Foothills Montessori School in Henderson

Posted: May 20, 2026

This is school is for a certain type of child. One that always follow directions, has no special needs, and is quiet. If they dont fit that mold, students are labeled as problem children.
Teachers are responsible for far too many children to watch them all properly. My child was consistently bullied. No one EVER communicated with me first. I had to reach out to find out what my child was referring to. When I did, they were already aware of the situation, but chose to only speak with the bullies parents and not the victims. Stating boys will be boys as the excuse.
Children are taught random facts to appear knowledgeable, but lack the common needs of a preschooler (alphabet, numbers, reading, writing).
More attention is given to students and families who are more available to assist at school. Those who work and are unavailable are pushed to the side and not communicated with consistently.

Posted: May 20, 2026

Posted: March 6, 2024

I DO recommend the school for kids who fit their mold and have no delays. But please be cautious if your kids have any delays (speech included) or are energetic boys. The teachers are amazing but ill equipped to support kids who cant sit still and stay focused independently. Or have any delays - even speech.

But if your child is gifted and fits their mold -
Its an amazing school. Otherwise please do your due diligence so you arent scrambling to find a new school mid year that can support your children like me and other parents.

Posted: March 6, 2024

Posted: October 21, 2023

Dont take your kids to this school, they just care about your money and not the children. Teachers are not supportive nor helpful, they dont motivate the students to learn, kids are scared and do not feel safe. The schools learning principle is based on independence, by letting kids do the work by their own and if they are not able to complete their goals theyll be hardly judged plus teachers will start a campaign to get this family out of school. Teachers are not passionate about teaching, they dont want to deal with any issues students may have. Your tuition fees will go higher and higher with no notifications. Teachers dont have a degree. Your kids are not safe, anybody can go in a out, no active cameras, and not securities. They have 30+ kids per classroom and cant really offer good quality learning to every student. Kids from different grades will all be together in the same classroom. They dont have a library, dont have a school counselor, dont have a cafeteria for lunch, dont have a gym, dont have an appropriate parking lot, they dont teach science, dont allow kids to have Holiday celebrations, kids with special needs are not welcomed and the school principal is not supportive at all, if you have any concerns about their system, or complain about anything theyll force you leave the school and say they have a waitlist of kids waiting for that empty place. This school should be closed, their system is a FAILURE, there are so many other private schools in town for children to have a good education, Foothills Montessori should not be an option for any family.

Posted: October 21, 2023

Posted: August 12, 2021

I have been a parent at FMS for 4 years now with 2 children in the school. I normally don't write reviews, but was saddened when I saw the previous person's really harsh comments on the school. I would say take everything with a grain of salt when choosing a school, and know that there are people all over the spectrum when it comes to their children who are important to them. I would look at it as maybe you would when reading reviews on Amazon and rule out the people who absolutely love it and those that write angry reviews and absolutely hate it...the middle ground is really probably the most accurate depiction as nothing is perfect. I have sent my children to another school here in Vegas and I, personally, like the caring, nurturing environment that FMS provides. I mostly describe this school to my friends as the closest thing to a co-op experience in Vegas. Coming from Cali, I enjoy the "Berkley" vibe and idea of being on campus, helping out where needed. The first time I set foot on campus as a parent, I saw the PTO president assembling the community library box at the front of the school, and she asked my hubby to give her a hand with the hammer. That's the kind of environment and welcoming community that I want to be a part of. I want my children to understand the idea of the greater good and that we are part of a bigger world and planet. This school focuses on the person and not just academics. If I wanted a more academically rigorous program, I know where to find that in Vegas- I won't name names, but it's easy to find. The comments on the teachers' education astounded me as I always look that up when my children enter a new classroom, and ALL of the elementary staff have a minimum of a BA or BS and 99% of Lead teachers have MA degrees. My child's middle school class has one teacher with 2 MAs and the other teachers each have one as well. So I am confused at that comment. I know some of the primary teachers have MAs (like 4 of them) and some have no degree but Montessori certificates, but that is Preschool. I don't think you'll find many Preschools out there with teachers with any kind of degree. I will say that sometimes the math homework seems like pointless packet work, but from my understanding, they are getting Montessori Math during the day and the packets are to align with what CCSD is doing, just to keep them relevant to their public school peers. Spelling is on point. Writing is improving with a new specialist. Karen is no longer there.

