STEAMspark Montessori Experience

I would like to start this review with a disclaimer: my son is not enrolled at this facility, and my feedback is based solely on our experience during the application process. The facility itself is clean, well-organized, and appealing to both children and parents. The staff we interacted with were kind and appeared to be highly professional and well-prepared. However, I’m writing this review to address the application process, which I found to be somewhat intimidating. The concept of the “trial day” was particularly daunting, and the experience unfortunately reinforced that perception. Based on our understanding, the trial day involves leaving your child to observe whether they can perform age-appropriate tasks. For us, this was a challenging aspect, especially since language could be a barrier. In our home, Spanish is the primary language, and while I believe my son will learn English easily with more exposure, assessing his abilities in a single day felt unrealistic. A young child who has never been around strangers may struggle to adapt immediately, making such evaluations complex and, in my opinion, unfairly brief. There’s also the financial aspect to consider. While I appreciated the transparency about the trial being non-refundable and the lack of guarantees, I was disappointed by the outcome. We received a copy-pasted response regarding the admission decision with no detailed feedback on areas for improvement or specific observations made during the trial. Such feedback would have been invaluable to help us understand how we could support our son’s development or better prepare for future opportunities elsewhere. I fully understand that not every family is a perfect fit for every facility, but I expected more constructive constructive communication.

My daughter used to go to Steamspark and we moved out of state. My family still live in this state and my daughter was supposed to visit my family over the summer which i paid 3 months ahead her summer camp and 2-3 weeks before she was going to start I called and cancel her camp because of a family emergency and spoke with Mr. Wells which i was told he was ""going to help for sure"" and at the end got a message from admin that my money was not refundable because i didnt cancel 1 month ahead. All i hear is money and everything was collect from a 3rd party and they dont want to refound my money. All I ask is for my money back.

This review (it will be a lengthy one) comes from a family who started and has grown with STEAMspark Montessori in Farmers Branch, TX. We signed our son up just after he turned 1yo as basically a good way to give him some interaction with other kiddos (as he's an only child), and honestly to give my husband and I a few days (3 per week to be exact) to ourselves and to get things done that are a bit easier without chasing a 1yo around. We were apprehensive and felt a little guilt as we both have careers that allow at least one of us to be with him every day. We felt we were stripping ourselves of time we could be spending with him - time that passes so quickly. What we actually gained, however, was a family. We aren't the MOST involved with every activity but when we can contribute we do, and we always make sure at least one of us is there when he has things we can attend.The staff also do everything they can to include all families if work schedules make it tough. The STEAMspark Montessori model has helped him grow SO much; mentally, physically, and emotionally. The staff (from directors to Chef Faby) have all shown support that we never could have imagined. The school became more than a daycare (we didn't know much about Montessori when we started); it became a support system for us as well as our son. We have gone through multiple growing stages with them; from smiling and waving bye to us, to screaming and crying (us and him lol) and clinging to our legs while staff gently lead him to the classroom and also called us (to make sure WE weren't crying still) and posted pictures later in the morning to let us know he was happy and laughing as soon as in the classroom. Any time we were unsure of how to navigate a new stage in his learning and even in our parenting, Dr. Wells, Mr. Wells, and Ms. Medina (as well as all of our son's teachers and aide's) have been constants in helping us figure out how to help and how to grow. I also see the connections he makes with his teachers. While I know some choose different paths and leave the school, there have also been his constants. This morning we had a moment that truly led me to leave this review. Our son was having a tough morning leaving me so Ms. Medina took some other kids to their class and allowed us some time to talk. One of our son's teachers who's been there since the beginning pretty much, came out immediately, squatted down, and calmly engaged Carson in conversation about why he was feeling so sad. My heart swelled watching him leave the safety of mama to go into his teacher's arms for a hug and reassurance. Mr. Justin gave him space to express how and why he was feeling and reminded him of the positives of the day; so through tears he laughed his way through the doors and felt ok enough to go on with his day. It's moments like this that help me to never question the path or place we chose for him. At one point we viewed another childcare location simply for costs but realized there wasn't a huge difference in that between places, but there was an EXPONENTIAL difference in quality and how safe and valued I felt our son would be. STEAMspark Montessori in Farmers Branch is our home and if that's the type of place you're looking for, I suggest you simply go for a tour; no pressures, no expectations. Just understand you'll be getting much more than "just childcare" out of it. Thank you to all of the team at STEAMspark.

