Stepping Stones Montessori School

Stepping Stones has made my son’s transition from staying home with me to attending childcare as seamless as possible. The staff are amazing, exceptionally well trained, and they go above and beyond for their students. We are so happy we chose to send him here and highly recommend any new or expecting parent take a tour!

I can't say enough great things about Stepping Stones. I knew very little about Montessori education prior to enrolling my children. What I had heard was that there was either "no structure" (a free for all) or there was way too much structure (individualism discouraged). Luckily, my neighbors in Rockford encouraged us to look at SSMS. Their son was in 5th grade and had attended since he was 3. He was extremely bright, mature, and confident. We enrolled our daughter when she was three and were extremely impressed with the school and the education our daughter was receiving. At a very early age, Stepping Stones provides leadership opportunities for the children. It is amazing to see how they blossom. The education is top notch. In larger cities (I have lived in Chicago and in Seattle), the waiting list to get into Stepping Stones would be years long. It is a very special place. The teachers (called guides) truly get to know the children. They are passionate about education and set kids up for success while also ensuring that they work hard. The current head of the school is 5 years into her tenure and is working on making sure that the school isn't only discoverable via word of mouth. Once you talk to other parents who send their kids here, you will want to tour the school. There is no better way to see if Stepping Stones is right for your children other than a visit. Our daughter is now is 7th grade. The school started a farm school this year that has it's owns campus near Ada. It reminds me of what people say about David Goodwillie (sp), except it goes through 9th grade. My son is 5 and is in Children's house. It's fun to see how both of them are flourishing academically, because they can focus and and are exposed to concepts way before what I remember in my education. (The middle school is working through pre-cal and they are building an aqueduct. My son is learning about the continents and can write full sentences). The tuition is reasonable. There is a hurdle that people like us, who have access to a great public school system, have a challenge getting over. However, I have found the return on our investment to be well worth it. In fact, we feel we have invested a root system (intellectual and spiritual) that will continue to pay off our kids as they make their way into their adult lives. Finally, I love the other parents I have met here. It's a great community to discover.

The Best! Could not be happier that I brought my daughter here for pre-school. The staff is amazing, their knowledge of childhood development and parenting is invaluable.