Research Franciscan Montessori Earth School private Schools in West Linn, Oregon

“I used to work at FMES and can tell you from experience that the teachers and entire staff care deeply about the students education and well being both physically and emotionally.”

“You'll be hard pressed to find another Montessori in the Portland area that offers organic gardens along with a huge gymnasium with performing stage, soccer fields, three playgrounds and a full library. The guides are skilled and involved. Some lower el classrooms are more chaotic than others so make sure you visit each guides' room and choose accordingly. That said, parking is a problem and the school seems particularly biased toward families with money just like other private schools. Also, don't fall for the notion that your child won't be exposed to many of the same issues that plague public schools, like rough, crass playground talk and many of the electronic and commercial trappings of popular culture. Montessori students may be better behaved in the classroom but are typical contemporary kids outside of school who love their Ipods and Game Boys and television. FMES, at least, provides a counterpoint environment.”

“It is so reassuring to see the many positive repsonses to the educational program here at the Franciscan Montessori Earth School. We do have a great staff, students, and incredible parents. We are celebrating in the 2006-2007 school year our 30th anniversary honoring this reality. When final dates and events are arranged, I'll post these dates, and you are all invited to participate. Mother Francine Cardew P.S Yes, I know that I'm not perfect, and I know also in the words of President Jarry Truman, '..the buck stops here.'”

“Hi, this school is good for some but disgraceful for others. If your child has a problem with bullying at the school, the administrators have been known to deny that the problem exists at all. This would be a good school if the administrators actually cared about students; instead they seem to be concerned only with the next month's tuition. If your child runs into a problem you can count on this school to act as if you are making it up or your concerns are unimportant.”

“My five-year old son will begin his second year at the Earth School's Childrens House in Fall 2006. The Montessori method, along with easily accessible materials and encouraging guidance from his teachers, have resulted in him learning geography, botany, mathematics (addition, subtraction, and multiplication), letters (including cursive writing), music, foreign language, and religion, among other subjects. And this is his first year at FMES! He loves the school, his instructors, the administration and extra-curricular activities (art classes, instructional soccer and intstructional T-ball); the occasional hot lunch gets a thumbs-up, too! Any parent interested in sending their child to FMES should speak with an Earth school parent. Ask, 'Why do you send your child to FMES?'. NOTE: Be prepared for the FMES parent's passionate, heartfelt response. In my opinion, aside from your own parenting, having your child educated at FMES is one of the SMARTEST investments you'll make in his/her future.”

“This is our 6th year with FMES. My boys are thriving. This is an environment, I am proud to have my children part of. This is not just a school but a community, working together to better the lives of our children. My boys love school. They are involved, motivated to learn and courteous. This school compliments our parenting style. Their favorite extracuricular activity....the Chess club. What more can I say!”

“I attended FMES for 9 years. These years were spent learning not only academics, but how to work with other people. I had many off campus experiences that helped in all of my learning; I went to retirement homes and entertained the residents, I worked on a farm in the fall, and I went to Germany and San Francisco to learn about the world. FMES/SFA is a wonderful school, with a caring and intelligent staff. FMES is the premiere Montessori school in the Portland Metropolitan area!”

“My son has attended FMES for 3 years and is now entering St. Francis Academy for middle school (7-8th grades) This has been a great experience for him. The school provides opportunities for individualized learning paths for each student. It is a more structured school than some other Montessori programs (he has been in Montessori schools since he was 2), but ultimately does a great job preparing each child for the next level. They test to the SAT each spring from 4th-6th grades and have consistently upper quandrant marks for their students. They offer languagues (spanish, german, japanese), music, PE, art and drama as well as traditional academic studies. They also offer secular and non-secular studies as an option.”