Posted: August 12, 2021

Posted: January 4, 2021

You are paying for location and economic strata of the school. I have two children in public and one child here. The teachers in the team teaching dynamic typically have one good teacher that leads. The other two are aides and lack the basic skills of a Ccsd teachers aide. The school is about appearances. Many many bright children (or otherwise) struggle outside of school with basic skills consistent with their grade level but are taught random obscure facts about advanced subjects to appear as if they have this amazing learning experience when the reality is they have zero understanding. While the campus seems welcoming and gentle, the atmosphere is all youre paying for. The children make strong friendships with other children that likely come from a higher economic strata, but our intent here was to advance our childs education. The appearance does not match the education. These children; and Ive got to know many within my interactions over the years, struggle immensely over the basic building blocks of the elementary process. The teachers are not qualified. They are paid vastly less than Ccsd
teachers that actually hold a bachelors degree. If youre considering foothills interview the team, not just the one possibly qualified team lead. These are not trained educators that put in the work to obtain a full degree in education. The bar is very very low.

Administration; referring to the school Director is horrific. Unavailable, unwilling to engage in conversation with a parent outside the recruitment process and most importantly: widely disliked by the frightened teachers and aides. It was and is the most unsettling part of our experience at Foothills.

And this all sits on the plate of Karen Kolb.

Posted: January 4, 2021

Posted: August 24, 2019

My 3 children spent half of their lives at FMS, for 8 years. It was truly their second home, the teachers and admin partners in their upbringing. We wouldnt have had it any other way! This school is a one of a kind gem in Vegas. Its an exceptional collection of educators who, along with wonderful families, have created a space where creativity, love, diversity, high standards, innovation and a sense of FAMILY abound. You can see it clearly when you visit the campus: a little library next to a thriving garden (part of the outstanding Green our Planet program), next to a welcoming mosaic, all inside a happy courtyard and playground. All day youll see groups of various sizes gathered for gardening or outside reading, or on their way to the kitchen for a cooking project. This is a school that has managed to be dynamic and organic while (sadly) many schools are increasingly restricted. The opportunities for learning are rich because of its small size and commitment to the individual development of each and every child. They are richer yet because of the endless cultural, social and environmental lessons. Above all, children are treasured and cared for at FMS, in that old school way you often dont see anymore. I cant recommend it highly enough.

Posted: August 24, 2019

Posted: June 23, 2019

Montessori is full of fluff and from spade looks amazing. It has given my daughter a great foundation for learning but staying past 1st grade is a mistake. Children arent pushed to their full potential because of the philosophy and many children who leave are actually below grade level.

Posted: June 23, 2019

Elementary and upper elementary years offer busy work which has no reinforcement as to what the child has learned throughout the week. While they claim to be a Montessori school the useless homework packets of reading and math printouts are against everything Montessori is about.

Posted: June 23, 2019

While the teachers are nurturing and build relationships with the students, most of these teachers have no teaching of credentials other than a Montessori certificate. For the amount of tuition they charge these teachers should have s degree in education.

Posted: June 23, 2019

Admin and assistant admin do not have any teaching or educational experience yet they have a say in curriculum. That doesnt make any sense and is a recipe for disaster.

Posted: June 23, 2019

They recently hired a student services teacher to help with struggling students but she has no idea how to help or how to do her job. Its more fluff to make the school look good from afar.

Posted: June 23, 2019

I have witnessed children being bullied in lower elementary, upper elementary and middle school and teacher turn s blind eye. They do not want to deal with confrontation with parents so they sweep things under the rug. Many children have left the school because of this.

Posted: February 28, 2019

I've never witnessed bullying nor heard any stories of other children be bullied at Foothills Montessori School.

