Testimonials (Chronological order )
After the first few months of receiving a taste for learning, my kids craved a deeper hunger for all of those key elements. School breaks such as Fall, Winter and Spring were difficult for my kids. They asked everyday to return to The International Montessori School. They enjoyed learning so much, my children willing sat down and wrote notes to their teachers regarding how much they missed them over break. Now two years later, they continue to have a thirst for learning, as well as a disgruntled attitude when it comes to school breaks.
As many of us know, one of the best gifts we can give our children is an early love of learning. However, what separates this school from others is that, the International Montessori School builds on this concept even further, by giving our children a passion to strive not only for their parents but for themselves, and that type of confidence is golden.
Beyond the typical forms of academic education, IMS provided a wealth of life education. My son found confidence through having so many "presentations" to give in front of classmates. He announced he wanted to plant an herb garden at home because he did so first at IMS. And what I loved the most is that he was exposed to varying world cultures through this program. For a child at this age to know about lifestyles and traditions in several different countries is not a normal thing, but it is par for the course at IMS.
IMS provided an amazing three years of educational, emotional, and social growth for my son. The warm and nurturing teaching staff provided him a home away from home. And most importantly, he had FUN while being there as he was truly happy and engaged while learning. I cannot recommend IMS highly enough!
The academics are second to none in all areas - reading, writing, math, science, geography, arts, critical and creating thinking, etc. The school is so nurturing and loving toward the children, and the families and staff that attend here are very close knit. These people have become our family.
The school also promotes peace, tolerance, appreciation and respect for all cultures and religions. Our girls have learned so much about all the different continents, countries, cultures and landscapes around the world. The school also promotes the arts.
The preschool and KG programs are amazing, and our kids have developed a love and curiosity for learning. I can't think of a better place to send my kids!
READING: the reading program has built a passion for reading in my son. He has went from scared and nervous when reading to a child who loves reading and will not put down a book!
WRITING: writing skills are developed over the three years. They have taught my son how to write letters and numbers all the way to expressing thoughts into paper in the form of paragraphs (and he is only in his second month of his Kindergarten year). His ability to write confidently comes from having been at the school for 2.5 years. I know that in this final year at IMS he will learn sentence structure and composition well beyond the 1 grade level.
MATH: my son understands the logic behind math. Math-centric learning tools (like Kumon) teach math as something you know by memory. IMS takes it a steep deeper by teaching the logic of behind mathematics. Because of this, he has become a deep thinker and problem solver.
SCIENCE: the school does a great job of educational diversity. They learn about nature, space, the humans body, and world cultures/traditions.
We love this school so much that my second child has also started at the school and we have enrolled my third child on the wait list for Fall 2017.
We love this school. What we found:
- the teachers are calm, patient, intelligent, worldly
- the teachers pay attention to each child's individual skills, talents and opportunities for improvement
- the school itself has loads of natural light coming in
- the owner has many years experience and it shows
- kids are able to attend from 3 to kindergarten
- traditions are taught about cultures all around the world (hence the "International" in the name)
- summer care is available
- the Montessori concepts are still taught during the summer.
Our kids have thrived at this school. If you have a child in the 3-6 age group and are looking for care - check out the International Montessori School.
My husband and I have two children and both went to IMS. Sending them to IMS was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Both of them spent four years there. They got a strong learning foundation and good critical thinking skills during those years. They now love to learn. They are full of intellectual curiosity.
I was wondering why IMS children including mine were so focused on their work. I can tell some of the reasons now after spending eight years with IMS. The teachers and staff have great love for their students. They are highly trained and still training themselves. They try so hard to make the best environment for the children to focus. For example, they talk in gentle voice so that children feel secure. They make their rooms neat and simple without any vivid colored posters or toys that could get the children visually distracted. All you can see are simple furniture, real materials, flowers and beautiful art pieces. There is no unnecessary visual and auditory noise around them. That is how children can shift their mind to learning as soon as they enter the classroom. It’s almost like IMS children are experiencing mindfulness naturally
I have to mention one more thing. My younger one graduated from IMS in May 2020 during the pandemic. He really enjoyed the zoom class even though he missed his teachers and friends. He graduated without going back to school. It was sad for us. However, we had “zoom graduation” instead. One child a day had a special opportunity to sing a favorite song, to read their favorite poem and their journal they had written while in school. We were so proud to see them performing in a gown or nice clothes. It was a beautiful moment for all the children and parents. I really appreciate the teachers and staff’s quick action for the pandemic.
