Global Montessori Academy

I researched over 10 different options and put our names on several waiting lists, before committing to a school for my then 2-year old daughter. I was attracted to Global Montessori's focus on the development of the whole person - physical, social, emotional, & cognitive. With a shy and sensitive kid, I was hoping that this kind of a start to her schooling would foster more confidence and critical thinking skills than the typical preschool environment. My expectations clearly weren't high enough, since we've seen that, and so much more. She started in the Toddler room in the old GMA location, on the Country Club Plaza. We moved with the school into it's new Prairie Village home, and have been thrilled with the expanded facility and space, not to mention it is just down the road from our neighborhood. The teachers are so supportive, and patient, and hold actual degrees in childhood education and Montessori methods. My daughter is now in a "Children's House" classroom, with students aged 3-6. She is happy and confident and excited to see her teachers and friends, every single day. I wish I felt that way about going to work at my own small business, every day! I like that GMA has a partnership with a local organic, real food company that provides all of the GMA students with snacks and completely natural, whole food lunches. I wish that they had more customized options than the 2 offered - standard or vegetarian. Meals are served family style, and the children serve themselves, so custom meals are just not practical. I get that. But my little one is allergic to dairy, and the standard offerings tend to use cheese regularly. So we deal with the sniffles and mild milk allergic reactions at least once a month. I don't know how tree nut allergies are handled, so if that is a concern, you should ask the hard questions!As I look towards kindergarten and elementary school, I am confident that we are staying with GMA for the next few years, at least. I never intended to have a child enrolled in a "private school," beyond pre-school. We live on the KS side and pay the taxes to live in a great school district. But I cannot identify one single thing that the Shawnee Mission school district could offer for my kid that would be better than the foundation she is receiving at the Global Montessori Academy.

A very bad experience for our family. My 3yr old son was treated sounkindly, it still breaks my heart That teachers could treat a child the way they did him. Never met the administrator until we withdrew our son. He only went here for 3wks it was so bad. Switched to another Montessori school that was night and day better in terms of communication with parents, nurturing toward children, facility, etc.

The experience at GMA for our son has been outstanding. In his time at the school he has transformed from a toddler into an active, self aware child. The teachers and staff are welcoming and work with the kids consistently to master their work!

GMA has been the best decision we've made for our kids. Our oldest started at age 2 and is was in the first Elementary class offered. She completed the program (which at the time only went to 3rd grade) and we're so thrilled with that experience. Our son also started at age 2, and is now almost 5. Our daughter was reading at a 5th grade level before she was 8 years old, and our son is already beginning to read. They both LOVE school. It is apparent each and every day that the kids there are learning and their minds are growing. What they do there is tremendous! I wish every child had the opportunity to learn and be nurtured like the kids at GMA. What a world that would be!!