Posted: February 28, 2019

Homework is rare in the primary and kindergarten classrooms. A reading book is sometimes sent home on Fridays for Kindergarten children. As children mature through lower/upper elementary and middle school the homework adjusts accordingly.

Posted: February 28, 2019

Words fall short to explain how amazing the teachers are. The amount of preparation and thought that goes into creating the work and classroom environment at FMS is amazing. I believe it is the best schooling option in Vegas both academically and socially.

Posted: February 28, 2019

FMS offers a nurturing and thoughtful learning community.

Posted: February 28, 2019

Foothills Montessori School exudes a culture of respect and consistently goes above and beyond to serve their students. FMS offers a warm and inviting environment along with a safe and secure campus.

Posted: February 28, 2019

My daughter is very shy, an observer who waded into school slowly and is sensitive to sound. The teachersintuitive, sensitive, and lovingly firmhave managed to both value her sensitive nature and encourage her to stand up for herself and verbalize when she is uncomfortable about something. The teachers at FMS give children the time, opportunity and resources to be the best that they can be. Ive been so impressed with the commitment the teachers have to the method of Montessori.

Posted: February 28, 2019

I love Vegas but my only concern raising children here was the schoolinguntil I found Foothills Montessori School. This school is a hidden gem in Vegas. The Parent Teacher Organization is top notch and provides families many ways to get to know each other. The seamless movement between parents and the school is one of the most impressive aspects of FMS. This year weve enjoyed a PTO organized Book Fair, Fall Festival, Movie Night, a themed Family Dance, Fun Fridays and many other well organized events. Foothills Montessori offers dynamic, stimulating curriculum along with a strong sense of community from the primary levels up to 8th grade. I highly recommend this school to anyone who values education along with a strong sense of family and community.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Primary level teachers vary - some have homework and others don't. Choose the classrooms that don't have homework for Primary! Homework is not necessary for kindergarten and below and is NOT part of the Montessori Method. The teachers who have homework are more 'traditional' style education and not Montessori.

In FMS Elementary, the curriculum used for worksheets (homework or in-classroom worksheet work) is 30-40 years old. This doesn't matter for math but it matters a great deal for subjects like geography, social studies, and even science. It's quite frustrating to have your child come home with incorrect maps or similar, particularly when the teachers and administrators talk about 'academic excellence'.

The worksheet curriculum is simply not up to snuff. We find ourselves regularly having additional at-home lessons on these subjects to balance out what is being taught at FMS on the worksheets. This may pose a challenge for some families who do not have the time or dedication to correct the mistakes their children are learning in school.

Posted: August 29, 2018

The number one reason this school is good is because the teachers are willing to listen and explore solutions with parents. The teachers are kind and knowledgeable about Montessori and children.

Posted: August 29, 2018

I think some teachers could do a bit more to inspire compassion. For instance, it's rarely necessary to kill a bug in front of students yet many teachers do things like that.

Posted: August 29, 2018

Some teachers will listen and work with the children but the intervention strategies generally employed are not Montessori based, which is such a shame because the Montessori Method was modeled on working with children with special needs. Montessori has everything to offer for children with learning differences yet FMS does not fully embrace Montessori.

Posted: August 29, 2018

We are generally happy with the school and our child is thriving. Our child reads exceptionally well and loves math and science and art. Our child always tests above grade level and feels nurtured by the teachers.

However, my biggest complaint is simply that the school does too much to cater to parents who plan to leave the school. FMS tries to incorporate too much traditional schooling on the premise that children who change schools need to be prepared for traditional school. They would probably do better if they stuck more to the Montessori traditions and simply offered extra after-school classes to 'prepare' those children who plan to transfer out or who want/need extra work.

My other pet peeve is the claim to 'academic excellence'. FMS does best at individualized learning, respect and order, developing responsibility and autonomy, and small nurturing environments. They do not practice what they preach when it comes to academics. It's simply not there - we are constantly having to correct or supplement lessons our child is learning in any area that is not being tested. FMS does great in the ares where tests are applied but some other areas are greatly lacking.

