Reviews
Hear What Parents Are Saying
“ My son has enjoyed Aster Montessori since the summer camp of July, 2021. He got a lot of love and friendship from his teachers and his classmates. We have a very happy experience here, and we can see great improvement in his social, emotional and academic development, especially after he started kindergarten. Aster Montessori provides a family-style environment which is very caring, safe and cozy. My son and I fell in love with it when we toured the school, and this turns out to be a really wise choice for us! All of his teachers are nice and helpful to all kids. They love and respect my son and they teach him a lot with great patience, especially his lead teacher, also director of Aster Montessori. My son learned a lot about plants, animals, continents, countries, food, weather, every aspect about nature and science. Besides, he learned how to write numbers, letters, words and sentences, and how to do addition, subtraction and even multiplication. Aster Montessori is an amazing school which really helps lay a solid foundation for kids. Also, the music program is superb, every school concert was very impressive! Highly recommend! ”
- Ye (2021-2023)
My daughter Mihika, started Aster Montessori when she was 3 years old. She also continued in their Kindergarten program and loved it. The Kindergarten curriculum focused not only on reading, writing, and math but also includes science, geography, and computer time. Mihika also enjoyed music and learning Spanish which is offered in their curriculum. Ms. Aparna was teaching the Kindergarten class and the day was full of learning, exploring and skill building. She followed the Montessori philosophy of building a strong foundation. The kids explored the concepts first and then with repetition as kids got more confident with the concept they were moved to advanced levels in each area. In addition, kids did a number of interesting projects throughout the year that were both fun and educational. Mihika is good at Math, language and writing and also exhibits good manners. I am really happy that she went to Aster Montessori for her pre K and Kindergarten years.
- Mrinali (2012-2015)
Our daughter Jules attended Aster Montessori for two years. We choose the school for a number of reasons. It felt homely, it offered a good Montessori curriculum combined with extra curricular activities such as Spanish, Music, Art etc… It was important to us that there was balance between academia, social skills learning, and creative learning. Jules loved her time at Aster, the teachers were firm, but fair and warm. The teachers along with the new school offered her a wonderful environment for structured and creative learning and we believe she had been well prepared for Kindergarten.
- Michelle & Mark (2013-2015)
Our family spent a total of 5 consecutive years at Aster Montessori and it was the best experience I could have given to my two daughters developmentally; educationally, socially and emotionally. I believe strongly in their motto of “building a strong foundation.” My children are flourishing in elementary school after attending Aster through kindergarten. The transition from a small Montessori to a busy public school was incredibly smooth. The teachers and supporting staff are nurturing and compassionate with the ability to apply structure in a manner that children respond to. They provide an environment that truly allows a child to become more independent which greatly improves self esteem and self worth. I was impressed with how quickly my children began to express their learnings in reading, writing, math and social studies. I felt the education they were receiving and sharing with me was more advanced than their peers in other schools. I have and continue recommended and referred several families, all of whom couldn’t be happier with their time there!
- Lindsay (2023)
Aster Montessori was the school I chose to enroll my 3 children in and the school is simply an amazing school with great teachers and staff. For 2 years, I clearly saw the efforts and talents of the teachers while working full-time with my kids and I can tell anyone how much knowledge, concentration, organization, etc, my kids were able to develop throughout the years. Aster Montessori’s facility is very clean and organized. For all my positive experience, including during the pandemic period, I recommend Aster Montessori as one of the best schools I had the chance to get my kids in.
- Thiago Cesar Rotta (2021)
My daughter had two great years at Aster Montesori… Pre-k and Kindergarten. The curriculum focused not only on reading, writing, and math but also includes science and geography. Most of all, she enjoyed Spanish and music classes which were offered in the curriculum. She was first exposed to the basics and then challenged with advanced work. In addition, kids did a number of projects throughout the year that were both fun and educational. The small class size, the detailed planning, and the great job done by the teachers at Aster Montessori attributed to my kid’s whole learning experience with good foundation for first grade.
- Mamatha
“Aster Montessori School is a great place for our kids. The teacher sare very professional, flexible, kind, and caring. They provide a stimulating learning environment in an intimate home-like atmosphere. Aster Montessori has an awesome program! My son is more organized, follows directions, and he has improved his analytical and coordination skills. He loves his teachers and is always very happy to go to school.”
