SAGEBRUSH MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL

Here is why we love it:
1.) Our kids love it.  They are excited about going and, during weekends and breaks, frequently ask when they get to go back to school.  One of my children had a little trouble transitioning away from Mom, but her teachers worked very gently with her and lovingly supported her acclamation to school.
2.) Classic Montessori Education: The word "Montessori" can be used by any person or business, as it is a term in the public domain.  Unlike some of the other Montessori schools in the area, Sagebrush teachers are certified to teach Montessori and have many years of experience.  The benefits of genuine Montessori education are numerous.  Some I have noticed include: students are able to progress in their areas of interest at a rapid rate (there is no waiting for the class to catch up).  Materials are high-quality, high-interest, and hands-on.  Kids are able to work independently or in groups.  The Montessori method supports active learners and responsible kids.
3.) Daycare is an option, not a requirement.  Sagebrush offers extended day programs for children in both mornings and afternoons.  The daycare can be utilized regularly, occasionally/as-needed, or not at all.  Children in the first two years of the program (ages 3 & 4 usually) will have class on Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Full-day kindergartners
(students in the 3rd year of the program) meet on Monday-Friday from 9:00-3:00.  Daycare is available (for a reasonable fee) before and after class times.  Daycare has its own room and teacher, which I would imagine works out very well, though we have only used the daycare a few times. 
4.) Smart, kind teachers and assistants:  Each room has one teacher and one assistant.  The daycare has an additional teacher who also helps with greeting families in the morning, and cares for the extended day students in mornings (before 9 am) and in the afternoons.  All of the women at Sagebrush are very experienced, clearly are passionate about the work they do with children, and have highly developed for being with young children.  Teachers engage in continuing education to stay current, develop professional relationships with other Montessorians, and ensure they are utilizing best practices with children.
5.) Diverse student body: Students have a very wide range of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and families-of-origin.  This is one of the most beautiful aspects of Sagebrush.  Sometimes people have asked me if the school is "religious."  Yes and no...  No, the school is not affiliated with a specific church.  However, YES, the students are taught and given Love, Respect, Honor, Integrity, Charity, and Responsibility...  all very traditional values.  There is a "Christmas Program" in December where the children sing classic Christmas songs.  Other celebrations are honored, too, like children's birthdays (each child gets a special ceremony near their birthday - or as close as possible for summer birthdays).  Holidays from other places in the world are given attention as well.  But...back to my original point...the diversity in families who attend Sagebrush is absolutely phenomenal and is very important to our own family.  I am so glad my kids have met such amazing friends.
One criticism I have heard about Sagebrush is that the school is difficult to contact (trying to get information on waiting lists etc.).  The school does not have anyone to answer the phones during times when the children are in class.  (Current families do have ways of connecting immediately with the teacher for their own student, however.)  The teachers at Sagebrush love teaching and feel the best use of their time is to work with the students and people in front of them.  So, yes, it might be a challenge to connect with the school, but the reason is very understandable.  If you are hoping to contact the school, the best time would be between 3:15-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.  Usually, potential Sagebrush families visit the school around November/December for the wait list beginning in Spring for the school year beginning the following Fall.  Call around October to schedule your visit. The visit was so valuable for us (we really got to see why this very special place and the amazing teachers here would be just right for our family.)