Posted: June 2, 2018

My kids have been at Foothills Montessori for 5yrs, since Primary (Son age 4 and daughter age 5). I would rate this school the highest I could. We have been beyond blessed and grateful that our children had the opportunity to receive an incredible foundation!

Posted: June 2, 2018

The teachers at Foothills Montessori are so loving and nurturing. Their passion for teaching shows and the communication with parents is top notch!

Posted: June 2, 2018

The communication between the teachers and parents of the student who may need some support is wonderful.

Posted: June 2, 2018

Posted: January 25, 2018

the experience we have had with FMS has been, without exception, AMAZING and I am so glad we selected this school for our daughter.

BTW -- Karen is impressive in running a tight ship and you should meet with her in person to accurately evaluate her and the school she runs.

Posted: October 13, 2017

Other than Karen the leadership is good. The PTO leadership changes every year through vote by the attending parents so that's really up to the community. The teacher leadership and community is good. The only thing is that Karen, the school's principal, is stubborn and less than brilliant. She can be very dismissive, condescending, and frustrating to interact with.

Posted: October 13, 2017

Karen actually told me to my face that children who struggle in traditional schools need not apply to FMS because the school will not serve them :(

Posted: October 13, 2017

So far my experience is that bullying is not tolerated and that the school environment fosters respect, compassion, and helps teach children peace.

Posted: October 13, 2017

The homework is the same for every student at that grade level. It's not at all "Montessori" nor does it reinforce learning in the classroom. For instance, the children who are in Spanish Immersion are expected to do Rosetta Stone but it does not go along with what they're learning in the classroom. Another example, the reading comprehension homework is really just a series of quizzes. It doesn't teach or reinforce, it just tests. Children who do well at it see it as boring and meaningless paperwork. Children who struggle with it don't actually learn from it. The homework is simply not effective.

Posted: October 13, 2017

One of the best things about any true Montessori school is the mixed age classrooms and multiple teachers. This allows students to learn from each other and in various methods. A student might click better with one teach than with another and this way the child is not hindered by interpersonal conflict between them and a teacher they way a child in a traditional setting with only one teacher would be.

Posted: October 13, 2017

The Montessori approach helps develop this. The school regularly does fundraisers and community activities.

Posted: October 13, 2017

Our child has attended for 4 years and is thriving. Overall FMS has been positive though that could change.

Posted: October 12, 2017

Putting our daughter in FMS is one of the greatest things we have ever done for our daughter. This school has taught her social skills, values, understanding, patience and about a hundred other attributes that will mold her life forever. The staff, teachers and school itself are exemplary and the level of care is something we never knew could exist or even look for when we started our search for schools Having our daughter here will undoubtedly change the course of her life and be the jumping off point for greatness. If you have the opportunity for your child to attend this school you will learn within the first few weeks that you gave them the greatest gift you could have ever given them. Thank you to the entire FMS staff for changing our lives forever.

Posted: December 26, 2016

We'd intended to enroll our daughter only through pre-K and the elementary years, but the teachers and staff are so loving and supportive, the community of families so welcoming and open, that she is now in her eight year, and will continue through middle school. I only wish there were a high school attached. Bullying is not tolerated, by staff OR students. My daughter is growing into a happy, confident, self-reliant--and self-motivated--person, and she feels safe taking risks in this supportive environment. I don't know what we'd have done if we hadn't found Foothills. I am grateful every day that I have a safe, peaceful place to send my child to learn.

Posted: December 20, 2016

This is the 3rd elementary school our child has attended (after attending 2 other preschools), due to family relocations. We've only been part of FMS for a semester, and we feel very welcomed and supported. I noticed when we first arrived that many of the very-involved parents are very close; and this may be what others perceive as clique-ish. But I have found that those parents are very open and not exclusive of later-comers like me who also wish to get involved in the school community. The teachers have been very caring as well. I had many questions and concerns during my child's transition to a new school -again!- and the teachers responded quickly each time, with the expressed desire to work together to make our child's experience at FMS a positive one. In the classroom, my child enjoys most the subjects that she find most challenging, because she feels supported and encouraged rather than being pushed and frustrated. Realizing that not all schools will be ideal for all children and all families, I can genuinely say that our experience has been a very positive one all around.