Needless to say, I highly recommend IMS.
-Parent: Fumika Nonaka
IMS is simply the best early childhood education in Indianapolis. My son attended IMS for the past 3 years, and we were so pleased that we enrolled our second son. Ms. Ranae is the owner - she is the heart of the school, has years of experience and has carefully selected teachers that value the same principles that she seeks to teach the kids. The school is not only academically sound, but is focused on developing the students into kind, thoughtful, cultured, and well mannered children.
The academics are topnotch. From reading and writing, math and science, arts and cultural diversity - my child received a balanced education. The teachers tailored my son's education based on his ability and his readiness to move forward. His reading and writing skills progressed quickly because of the personalized attention he received. The students are taught logic behind math, which has made my son a better problem solver. The depth of knowledge that is taught in the world of science, art, music, and geography is astounding. Not only is my son eager to share the work he has done that day, but he is excited to go back to school to learn more.
IMS has provided a nurturing environment that has facilitated a love and curiosity of learning in my son. We are grateful for the strong foundation IMS has provided for my kids and would highly recommend the school!
-Parent: Manisha Agarwala – 2021
My husband and I have been more than pleased with our experience at IMS. We moved our two daughters to IMS in August of 2020 and they have had a wonderful school year. We love their approach to education and adapted beautifully to the pandemic. The staff at IMS are thoughtful, caring and wonderful educators.
-Parent: Betsy Weatherly - 2021
My child has attended IMS since 2018 when we moved from Washington. This school was highly recommended by our colleague and no doubt this is one of the best schools in the Indianapolis/Carmel area. The teachers that worked with my child are so patient and provided such great support in hands-on learning and in turn the kids developed this passion and excitement to learn not just academically but also the social and emotional learning aspects of it. We are also grateful and appreciate Ms.Ranee’s attentiveness and are always available to talk to whenever we come across hurdles. I am definitely looking forward to having our child continue first grade at IMS.
- Parent: Kelly Ooi - 2021
Proud to say, "I sent both of my children to this excellent school!" Children, are unfortunately sometimes labeled as 'too young to remember all "these things."' International Montessori proves this concept wrong. Not only do my children remember Montessori School, but now, at age 9 and 10, they tell me, they learned multiplication in Kindergarten and don't understand why their friends are learning it for the first time in 2nd and 3rd grade. Early start, means early impact in life. Thank you International Montessori School for giving them the drive to achieve, at such a young age.
- Parent: Lemita Steele - 2021
I knew immediately upon meeting Ms. Ranee and the staff that the International Montessori School was a warm, welcoming, excellent learning environment for my children. We were new to the area back in 2006 and I looked at multiple schools; however, IMS provided the specialized learning environment and love and caring for the children that I was looking for. Not only did my children receive an amazing pre-school and Kindergarten education at IMS, but I also felt completely supported as a parent dealing with the struggles of raising young children. IMS provided an environment for my children to excel academically and learn in ways that were unique to each child by Ms. Ranee and the IMS staff. It also provided a diverse cultural environment and life long friends for not only my children but my husband and I as well.
Our oldest was accepted as a direct admit into the Krannert School of Management and the Larsen Leaders Academy at Purdue University. He is a now a junior and a member of the Rising Professionals group and the President of the Purdue Cooperative Council this year. Our middle daughter was accepted into the prestigious College of Agriculture for the Animal Sciences program at Purdue University and is a freshman this year. The youngest is now a sophomore in high school and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
I strongly believe that the academics and life skills our children learned in their formative years at the International Montessori School gave them the edge to be successful young adults. Sending our children to IMS was one of the best decisions we made for our children’s futures.
- Kathy & Kurt Madvig - 2022
This review may not do full justice to IMS. This was one of the best schools our kids have attended. All positive. IMS has the most structured, student centered curriculum. While the kids move forward at their own pace under montessori setting, IMS teachers support kids tirelessly to bring out full potential from them. They foster love for reading, math, science and culture. Ms. Eram and Ms. Ranee as well as all the assistant teachers take great amount of interest in each kid while promoting independence and focus in kids. You will be surprised how much work kids do and how happy and proud they are when they come home everyday. We miss IMS teachers!!
