or cultural background, and the children usually perform. It’s the best night of the year!
To top it all off, it’s reasonably priced compared with other Montessori schools in the area. I’ll be sad when my daughter has to leave in the fall, but my son still has another few years at SBS!

We love Step by Step Montessori! Our son started Step by Step when he was 4 years old and has grown in so many ways that we cannot stop raving about it with family or friends. The school has a strong focus on education, culture awareness, social skills, and provides a fun loving environment. Shortly after our son began we started noticing the big difference SBSM made in his learning experience. Each day our son would recount his day about the different countries in geography studies, singing Spanish songs, watching little baby chicks hatch, learning how many moons surround Saturn to how to be a role model to the younger children in class. In addition, the teachers at Step by Step are warm and you can see how much they care about the children. It’s truly is amazing when your child comes home happy, inspired and can’t wait to go to school the next day! If you want a great experience for you and your child, I highly recommend Step by Step to any parent.