Posted: December 20, 2016

I am also unable to comment on this, as we have not experienced bullying either first- or second-hand to be able to assess how the school deals with it.

Posted: December 20, 2016

I am unable to comment on this. Having been part of the school community for only one semester so far, I am not knowledgeable in how FMS supports students with LDs.

Posted: December 20, 2016

The teachers in our child's class work as a team, each having their own strengths and areas of interest.

Posted: December 20, 2016

Our child gets a packet of homework each Friday, and has one week to complete it. This gives our child a chance to work at their pace during the week. The amount of work assigned is very reasonable. Our child is able to complete the entire week's work in less than 2 hours of work split up throughout the week.

Posted: November 16, 2016

Foothills Montessori is an oasis in the desert. The staff and the teachers know and care for each and every kid. This is the 7th year for our family and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school. Each child is treated as an individual and valued as such which helps in developing their self-confidence. The children excel and are happy. A winning combination. I am glad we found Foothills 7 years ago.

Posted: September 8, 2016

FMS teachers challenge the students to learn and push themselves in a loving supportive environment. The staff is beyond dedicated and attentive to every student. Our son has been at FMS for almost 7 years, and is about to graduate. We will be forever grateful for the great experience we have had at FMS.

Posted: August 11, 2016

This school and PTO foster a clique-y environment that breeds a culture of exclusion. Children are made to feel like they are either IN or "everyone else" and the unfairness of life that the IN kids definitely have an easier time of it.

Posted: August 11, 2016

I thought we were alone in our experience at FMS until I read the March 4 review below. Free spirits need not apply. Day dreaming and curiosity are surfaced as "concerns for the safety of the child"... But they will continue to take your money, until they get a better offer, at which time, they will passive aggressively question whether FMS is a good fit for your child.

Posted: May 23, 2016

We can't say enough wonderful things about foothills Montessori. Th small class sizes are wonderful. Their staff is adequately trained and really love and care about the well being and progression of the students.

Posted: April 21, 2016

Our children have now attended 3 Montessori schools and 2 traditional schools due to multiple moves across the country. FMS had the most balanced homework system. It was enough for the parents to be aware of what the children were working on and for the children to feel a sense of responsibility, but it wasn't so much that the children couldn't be children.

Posted: April 21, 2016

Our daughters attended FMS for two years and we loved it. We saw such extraordinary growth in both of them in ways we had never expected. Our older daughter has Sensory Processing Disorder & Anxiety, while our younger daughter is high performing. The teachers and staff were able to meet the needs of each of our children; they often went above and beyond to ensure their success.

We have now moved multiple times and our children have attended two Montessori schools since our time at FMS. To this day FMS offered the best school experience for our children and for us as a family. From the teachers to the administration I look back at our time there and wish that more schools operated at the level they do.

As a family who has had to move a lot, I would like to point out that no other school we've attended has come close to being able to provide the sense of community that FMS has created. The staff and families are invested in seeing the school continue to develop and achieve success. They care about the well being of each of their students.

For the children who do well in Montessori, you will see them thrive in every aspect. It goes well beyond academics. These children develop a love of learning, independence, a sense of responsibility and kindness through the mixed age environment that allows them the ability to mentor each other. These children also tend to maintain a level of innocence that is rare to find in children today ... especially at the Junior High level.

Posted: March 4, 2016

We regret not leaving this school sooner now that we have discovered what a positive experience school can be. Foothills was not IT. If your child is average in every aspect he or she will fit it. It is ironic that this school calls itself a montessori school because the school does not embrace individuality or being "different". The parents form cliques. The teachers form cliques. Then guess what, the children learn that behavior without even trying. The director, who isn't even an educator by trade, makes very hands-on decisions concerning teaching and discipline. She also goes on personal vendettas, is rude and on a power trip. The emotional climate is not good in this school. That is so much more important to your child's development than a flashy campus. It's easy to be blinded by the nice spot and area of this school.

