Parent Reviews
Maria Rivera
Primary Teacher
Parent
Los Angeles
March 12, 2025
Meher Montessori is an absolutely excellent school. We have been sending both our children there (now 3 and 5 years old) since they were a little over 2 years old. We love that their teacher takes our kids seriously. She sees and understands our children as people, not as simply as adorable beings to "ooo" and "awww" at. Meher has a vision for our kids of independence and interdependence, of kindness and responsibility, of listening and practice. Thanks to Meher we have watched our kids evolve into highly capable with life skills (dressing themselves, making food, etc), academically advanced (we were shocked at how early my daughter could recite and point out continents and do basic addition), and socialized (taking turns, sharing, being gentle, etc.). My five year-old wanted to turn five so badly just so she could get her special five year old lesson. In other, words it was the prospect of learning more in her class (not mermaid dolls) that she was most excited about in turning 5. This love of learning is cultivated in all children attending Meher.
When we first toured, our main concern was whether it would be "fun" for the kids, as we watched each child so quietly absorbed in a task like stringing beads, or pouring water. But as we looked closer and have observed our own children over time in this environment we realized that there is a deeper joy and self confidence they are gaining, as opposed to a chaotic over-stimulation that we'd seen in some other settings. We believe in the Montessori way (and this is a school that takes pedagogy seriously), but we are not purists. We can see multiple routes to the same end being taken, and yet what is happening at Meher is truly special.
Meher Montessori is what it is because of its incredibly dedicated, loving, and expert staff including Ms Wildhaber (truly the best preschool teacher Los Angeles has to offer), Ms McCray, and Ms. Van Ness. Ms Wildhaber is passionate and constantly learning herself - attending weeks long teachers training and certification courses during school breaks. We believe in Meher and all it has to offer children and families.
Kristin Kintanar
Lower Elementary Teacher
Parent
Sierra Madre
March 6, 2025
If you're reading this, you are probably in the middle of the crucial quest to find what is Best For Your Child. Play-based? Study-based? Experiential? We visited SO MANY schools and talked to SO MANY teachers. Lots of nice schools, lots of nice teachers. But Meher was the only one where we came away from our visits and meetings feeling like they had a real, concrete plan, and an understanding of children's behaviors, wants, and needs from the educational process.
There are a lot of "Montessori" schools but not a lot of real Montessori schools. Meher is, as they say, a real one. We've never come across an educator like Mrs. Wildhaber - such a unique, insightful, caring, special teacher that when the Altadena school was lost to the Eaton fire, most of the parents from our kid's class decided to spend an extra couple hours of their day driving their kids to Mrs. Wildhaber's new classroom in Monterey Park rather than switch schools.
Our kid has come into her own socially, linguistically, artistically, and in other ways in just a year at Meher (and we intend to keep her there). We're proud of her and we're indebted to Mrs. Wildhaber, Ms. McCray, Ms. Van Ness, and all the other caring and capable teachers and staff. Thank you, Meher.
Monica Lopez
Primary Teacher
Parent
Los Angeles
September 10, 2021
We absolutely love this school. Our son has been attending for about 6 months now and he loves it. Sometimes he asks me why I picked him up so early even though I pick him up when school is almost over.
Our teacher is Ms. Tinajero and she is such an attentive and caring teacher. We are so grateful for the teachers and staff at Meher!
Len Mindes
Upper Elementary Teacher
Parent
Los Angeles
September 13, 2018
I was referred to Meher Montessori by a good friend who attended the school as a child, and whose children attended there as well. In fact, Ms. McCray taught her more than 20 years ago!! This shows the dedication and stability of the staff at Meher. Ms. Wildhaber, Ms. McCray, and Ms. Tinajero are all amazing! They are patient, caring, consistent, and thorough. I trust that my son is in good hands at Meher.
As far as curriculum goes, I am amazed at what my 4 year old has learned in the last 2 years at Meher. He can name and locate the countries of North and South America on a map, write all his numbers from 1 to 50, as well as learning respect, responsibility, kindness, and much, much more! He is even learning to write in cursive!
We are truly blessed to have this gem of a school available in our community! We love Meher Montessori in Altadena!