We are absolutely thrilled with the experience that our two children have had at STEAMspark. Our son started his journey in the Toddler class and has now progressed to the Primary level. Our daughter flourished in the Primary class before transitioning to Elementary School. The academics at STEAMspark is truly unparalleled. Our daughter's time there propelled her into writing cursive, reading chapter books with ease, and grasping mathematical concepts like multiplication and division before starting kindergarten. But, what truly sets STEAMspark apart is its exceptional array of extracurricular activities, from sports, to dance, to culinary classes. The diversity in both the staff and students enriches the learning environment, where cultural awareness and inclusion is taught in an age-appropriate way. The genuine care the administrative and teaching staff shows for every child is heartwarming. Their efforts make each day feel special, be it holidays, birthdays, or all days in between. We always feel connected to our children’s progress, through the weekly newsletters and notes and pictures shared in the school apps. In summary, our experience at STEAMspark has been nothing short of exceptional. The institution's commitment to holistic development, academic excellence, and a nurturing atmosphere have left an indelible mark on our children's early years. We are truly grateful for the STEAMspark community and the pivotal role they've played in preparing our children for their bright futures!

Dr. and Mr. Wells are the heart of this school. They know each and every one of the children here and truly care about them. My daughter has been going here since she was two and is now in the kindergarten level class doing pre-k and kindergarten level curriculum. The school is great and the teachers care about each of the students. I highly recommend this school.

My 2 kids (5, 2) went to STEAMspark Montessori for combined ~2.5 years. We absolutely loved the school and can vouch for the wonderful place that Dr. Wells and Mr. Wells have dedicatedly created. Both of my kids love going to STEAMspark. Based on our ~2.5 years of experience with STEAMspark, here are the reasons why we loved the school: 1/ We started our older kid in 2021, when Covid was still a threat. We were very comforted by the Covid protocols (masking, temp checks etc.) that the school implemented and strictly adhered to. My child never got Covid despite spending 30+ hours every week at STEAMspark, high standard of cleanliness and hygiene was maintained on the school premises at all times, 2/ Strong security protocols in place starting with double-door entrances makes us feel very secure for our kids, 3/ The wonderful school staff always organize amazing events for the kids and their parents (e.g., Sparkpalooza). The events were very engaging for the kids, we really loved attending these and meeting other kids' parents, 4/ Very good teachers and support staff. My kids loved all their teachers, especially Ms. Yupar, who was very instrumental in her learning, 5/ They recently built a new splashpad at the school and it has been a hit with the kids, 6/ Fresh meals prepared for the kids daily by their in-house chef. My kids loved the lunches that were served. This also saved us time as parents since we did not have to worry about deciding & preparing lunch for the kids, 7/ Prompt communication via Brightwheel app through which they send regular updates, announcements and pictures of our kids participating in various activities / work-cycles. Overall, an amazing Montessori school that is far ahead than all other schools in the neighborhood. Highly recommended!

From the moment we walked through the doors, it was evident that this is a place where excellence in education meets a nurturing environment. The staff and teachers are not just professionals, but caring individuals who are truly dedicated to each child's growth and development. Their commitment to fostering a love for learning is evident! The Montessori philosophy shines through in every corner of the STEAMspark classroom, allowing children to develop independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning. The materials and activities are thoughtfully curated, creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience. I love the diverse community we have the opportunity to be a part of! The open communication channels, regular updates, and involvement opportunities create a strong bond among families, teachers, and staff. It's heartwarming to see the sense of belonging that children and parents alike feel within this community. STEAMspark is a gem that truly understands and nurtures the potential within our girls. The outstanding staff, dedicated teachers, innovative education methods, and strong sense of community make it an exceptional place for any child to thrive. I couldn't be happier with our choice, and I wholeheartedly recommend this school to anyone seeking a remarkable educational experience for their child.

We had a wonderful experience at steamspark! They really go above and beyond! Would highly recommend

My kid has been going to STEAMspark for the past 9 months. I unexpectedly re-entered the workforce back in July ‘22 and was literally terrified to have to send my child (who was born during quarantine) to daycare, especially after the Uvalde tragedy. I was so anxious at the idea of my kid leaving our home that I woke up several times from severe panic attacks in the middle of the night. … then I happened to drive past STEAMspark for the first time on our way to checkout our new home that was in the process of being built. I’m not exaggerating when I say that the moment I saw this school, all my anxiety left me and I quickly arranged for a tour of the place. I was very happy with the security measures taken to keep the facility safe and secure and it was very obvious that the school went above and beyond to keep their facility very clean. 9 months in and I sometimes wonder what the heck I would have done had I not found this place. I feel so confident sending my child here and they absolutely stand out amongst their peers and I credit STEAMSparks Montessori method for that. I’ve never felt like this school did not care about their students and holidays are a blast here! They go well out of their way to plan beautiful and memorable events that make me wonder if someone on the planning committee is an event planner. Looking forward to continue watching my child grow and learn at this school.

Our family is ecstatic that we found this Montessori for our little one. We went through what seemed like endless tours with other schools that didn’t meet basic needs. Steamspark is the cleanliest school I have experienced with such friendly staff and teachers. They have proven to go above and beyond and we are looking forward to growing with them throughout the years!!