Posted: February 20, 2016

We admire the dedication of the teachers which is very evident. The curriculum is taught with consideration of all learning styles. There is a lot of hands-on activities for kids to do while learning new concepts. Students are engaged, respected, and challenged to their potential. We love this school!

Posted: February 20, 2016

Posted: November 6, 2015

Foothills Montessori School isn't just any ordinary school, it has become an extension of our family. My daughter is currently in her second year (Pre K). I was positive that I wouldn't be putting my child in public school, but was concerned about her going five days a week at such a young age. We opted for a half day schedule to start, and it fit our needs perfectly. My 3 year old daughter was coming home talking about continents, vertebrates vs. invertebrates, and had mastered the days of the week and months of the year. I could immediately see so much growth in my child. She gained independence and began taking responsibility for her actions. I would catch her cleaning up after herself without being prompted, and acting more mature socially. Other non FMS kids her age weren't doing these things, and she was only spending 3 hours a day there!

This year is right on course, and I have seen even more development. My 4 year old is sounding out words and beginning to read! Ms. Maryam is by far the kindest most nurturing teacher that I have ever met. The children love her, and the parents love her even more! Your child will love getting up everyday to go to school. The tuition is a small price to pay, because this school is worth its weight in gold!

Posted: October 19, 2015

Foothills Montessori has exceeded my expectations in very way for four years and counting. Before I chose FMS for my daughter, I toured the school three times, not believing what I was seeing. The teachers are consistently professional, concerned, and kind. The learners are attentive and busy. . . with smiles and enthusiasm. FMS is a happy place that encourages learning.

This level of excellence has been present in all of my experiences-- for four years straight! The value for the tuition is extraordinary, and my daughter is not only performing academically far ahead of her, non-FMS peers, but also has grown socially and emotionally into a self-sufficient, confident child. FMS teaches compassion, critical thinking, independence and kindness, not just in theory, but in practice. I truly believe that there is no better place to find a well rounded education.

Posted: October 19, 2015

Posted: July 24, 2015

The one on one attention the teachers show the kids, they stop and listen and help.

Posted: July 24, 2015

Posted: April 14, 2015

This is a great school! As a former teacher of ten years, I researched and visited many schools in the Henderson/Las Vegas area before choosing Foothills Montessori for my boys. This school is nothing short of amazing. The campus itself is clean and secure, yet still warm and inviting. The teachers and staff are highly trained, love teaching and most have been working here since the school opened. The administration is friendly and inviting, organized and very on top of everything going on in their school. If you aren't familiar with Montessori methods, do your research and then take a tour and observe. I went back twice to make sure we were making the right choice for our boys and am so glad we enrolled them. They are challenged in their studies, have wonderful classes and classmates and love going to school. As a bonus, the after school programs have made my life so much easier! Karate, soccer, art, theater, piano... it all comes to the school and I just have to pick them up an hour later. Love this place!!

Posted: May 13, 2012

This is my 3rd year at this school, my son is moving to 1st grade this year and I couldn't be happier. The first year I was a little concerned on the method, every time i picked him up from school, he was just walking around the classroom, that was making me crazy!!!! I used to ask the teachers and they would say: "thats a way of learning, watching the older kids do their work", I patiently waited, now my son just turned 6 and he knows sooooo much it's amazing, reading, writing, adding, substracting, solar system, dinosaurs, human body parts, world maps, etc, in english and spanish!!! I'm veryhappy with this school!!!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Sunrise Manor	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Las Vegas	NV	11.6 mi
2	Aliante	Neighborhood/Subdivision	North Las Vegas	NV	20.7 mi
3	Palms at Silverstone Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Las Vegas	NV	23.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Hollywood Rec Center	Sunrise Manor	NV		9.7 mi
2	Jones & Lake Mead	Las Vegas	NV		16 mi

Foothills Montessori School

Henderson, NV 89012

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Henderson, NV 89012

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