- Jigar and Kajal Bhagatwala - 2022
Words cannot express how much IMS means to our family. We have three young children, all of whom attended IMS. Each one of them has flourished in their own unique way. The environment and culture at IMS bring out the best in young minds. The children are seen, heard, and nurtured in ways that allow them to grow, explore, and challenge themselves. The curriculum is so well-organized, thoughtfully constructed, and incredibly well-rounded. Children not only develop the basic fundamentals of reading, writing, and math but they also develop a deep appreciation for the arts, culture, co-existence, and creative thinking. We learned so much about parenthood through our experience at IMS and so much about our own children. I am confident that many of the life skills that our children acquired while at IMS will stay with them throughout their lives. The staff and teachers are incredible. It is clear that early childhood education is their passion. As families, we realize we are responsible for raising our children to be curious, to be strong, to be kind, and to have a positive impact on the world around them. But it is a collective effort and part of our responsibility lies in seeking the right "collective." We were fortunate to find the IMS program, Ms. Ranee, and all the wonderful teachers and staff who helped fill this need for us and welcomed us as part of their family. Most importantly, our children were happy. We are so grateful for all our wonderful years at IMS.
- Nirav Patel and Andrea Shin - 2023
We have had an excellent experience at IMS and are very glad we made the decision to enroll here. Mrs. Ranee and the staff are kind, caring, attentive and prioritize the children's learning and development free from distraction. We enrolled our first child here as a three year old and plan to keep her here through Kindergarten at least. We have already enrolled our second child as well, as soon as she is old enough to attend. Many schools label themselves as Montessori schools, but this school actually truly implements the principles and practices of a Montessori program because the headmistress was trained directly by a direct student of Maria Montessori. One can walk into the classroom at any time and see the evidence of a true Montessori program from the students. They are working and learning at their own pace independently with the guidance and support of the teachers. Everything in the classroom is child friendly and is a learning tool for the children to practice and learn from. My own child has made excellent academic progress in reading and math concepts, as well as learning science, geography/topography, language and culture. As a four year old she is reading simple books, writing words and basic sentences, writing her numbers through 150, and brings home maps that she has drawn, counts in Arabic and in Spanish, sings songs in Italian and Hindi, and asks me questions about bones that I have to google the answers for. Mrs. Ranee really cares that the children make progress. She always lets me know how I can help my child at home, and met with me individually to teach me how to help teach my child to read in the Montessori way at home.
Mrs. Ranee continuously has different guests from different backgrounds (academic, career, culture, language) and speak to the children or do demonstrations. We highly value the technology-free learning environment supported by the excellent manners and behavior the school has fostered. We also very much appreciate the community of diverse international parents who speak many different languages, are highly educated, and are highly invested in a bright future for their children. Additionally, several staff have been there for several years and there is a low-turnover rate of staff overall, so our children are benefitting from experienced and content staff. To say we are content with the school and all it has to offer our children is an understatement, and we intend to stay here for as long as possible.
- Farhan Hasan and Amreen Vora - 2023
It has been over ten years since my children attended International Montessori School and yet, they still wish they attended the school today. This school's learning environment, structure and caring faculty truly make a lasting impression on the parents and an enduring impact on all children.
- Lemita Steel - 2023
I can't say enough about the teachers and staff at IMSI! Our son transferred to IMSI from another Montessori program 2 years ago. The difference is night and day! Had we known how great this school was, we would have started him there from the very beginning! They encourage his learning. Challenge him. IMSI cultivates his creativity and his desire to jump knee-deep into new cultures, languages, and experiences. Each day he's so excited to share something new he's learned, and though I hate to admit it, sometimes I'm learning things I never knew from him! Ms. Ranee, IMSI Founder, and Director, is in the classroom every day - not the building (or her office) - the classroom! That is so rare with most facilities anymore; this allows her to set and model the highest expectations for our son. She and the other teachers work with him to surpass those expectations time and time again. We love it! If you are looking for a place that does more than just babysit and far more than your average, "low-bar education" give IMSI a call and schedule a shadow visit! You will be given a peek into this fantastic, multi-cultural, learning environment that is able to mold your little one for the best future possible! It happened with our son, and soon our little girl will begin her journey there too! We are proud to be a part of the International Montessori School of Indiana family! We wouldn't have it any other way!
