I researched over 10 different options and put our...

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 staff have actual degrees in Montessori education, and they are some of the most patient and supportive people I have ever met. My daughter is now in a "Childrens 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.