Mountain Shadows International Montessori School - Boulder, Colorado

Julie Owen Putt

We've been at Mountain Shadows for 7 yrs. We've been in most of the classrooms and at all age levels. Our 3 children have enjoyed their teachers and time at Mountain Shadows. Each of the teachers we've worked with were excellent. My children are quite independent because of their Montessori background and feel confident in trying (and failing!) new things. We've found that it's a lovely community for our children and family. There have been changes over the years (many related to Covid) but I would say that MSMS is in a rebuilding phase. The parent community is strong and enthusiastic this year and supported by the teachers, staff and administration. I'm excited to see the programs grow and now upper elementary (grade 4-6) return. The new upper elementary teacher/guide seems so impressive and caring. I think she will add to the energy of the school tremendously. I'm thankful for this safe and caring environment in which my children have thrived!

Lauren Sullivan

Very picturesque school surrounded by farms with a lot of outside space and multiple playgrounds.

The Montessori materials available inside the classrooms are extensive and the teachers do a remarkable job deciding and dedicating a beautiful space to different areas of learning. They change things out depending on the season or topic of group interest.

The teachers past and present are all so amazing and we have met so many new friends (fellow parents and children).

Charles Grindel

My daughter recently graduated from Mountain Shadows and my son currently attends the school. My wife and I love Mountain Shadows. When we relocated from the northeast to Boulder, we were looking for a school that would meet or exceed the high-quality education that we came to expect from our daughter's private school in Boston. To be honest, our experience has surpassed our initial expectations. If you are looking for a high-quality education for your child, situated on an idyllic campus in Boulder, then I highly recommend that you schedule a tour and see all of what Mountain Shadows has to offer.

Jake Knerr

This review is for Kacey, the lead teacher for the YCC program.

Kacey is a wonderful teacher whom I believe is very dedicated to her profession and the Montessori method of education. Her approach with the kids is patient and kind while encouraging them to try and experience new things. As a parent, I always found Kacey pleasant and approachable. She was extremely helpful when we started potty training. She led my son's potty training at school while offering judgment-free support and advice to this first-time parent for potty training at home. Kacey is great. I highly recommend her.

Melinda Rider

Had a great 5 star experience with the school from 2014-2020. In 2021 we had a very difficult time with two of our children in two separate classrooms and we can no longer recommend this school. My oldest was enrolled in the upper elementary classroom with an extraordinary teacher, who abruptly left in the spring quarter, with no explanation and no communication around it. My son and his classmates were greatly affected and to this day, he still asks me what happened to his favorite teacher. Sad to say that a new teacher for that classroom was not found and the class (4th-6th grade) was cancelled for 2021-22, all the students had to find new schools. Then, my youngest was enrolled in the YCC community after a year on the wait list. He started in the fall, and was able to attend the class for a little over 3 months with no known issues. Then the lead teacher came to us about some concerning behaviors, most of which can commonly present in a 2 year old, and after an evaluation by our pediatrician, were normal and now 6 weeks later I can confirm were a phase. We were given advice on how to help him become more communicative, hoping that would help him be seen, heard, and acknowledged by the YCC staff. We took her advice and sought outside help from 2 outside parties. We also altered our home life to avoid my three kids playing games and having fun together, because she indicated these behaviors (playing hide and seek, and peek a boo) were not acceptable in the classroom. The stress in my family due to this was awful as we worked diligently to help him become more "acceptable" to the YCC environment, which was 8 children and 3 adults. Exactly 18 days from the first meeting regarding this issue, our 24 month old son was expelled from the YCC classroom. While I know now that he was unhappy in that environment and not supported whatsoever, I am grateful for the opportunity to explore two other well known private schools in Boulder County. My experience with other schools administration and teachers has been night and day compared to Mountain Shadows. Our son had trial days at these schools and was lovingly accepted into their classroom communities. He was accepted after our full disclosure of this incident, and the reaction we get when we tell people he was expelled is usually that of dismay. We are grateful to find a place where he is not condemned for being age 2. For the amount of tuition we paid to this school over the years, we no longer feel the value is there.

Pa B

Great school with engaged and compassionate teachers/staff who work to build a community amongst the teachers, parents, and students. My daughter has grown immensely through a thoughtful, well-prepared curriculum that constantly challenges her to explore her academic and social curiosity. Growth utilizing the whole person concept seems to be a priority, and it shows daily with our kiddo.

Justin Landrum

We have had a very positive experience with MSMS over the last several years. The staff has always been accommodating and the teachers have been excellent. Recently (Fall'22) as COVID restrictions have died down the teachers and staff have increased community engagement with numerous social and educational gatherings. We have especially appreciated the new after school enrichment offerings (Adventures in STEM with LEGOs!) and the recent Fall Festival that the school hosted.

Mary Strynar

As a newcomer to the Boulder area several years ago, I researched the extensive range of educational choices in both in the public and private arena for my then upper elementary school student. If you are seeking an educational philosophy that embraces fostering of independence and confidence, learning by doing in a safe environment, differentiated instruction, collaboration, peer mentoring, and highly-trained teachers, I highly recommend Mountain Shadows Montessori. It met my high expectations as a parent, and most importantly, gave my son a love of learning he carries with him as he continues his path in high school and beyond.