Khalsa Montessori Elementary School - Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona

“To the person who posted on Nov. 5, 2008. All charter schools are required to follow state financial, procurement, open meeting, open enrollment and special education laws. Special education being the key phrase here. If every student at Khalsa is on an Individualized plan, than I assume there are IEPS, formally written and developed by not just the teacher, but in conjunction with parents and a special education coordinator or professional. Obtainable goals need to be in writing for 504 plans as well. I am very well educated in Maria Montessori's philosophy and the fact that she was a physician, and I think she would be horrified by your dismissal of student progress as parents' lack of expectation and involvement. Most Montessori schools these days (by my own personal experience)...need a refresher course. Peace.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I must agree with the posting of 11/5/08. My grandchild did in fact test for a learning disability at her 45 day screening. Khalsa staff worked with her and did successfully help her strengthen and improve the area of concern so that she needs minimal intervention. My 6 year old is extremely independent at school and at home and has the same responsibilities as all of the members of our household, laundry, yard work, caring for pets, etc. Draconian? No. Helping to build a sense of worth and indepenence in our childern? Yes. I had just as much if not more homework than these children have when I was in elementary school. Parents of today need to quit the hand holding and recognize that our children are a lot more on the ball than we were at their age.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Okay. I just read some of the comments from others and I try very hard to remember that these are personal perspectives based on personal experiences. To say Khalsa does not accomodate special needs, shows that the person reviewing the school lacks the knowledge about the Montessori method necessary to make an educated statement. Every student is on an INDIVIDUALIZED plan at Khalsa--based on their own personal achievements and academic growth. If a child is not advancing quickly enough for the parent to feel satisfied, then they should meet with their child and the child's teacher to discuss the child's progress and set obtainable goals. Oftentimes, the lack of progress is due to lack of expectations or parental envolvement. The teachers can only do so much...”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Khalsa is a great school IF you child is bright, highly motivated, and self directed. If they don't meet all of the above criteria - you and your child would be happier at a different school. For kids who do 'fit the mold' it is wonderful learning environment that allows almost limitless exploration of both Montessori materials and other learning methods. The children are forced into practicing self-disipline at every turn - which I have to say seems a bit draconian - but the study habits and focus they learn while there really seems to put them ahead-of-the-game when they move on to higher learning (the successes of former students is no less than incredible!). This school is not for the faint-of-heart (kids or parents), in upper elem expect 2 hours a night of homework even for the best of students. Wacky admin, lacking in art and science.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I Love this school.... my child is acceling in all areas. She has the ability to work at her own pace, and the teachers care!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have had experience with large public school districts, small charter schools and now Khalsa Montessori. I have two grandchildren both of whom were wait listed for Khalsa. One was accepted and one was not. Initially I was disappointed but it definitely worked out for the better. Both children are thriving in their separate educational environments. Why do I mention this? Because most parents go into a Montessori setting with preconceived ideas of what it means and what it will do for their child and for the parents. I see now that the environment was perfect for my Trans K student but not my fourth grader. I am exceptionally happy with the growth and success my grandchild has seen at Khalsa. I do not agree in any way with the negative comments posted by other parents.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Khalsa Elementary functions like a very poorly funded private school. Like a private school, they have a profile of the ideal student and so they screen applicants, and they also dismiss children who don t fit their profile. Parents can pay significant sums of money to the Primary school, expecting their children will graduate to the Elementary school, only to be told that their child is not a Montessori child. Moreover, this charter school does not offer accommodations. Any student who requires accommodations will be very frustrated, very quickly. Parents who want Montessori but need accommodations should contact Villa Montessori. Their faculty embrace children who learn differently and many of the children identified by Khalsa a not a Montessori child usually transfer to Villa, where they thrive.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter is in the Primary Program at Khalsa Montessori and LOVES it. This school is the #1 reason keeping up from moving out of state. I really love the diversity and sense of self that they encourage in each child. I recommend this school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It is not true that parents are kept informed. There is no benchmark , target or goals for the students to achieve. This is the most disorganized school we have ever seen. They are playing with the kids developmental skills.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We love the treatment of kids and care provided by Miss. Gina.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“great teachers, and the school is very organized.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think that they have a great program at Khalsa. The teachers really care and the Director is very involved with day to day activities. I also like that they keep parents very informed and involved.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“My son has learn so much in the 3 years at this school. However, I feel he isnt as advanced in reading and math as other kids in public school that I know. The school really is helping out to give him the confidence he needs.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son is in pre k, he has become more independent, as well as helpful. He also loves art, and know his numbers and letters. The teacher and administraion are very helpful and dont ignore your requests or opinions.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our kids are doing good so far at this school. The small classes and diversity of the children and teachers make this school a great experience for our children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a terrific program, supportive of diversity, with wonderful and caring teachers. My students are pre K through 1st grade, and have been in multiple classrooms over the years, each one was an enriching experience. For the uninitated, the program is run by American Sikhs, using Montessori philosophy. The principal is wonderful, the administrative staff highly dedicated and attentive, etc. It is a small school, with small classrooms, a very high ratio of teachers to students, but not a lot of staff dedicated to administrative duties. In other words, the staffing emphasis is on the classroom. Parents drive all the way across the valley for the educational experience, and graduates routinely go into the finest private high schools, but the mix of students and parents is quite ecletic.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Academics are challenging and demanding, but extracurricular programs are lacking. There is virtually no music or art. Parent involvement is very high, and the atmosphere of the school is positive.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“While the word of mouth of the school is good, the administration (as mentioned in other reviews) is awful. Careless, snooty and hardly ever answers the phone. They are non-communicative towards parents on the waiting list and rarely return phone calls. In addition, the school is very cliqueish and they tend to prefer admitting students who fit a certain mold, which I find bizarre given the Montessori philosophy. Their toddler program is based on the 3H concept of 'healthy, happy, holy', whatever that means. They definitely discriminate among the waiting list...if they have an opening and prefer a boy born in September or a girl who attended private school, they have the option to choose one over the other. Since this is a charter school, I find this bizarre. I know of one person who walked in and got enrolled that very day!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child has been with Khalsa since the age of 2. This school is wonderful in so many ways - a strong sense of community, high level of parent involvement, and the academics for early learning are outstanding. The downsides are that the school is so small there are virtually no extracurricular activities, there is no cafeteria and if you have problems with your child's teacher, there are few-to-no other choices.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“If you want small classrooms, a supportive / nuturing / caring / dedicated staff, an approach to learning which is holistic and montessori-based, then look no further! Khalsa Montessori beginning at the toddler level goes all the way up to middle school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Incredible school up to upper elementary where it seems things have gone crazy. Conflicts of interests between Principal and teacher. Disappointing 'Holiday' program- people were walking out.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My kid goes to Khalsa for last 2 yrs and we just love the school. Khalsa has great Montessori material and use is well. Teachers are montessori trained and are very professional. Khalsa K-8 is small (<150 kids) and provides a very nurturing and caring environment for kids growth. Academics are also excellent there kids regularly get accpeted for Brophi and St. Xavier. I have not seen many school where elementary kids are held back for lack of performance. However Khalsa is unlike where I have seen kids held back with a very good reason. The principal is the kindest gentleman I have met and even my 2nd grader is comfortable in approacking him. They do lot of education fields trip also for kids unlike other public/charter schools. Khalsa PTO is very active providing two way communication between parents and teacher. I would highly recommend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Khalsa Montessori Primary, Elementary and Middle School are wonderful, nurturing enviroments for any and all children. Contrary to popular belief, children do not need to be especially gifted to enter a Montessori school, it is the extraordinary teaching methods and catering to each childs individual learning level that helps children to become so skilled and talented. My two children have loved their time so far in this wonderful school, and I encourage parents, especially those of young children, to consider enrolling their child in the Primary program. Montessori is hands-on learning, and through materials formatted specifically for Montessori classrooms, your child will learn to count, add, subtract, read, write, slice bananas and even sew! Montessori is a wonderful way to introduce children to the worlds of math, language, geography, science, history, and so much more, and I hope all parents in the Phoenix area will consider this absolutely unique learning program!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a wonderful school with excellent teachers. The Montessori method is the best that I have seen. I have observed children learning subjects far advanced for their years. The children are self-focused and self-disciplined. They complete their tasks on their own initiative and yet they are free to pursue their interests at will. My son is transitioning from the toddler program to the primary school this fall 2004. I live in Scottsdale, far from the school, but I intend to continue making the drive so that he can attend because I value the Montessori education so much. I think it fosters a love of learning and a self-discipline that will stay with him long after he is in a traditional academic school program.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The over all school seems okay but the teachers seem a little snooty toward parents when questions arise regarding classroom concerns. The administration does not return phone calls. School montessori method of teaching is great, but I'm ill at ease with teacher/child relationship within the classroom. Teachers seem like they don't like being there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers do not focus on testing or test scores! They teach solid reading, writing and math skills via an individualized Montessori method. Does your child receive an individual contract to complete each day, tailored to their successes and 'misses' of the day before? Khalsa kids do. That type of teaching translates into great test scores. It is not teaching to the test. It is teaching to the child”
This review was posted by a parent.