- Luis & Maria
“ Our daughter really enjoyed the time she spent at Aster Montessori. Ms. Aparna is a very good, professional teacher and gives a personal touch whenever she deals with the kids and parents. Our daughter has picked up her vocabulary and math skills very well and she loves her Spanish and Music classes. Keep up the good work!!!! ”
- Rajesh & Vidhya
“ We could not be more pleased with the education our daughter received while in Aster Montessori. She had thrived in the small, orderly class and has benefited from so much individual attention from Ms. Aparna. She had a great preschool year and we are very happy with her academic development. ”
- Liliana
“ My daughter, Rhea had a good school year at Aster Montessori. The school environment is safe and clean. Rhea learnt in all different areas whether it was math or reading, science or music. I found Ms. Aparna very professional and was always available to talk about my child’s progress. I am very happy with Aster Montessori and staff. ”
- Shallu
“ Ms. Aparna, My daughter asks about you a lot. Her teacher has put her in accelerated reading program since she said Sanaya is reading at first grade level. Thanks for the solid foundation! ”
- Maithili
“ The best Montessori my kids have ever attended. I can’t say enough good things about this school. We moved from Chicago and toured and researched the many Montessori schools in the area. Teachers were so welcoming and attentive to my very shy daughter who had to start a new school every year unfortunately due to my husband’s job. All of the staff are so warm and kind. Both of my children have thrived and learned so much in just the one year they’ve attended. The school is clean and bright and has a big outdoor space in the back and covered porch area if it rains. My children love their teachers and the friends they have made. My 4 year old asks to go to school every day and my Kindergartner asks to stay in aftercare every day. It’s a wonderful school and you definitely won’t be disappointed if you send your child there. ”
- Jennifer G.
“ Aster Montessori has been our home for the past 5 years. Both of my children have attended the preschool and kindergarten programs and I couldn’t be more happier with their outcomes. Aparna, the owner, cares very deeply for the children in her care and has provided the best education for them by hiring the most caring teachers and staff. My son started out in first grade with a great foundation in reading, spelling and math which alleviated some struggles I believe he would have had if he would had not had the more one on one time in the kindergarten program. My daughter is going to be starting first grade this year and she is very prepared as well. I volunteered often and it was fascinating to see what the kids were working on and the environment they were able to learn in. Both of my children’s favorite area was the math area. I really liked all of the tactile learning devices that were available. I was also impressed with the reports that you receive 2 times a year. They are 4 pages long and they cover so many items and let you know where your child is. I have never seen a report card this in depth. Our over all experience was excellent and we will miss Ms. Aparna and the rest of the teachers and staff this next year, and I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity for my children. ”
- Yvonne B.
Aster Montessori has been a wonderful place for our son. He has been attending for almost two and a half years! Currently he is doing his kindergarten learning here and loves his “pull out kindergarten” class. We have been very happy with the teachers, staff, and classroom environment! What we love is that the teachers are kind and encourage the children to be kind to one another. What my son loves is the school work, recess, and friends!
- Kam (2016)
I love the school. This is my son’s second year at the school and I really can see the improvements he has had. The quality of the education is excellent as well as the materials the kids use. I strongly recommend Aster Montessori for your children.
- Yurai (2016)
I have been working with Aster Montessori for few years and I am impressed with the quality of care school gives to children. Director has very high expectation from staff and it shows off in everything teachers do. School has impressive and attentive staff. The curriculum is based on whole child development and covers social and emotional support along with excellent academic development. My own child went thorough this school and thrived in every way!!
- Amasa (2015)
My daugter attented this school and we could see an amazing transformation in her. She learnt so much in time she spent there that was unbelievable. They offer mix of all activities reading, writng, music, language, science for overall development of kids, and all teachers are so loving and caring. We would highly recommend this school to other parents.
- Preet (2014)
My daughter went to Aster for three years. I am very pleased with her development socially, emotionally and academically. Now at her kinder year in another school, I”ve been told that she is reading at the next grade level. Ms. Aparna is a very kind, patient and sensitive teacher with the kids. The entire staff Ms Maria, Ms Yuri and Ms Mariko are very good teachers as well. I am very happy with the foundation that this school has given my daughter for her all round development.
- Maith (2014)
I have been more than impressed by Aster Montessori and the teachers. My daughter has attended Aster for two years and thrived, both socially and academically. I appreciate the small class size, student to teacher ratio and the diverse activities they are introduced to. I would highly recommend this school to others.
- Rache (2012)
Our youngest son has been attending this school since he was 3.5 years-old and potty-trained. He was very ready to ditch his large daycare in downtown Issaquah Highlands. I found Aster when it was recommended by the director of Sno-Springs School, near our home. I was admittedly skeptical as I was not particularly impressed by other Montessori schools on the Plateau and in the Highlands.
