Montessori School Columbia City 4226 South Lucile Street, Seattle, WA 98118

"Our experience being a part of the Learning Garden community has been incredible. The teachers are filled with endless love and devotion to the students, and give so much care to cultivate each child to their potential. We began at Learning Garden when our daughter was 2.5 and stayed through age 5, up until she began Kindergarten. During those years, she developed a love of science, math, and the world around her. Her teachers filled each day with love and created an environment where students were curious and excited to learn. Thank you to the wonderful Learning Garden teachers, and to the families that became such good friends over the years."

"Learning Garden has been such a wonderful community for our family. Both of our kids attended, our daughter is now in 1st grade and son is in his last year there. The teachers create a positive environment that cultivates a love of learning, wonderment about our world, and respect and love for others, self, and the earth. Something I really value about our experience is that our kids have learned to value focused attention and feel pride in their work. Our kids also learned to know themselves and understand how they want to focus their attention. The Montessori approach supports this, e.g., having choice in what works to engage with. We also love the Montessori approaches to math that help kids take conceptual leaps in a tactile way and the creative ways the teachers have come up with to teach reading. Art and all forms of expression play a big role in their day to day, including dance parties. There has been great communication with the teachers over the years and we trust their insight into our children. Bogdana has made a heroic effort to listen and support the needs of the community during this pandemic. All the teachers care and go above and beyond expectations. As an example, the teachers came and took our kids on outdoor walks when we weren't able to attend in person. Learning Garden has also taught us much as parents, in terms of ways we better support our kids and model for them what we want to see in the world. We are so grateful for our experience."

"I truly cannot say enough good things about Learning Garden and the wonderful teachers. My son came in mid-year 2021 at age 3.5. He was welcomed with wamth and compassion. Like another reviewer mentioned, Bogdana and Abby really take the time to get to know each child and their family, and learn what home life is like. I really appreciate their willingness to have conversation and to work with us to come up with plans and approaches so there is consistency between school and home as we all work on skills together. They truly care about each child and family so much. My son has flourished, and comes home every day fulfilled, confident and not over-stimulated. The school is calm, and operates on a basis of kindness. I think it's part of a Montessori learning environment, but there is always a schedule of the day and a lot of order in the classroom. They work with children to become problem-solvers, develop empathy and compassion skills, and of course do a wonderful job teaching skills like math and reading. They have learning modules each week, for example the rainforest ecosystem, the solar system, etc. My son loves to tell us about it and share art he's created, ideas he has, and concepts he's learned. Bogdana is so thoughtful and sends recap emails every week or two to describe the goings-on at the school. I really do feel like they prepare children for the world, teaching them to approach life with love and kindness. I don't know how they do it but they've mastered combining a home-grown, loving, free spirit vibe with a more rigid, zero-chaos environment and that truly could not be better for our child and family. We are so thankful to have found LG at just the right time and we (including my son) look forward to another year there."

"Learning Garden Montessori is a magical preschool where both my boys developed independent skills, became global citizens through the interdisciplinary and cultural studies they participated in, and formed long lasting friendships. The beauty of this school lies in the stable and amazing staff. Bogdana and her experienced team of educators understand how to create a structure through which students not only independently engage in activities they are interested in, but also cooperatively learn with one another. Both my boys, who are very different learners, thrived at Learning Garden and now associate school and learning with joy and community. We feel lucky to have had their education experience begin at this school."

"Where to begin.. This school has been an absolute treasure to send my 3.5 year old daughter to and we couldn’t have asked for a more loving, welcoming, and knowledgeable environment. From the staff to the classroom to the other families attending the school, we have had a top tier experience. My daughter started at 2.5 y/o and the teachers made her feel to welcome and capable right away. I’ve seen her flourish at The Learning Garden both in her academic ability and social/emotional interaction with her teachers and peers. Additionally, Bogdana and Abby have both taken so much time to get to know our whole family and provide my husband and I with encouragement and support that even parents of toddlers need. When we have had issues arise, Bogdana and Abby are quick to lend an ear, kindness, encouragement, and advice, going so far as to offer integrative approaches and support in the classroom that backup lessons we’re trying to teach at home. My daughter even comes home and pretends to be “Teacher Abby” and walks all of her stuffed animals through art class. GAH! Can you even?! This place is amazing for all varieties of personalities, stages, and abilities. I can’t recommend it enough. You walk in the classroom and can feel so much love and peace. I highly recommend sending your kids here if you want to feel confident in the care and knowledge they will receive day in and day out."