Wonder Years Montessori School

if you are planning to put your child in this school. good luck. system is corrupt.

This is my first Unilocal review and I am a first time mom. My son attends Wonder Years and has been there since he was 3 years old. We started in February 2013 and I am more than pleased with this school, Mrs. Ray and the teachers. As an educator for more than 19 years in LA’s school district, this school gets the highest rating. The staff treats the children as their own, have dedicated teachers and an outstanding curriculum. My son is in Pre-​K and is now 5. He loves school. My son can read, write, add, subtract and spell small words. He knows colors, shapes, sizes, etc. Not only is he academically advanced, but the teachers also teach life skills. My son can read traffic signs, tell time from analog clocks, etc. The kids learn Geography (he knows the continents and can identify different countries and which continent they are located upon), Science, and the school even teaches about major holidays and events. For instance, for Earth Week his class created dioramas. He was able to tell me what a peninsula is, an isthmus, a mountain, a plateau and so on. If you are looking for a school for your child whose staff creates a warm, comfortable, and fun learning environment, then Wonder Years is the place. Before I close, I must add that as a first time mom, I was terrified to leave my son with «strangers.» Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Patrizia did everything in their power to help me through the transition including taking my calls, pop-​up visits, and so on. They are both very patient and are women to be trusted.

This is my first Unilocal review and i just had to write this because I could not believe my conversation with the director Sandhya Ray a little while ago and feel its important that parents should know what we spoke about. I was looking to enroll my eldest daughter into a preschool and found that the reviews on here were spectacular so i decided i would go and take a tour.
During the tour my wife and I mentioned to her that we will be taking a vacation in Nov. so that my ailing grandmother can meet my children before she passes since she is the only grandparent living today. I also mentioned that i will be moving my business to Canada next year and if this would be ok. She was fine with this and did mention i would still have to pay even though my child will be gone and i will be taking her out every thursday as well to attend Japanese school.
So today when i came back to drop off all the papers and getting blood work for my daughter to enroll her, i once again spoke with the director Sandhya Ray to make all the circumstances clear that her attendance will be fluctuating throughout the school year and if that was ok. She said yes of course but said I had never mentioned my child being away in November and she should not enroll because of her future absences (this is after i paid the registration fee). I asked why she would tell me such a thing especially after just taking my money and telling me i cant get it back. I jokingly said «so its about the money not the kids?», and she replied «yes of course» telling me i am a business man as well and as in any business she has to pay her employees and make money.
I understand it is a business and we all have to pay our rent and feed our families but I couldnt believe my ears. So then i walked outside and she followed me and i called my wife and told her to come and hear what she had to say and asked SANDHYA RAY once again please tell me what you told her (expecting her to maybe change what she said) and asked her «did you just tell me that it was not about the kids, its about the money?»…once again she replied «yes».my wife was left speechless and once again i told her «I cant believe what you are saying you just said that it is NOT about our kids its more about the money» she replied and i quote «of course it is every business is like that and we are no different…»
I can not send my daughter to a school where their interest is money before children. She even went as far as too say I dont care if the children are here as long as the tuition is getting paid because it is easier for us. I alson understand it is easier and the teachers can pay more close attention to each individual child but come on now… these things should be kept to herself. But i guess i appreciate her honesty because she can keep my money and i will take my child to a place where kids are first… they should always come first… even before money.

If these negative slanders exist, I would not have my children attending this school. The easiest way to prove these slanders wrong is to call Social Services and get the answers directly from them!
Wonder Year Montessori has dedicated teachers and staff. Their administration is very hands on and available at all times. The Montessori way of teaching is an excellent academic program. It’s not all work and offers a fun environment for your kids too.
I have 2 kids attending Wonder Years. My eldest daughter is 4 years old. She already reading her 2^nd phonics book, she can add up simple addition, count from 1 – 100, knows all the continents, and knows what seems to be hundreds of songs. My little one started school when she turned 2 years old. She’s been attending school for about 3 months and she loves it. Her vocabulary has increased and she finally learned how to share! The school also offers to potty train for no additional cost.
My kids absolutely love going to school. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.

I have been involved with Wonder Years for over 20. My sister went there, my friend’s cousins, and now my own 2 children. The staff is very loving and friendly. Their teaching methods prepare kids for elementary school and even basic home/​life skills. I would highly recommend this school and the teacher to child ratio is much higher than most other schools. Most of all, my kids don’t want to leave when I pick them up because they love their teachers and the amazing friends they have made!

Wow! I’m surprised at the previous review but i guess this is a public forum so anybody with or without intimate knowledge can post.
I have 2 children that attend and have attended this school. Older one is now 8 and the little one is now almost 5 and ready for Kindergarten. They were cared for by the school as if they were there own children. Taught as if they were their own children. They are very compassionate and patient with our children and all the students in the class. I know because our kids have playdates and we all communicate outside of school often. We all have only positive things to say about Wonder Years Montessori.
The school is open and parents are allowed to visit anytime. Open houses are held often and dialogue between the school faculty and parents are positive and dynamic. Any issues are raised immediately and addressed. How else can this school have been open for so long. Parental involvement is strong.
It’s a shame that somebody would post such hurtful comments about a school that strives for so many years in the community to prepare students to excel at the next level.
I wish ‘Lisa P’ luck with the next school she decides to bring her child. Or, i wish the next school luck with Lisa P’s child.
We all wish the best for our children.

I have been taking my 2 children to wonder years and I WOULD ABSOLUTELY recommend this school to all parents. They have a very high standard when teaching and nurturing the students that attend. My first child graduated kindergarten from their program and was reading up to 2^nd grade level and doing double digit math. She is now excelling at her current school and is in the Gifted and Talented Education program. I give all credit to the great teachers at Wonder Years for building her foundation.
My second child is currently attending pre-​kindergarten and is learning a great deal. She is already starting to read and can understand her basic numbers up to 100. I will continue with kindergarten for my second child as well.
They cater to each child’s needs and will help the child excel at their own pace. The before and after school caregivers are very loving and attentive as well. My children LOVE all of the staff dearly and speak highly of them. The teachers are available anytime to discuss your child’s progress and they work with the parents to achieve the specific goals you are looking for.
Lastly, the prices are also very affordable compared to other montessori programs that are offered in this area… which is a PLUS!