Ms Aparna and her assistant director worked with me and my wife to devise a plan to acclimate our son to their environment and routine. We started with part-time enrollment in their summer camp program. My son immediately loved their large grassy and wooded play area, which was 3x bigger than his old daycare’s concrete one.
We then continued with Aster into the school year. Although it was very difficult for him at first, Aster Montessori was very patient with our headstrong son’s adjustment to Montessori. He quickly improved his social skills (“grace and courtesy”) and made good friends at the school. He looked forward to going to preschool each day.
I just wish Aster had been around when our daughters were in preschool!
- Chris G.
My son has enjoyed Aster Montessori since the summer camp of July, 2021. He got a lot of love and friendship from his teachers and his classmates. We have a very happy experience here, and we can see great improvement in his social, emotional and academic development, especially after he started kindergarten. Aster Montessori provides a family-style environment which is very caring, safe and cozy. My son and I fell in love with it when we toured the school, and this turns out to be a really wise choice for us! All of his teachers are nice and helpful to all kids. They love and respect my son and they teach him a lot with great patience, especially his lead teacher, also director of Aster Montessori. My son learned a lot about plants, animals, continents, countries, food, weather, every aspect about nature and science. Besides, he learned how to write numbers, letters, words and sentences, and how to do addition, subtraction and even multiplication. Aster Montessori is an amazing school which really helps lay a solid foundation for kids. Also, the music program is superb, every school concert was very impressive! Highly recommend!
- Nan H.
Not enough stars for this place. Mrs.Aparna and all the staff/assistants/volunteers are top notch. They have have a very warm and welcoming environment. Many of the staff and kids come from different countries and cultures which I love. My daughter has learned so much in just the few months in attending. Also, they have a very fun and partially covered playground in the back. Which is quite nice for Washington weather.
- D. H.
Our daughter has grown so much in positive ways during her years at Aster. We think highly of the calm, but stimulating learning atmosphere and the dedicated, kind educators. In our experience, the teachers are aware and attentive to each child. We find Ms. Aparna, the head of the school, super impressive. School is always spotless. Communications from school are clear. We were lucky to find Aster, and we hope to send our younger daughter there too!
- Yuzuru S.
Aster Montessori has been our home for the past 5 years. Both of my children have attended the preschool and kindergarten programs and I couldn’t be more happier with their outcomes. Aparna the owner cares very deeply for the children in her care and has provided the best education for them by hiring the most caring teachers and staff. My son started out in first grade with a great foundation in reading, spelling and math which alleviated some struggles I believe he would have had if he would had not had the more one on one time in the kindergarten program. My daughter is going to be starting first grade this year and she is very prepared as well. I volunteered often and it was fascinating to see what the kids were working on and the environment they were able to learn in. Both of my children’s favorite area was the math area. I really liked all of the tactile learning devices that were available. I was also impressed with the reports that you receive 2 times a year. They are 4 pages long and they cover so many items and let you know where your child is. I have never seen a report card this in depth. Our over all experience was excellent and we will miss Ms. Aparna and the rest of the teachers and staff this next year, and I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity for my children.
- Yvonne B.
The first time when I visited the school, I was impressed by the clean classroom and huge playground. My son attended Aster Montessori since August this year. Even at first few days of the summer camp, he acted like old student who already been in the school for a while. This is a small school only with 2 classrooms. The director Ms. Aparna is very experienced at education, and she cares every kid in the school like family. The teachers there are easy going and the communication with them are very smooth and comfortable. I give the school 5 stars because I feel my son’s improvement in the past a few months. He brings home his work every Friday, and so existed and proud to introduce me and his Dad the work. Highly recommend parents to take a tour and feel it yourselves.
- Jincy C.
Aster Montessori has been a wonderful place for our son. He has been attending for two years and will go to kindergarten there as well. We have been very happy with the teachers, staff, and classroom environment! What we love is that the teachers are kind and encourage the children to be kind to one another. What my son loves is the school work, recess, and friends!
- Kelly M.
- Kelsy N.
The best Montessori my kids have ever attended. I can’t say enough good things about this school. We moved from Chicago and toured and researched the many Montessori schools in the area. Louise and Aparna were so welcoming and attentive to my very shy daughter who had to start a new school every year unfortunately due to my husbands job. Ms. Tricia and Ms. Pragati and all of the staff are so warm and kind. Both of my children have thrived and learned so much in just the one year they’ve attended. The school is clean and bright and has a big outdoor space in the back and covered porch area if it rains. My children love their teachers and the friends they have made. My 4 yr old asks to go to school every day and my Kindergartner asks to stay in aftercare every day. It’s a wonderful school and you definitely won’t be disappointed if you send your child there.