“In veiwing the negative comments posted on this site, it is important to remember that it is usually the disgruntled that make their complaints known, while the many satisfied families feel no need to comment. Our daughter is starting her 10th & final year at Khalsa. She has received an excellent academic education. But, perhaps even more importantly, the school encourages individual thought, creativity and expression. Consequently, the students develop respect (or at least tolerance) for other people and their opinions. Yes, the teachers do expect a lot from the students. But, check out the test scores! The program works! I am confident that the skills learned at Khalsa will be most beneficial to our children as they move on to high school, college and the work environment. My daughter was very lucky to have had this oportunity.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I did not feel that my child was in a safe environment. Does not seem to fulfill Montesorri mission.”
This review was posted by a .

“my son is in priamry and will be graduating to elementary in the summer. i have found that most of the kids are further along in their development compared to peers.”
This review was posted by a .

“The upper elementary classroom needs some serious adjustments. Two teachers in the classroom, both of whom do not show respect or love toward the children they teach.”
This review was posted by a .

“We have sons in both the Primary and Toddler programs and love it! The sense of community and responsibility that is part of their learning experience cannot be matched. The variety of students and families better reflects our world and allows our children the opportunity to know no cultural or race barriers. Each child is treated with respect and encouraged to be independent, while presented with challenging classroom lessons. We are looking forward to many years with our Khalsa family.”
This review was posted by a .

“The teachers seem pretty good. But the administration is terrible. Try getting someone to call you back.”
This review was posted by a .

“My daughter has been in Montessori since she was 3 and I always intended on keeping her in Montessori until the 8th grade. Khalsa has provided her with an excellent elementary education. The best thing I did was to put my daughter in this school. Jaswant Khalsa is an excellent teacher and has the test scores to prove it. She expects alot from the children and rightfully so. I trusted her completely with my daughter's education and I can say without a doubt that she is in a class by herself.”
This review was posted by a .