Mariposa Montessori School 3338 Paisano Trail, Austin, TX 78745

"After nearly a year on the wait list, we turned down the "invitation" to enroll because of many red flags. I was initially very committed to pursuing Montessori education for my then one-year-old but found the enrollment process, the lack of communication and transparency from the school administration very concerning. The engagement was curt at best and rude at worst...especially when we ask questions about how the school curriculum incorporated respect for cultural diversity, which was the most concerning red flag. I was also never able to talk to, meet or even say hi to the individual that would've been my child's teacher for more than a year. We toured many schools in the Austin area during, before and after Covid and I've never experienced an odd lack of transparency and gating of communication like we encountered at Mariposa over the course of a year of being on the waitlist (which costs a few hundred dollars). If you look at the policies of the school there's a 30 day intro period in which they can essentially revoke your enrollment for "fit." Given their waiting list length and waiting lists of all the other schools in the Austin area that would be a very challenging situation for a family...to essentially be left with no childcare shortly after enrollment at the vague discretion of administration. We decided it wasn't worth the risk for our family."

"My daughter started attending Mariposa last year, in the height of the pandemic. It felt safe, welcoming and inclusive through out the entire year. I saw her blossom in self-confidence. This school year (2021-2022) ushered in a new head of school and changes I do not view as positive. The turn-over rate is what I would have expected to see last year. Her dear lead guide is busy w/ a classroom of 25 children, the majority 3 & 4 years old. She is only able to give my daughter about 20 minutes one on one time a week! My daughter is 6.5 now (October birthday) and has remained in the Children’s House for the entire school year. This is the program for 3-6 year olds. She should have been moved, at the very least part-time, to the lower elementary program after winter break. She continuously asks me when she will be moved to kindergarten, she shows no sign of knowing how to read and she has not had the opportunity to be modeled for by older children, which as I understand it, is foundational in a Montessori education. I have voiced my concerns and have heard nothing from the head of school (who has given her notice) or the founder. I feel as if my girl has been in a glorified daycare and we will definitely have to be doing some hard work to get her caught up with her peer age group in confidence and academic skills."

"Incredible institution that really goes that extra mile for the kids. We have had our son going to Mariposa for 2 years now and have seen him grow into a very confident boy who adores his friends and teachers. When your toddler on the way to Mariposa says "I am so excited to go to school!" it says a lot about the experience he is having everyday! Ms. Margaret, Ms. Anaid and everyone on the staff is always super helpful and caring."

"We have had our kids at this school for five years now. The new campus is a wonderful joining of the two previous smaller ones into a single community that lives the Montessori philosophy. You couldn't ask for a better community of souls dedicated to nurturing their children's hearts, minds, and souls. This school plays a big role in our community and our lives. Mariposa is also the only fully accredited Montessori school in Travis county."

"Every day we are incredibly grateful that we found Mariposa Montessori school. Our daughter has been at the school since she was 18 months old, and we are continually amazed at the quality and professionalism of the teachers, the loving care of every single staff member at the school, and the thriving, supportive parent community. When we first toured the school, I remember asking a parent in the parking lot what she liked best about the school, and her response was, "There's a lot of love here." We have found that to be more than true. The sense of warmth and comfort we feel when we drop our daughter off each morning is palpable. She truly loves school and runs into Miss Kelsey's classroom eagerly every day. The guides, support staff, and other children are like family to her, and I feel so much calmer as a parent knowing she is in great hands, especially because she is there for the full day including after-care, which goes all the way from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. (Before 18 months, she used to attend a large chain daycare center in south austin, and I always felt vaguely nervous and uneasy when I left her there each day. The peace of mind I feel now dropping her off each day is considerable. It has made me a happier, healthier parent--more able to enjoy my career without feeling guilty about the time I spend away from her!) In addition to providing an excellent educational and social environment for the kids, Mariposa also has a number of great programs and resources for the parents. Every month there are guest speakers or teachers who come in the evening to lead lectures, talks, and workshops to educate parents. These are free to the parents, and there is even usually free childcare for the kiddos in a separate room during these events. We've learned so much from these programs. They've shaped our approach to parenting and given us valuable opportunities to connect with other parents in the community. The community picnics, mom & dad's happy hours, etc. are also great. Meanwhile, our daughter is thriving intellectually and socially."