- Pastor Vince R. - 2023
Many of our neighbors and close friends had kids that went to IMS and raved about their experiences there. We too had the most wonderful experience at IMS. Our child grew immensely, learned more than we could have ever imagined, and gained confidence beyond measure. The class sizes are perfect. The teachers pay close attention and show they truly care for their students success. They are in constant contact with parents with their children's progress.
- Shashank and Ronika Davé - 2023
I new walking in and meeting Ms Ranee this school was special. They respect each child's unique needs and interests, guiding them on their individual educational journeys. It's was incredible to witness the transformation in my child's confidence, self-discipline, and enthusiasm for learning. The personalized attention and care provided by the teachers are beyond compare. The impact it has had on our family is immeasurable, and we are forever grateful to the dedicated staff and teachers who make this place truly special.
- Kate Thoe - 2023
We have attended the International Montessori School for the past 11 years with our four children and this school has been the best parenting advice we ever received! It is a Montessori school in the truest sense and students are treated as individuals and nurtured to progress and express themselves in a multi-age and multicultural environment. Ms Ranee Dhadialla is a master of her craft and her passion for the children of this school is unparalleled.
International Montessori School provides a strong academic program of reading, math, science and world languages in a multicultural environment. A variety of cultures are celebrated, and the children are immersed through programs and celebrations throughout the year. Our family favorites are Diwali, Chinese New Year and the Japanese tea ceremony.
Our children have transitioned well into high ability programs in the Zionsville school system and have attributed their qualities of self-motivation, independent thinking, and desire for excellence directly back to their Montessori days. We are so grateful to have found this environment for our children!
- Kim and Chris Anderson - 2023
We have had an excellent experience at IMS and are very glad we made the decision to enroll here. Mrs. Ranee and the staff are kind, caring, attentive and prioritize the children's learning and development free from distraction. We enrolled our first child here as a three year old and plan to keep her here through Kindergarten at least. We have already enrolled our second child as well as soon as she is old enough to attend. Many schools label themselves as Montessori schools, but this school actually truly implements the principles and practices of a Montessori program because the headmistress was trained directly by a direct student of Maria Montessori. One can walk into the classroom at any time and see the evidence of a true Montessori program from the students. They are working and learning at their own pace independently with the guidance and support of the teachers. Everything in the classroom is child friendly and is a learning tool for the children to practice and learn from. My own child has made excellent academic progress in reading and math concepts, as well as learning science, geography/topography, language and culture. As a four year old she is reading simple books, writing words and basic sentences, writing her numbers through 150, and brings home maps that she has drawn, counts in Arabic and in Spanish, sings songs in Italian and Hindi, and asks me questions about bones that I have to google the answers for. Mrs. Ranee really cares that the children make progress. She always lets me know how I can help my child at home, and met with me individually to teach me how to help teach my child to read in the Montessori way at home. Mrs. Ranee continuously has different guests from different backgrounds (academic, career, culture, language) and speak to the children or do demonstrations. We highly value the technology-free learning environment supported by the excellent manners and behavior the school has fostered. We also very much appreciate the community of diverse international parents who speak many different languages, are highly educated, and are highly invested in a bright future for their children. Additionally, several staff have been there for several years and there is a low-turnover rate of staff overall, so our children are benefitting from experienced and content staff. To say we are content with the school and all it has to offer our children is an understatement, and we intend to stay here for as long as possible.
- Amreeen V - 2023
My daughter attended IMS for about 3 years from the age of 3. The wonderful thing about IMS is that it not only develops academic skills according to the Montessori philosophy. It helps children to understand the principles of things and to love the act itself. My daughter loves writing and reading. Teachers have been able to control her interest and motivation and she is now able to read Grade 2 target books with ease. And not only that, she understands the fun and importance of reading. Now, she wants to use what she learned in school in her daily life. If you are looking for an environment where curiosity and fun, rather than training, will boost your children’s skills, I highly recommend IMS!!
- Keisuke, Suzuka Tanabe, 2024