School reviews
School reviews

School reviews

At Summit-Questa Montessori School, reviews from families reflect the kind of close-knit community where children are known, supported, and encouraged to grow with confidence.

Set on a nature-rich campus and rooted in authentic Montessori values, Summit-Questa brings together students, families, and educators in a true Montessori village where curiosity, independence, kindness, and responsibility flourish. The reviews below share real experiences from parents and students, offering a genuine glimpse into a school community where every child is empowered to thrive. 

Judy Dempsey

What began as a passion for the Montessori philosophy and method grew into a guiding vision to build a Montessori community for students, staff, and families.

That passion is even stronger today, having witnessed the impact of this experience on thousands of students over the past 35 years. I feel privileged to have guided this community on its journey, and my vision has surpassed anything I once imagined. I look forward to what lies ahead for our SQMS community.

Judy Dempsey

Founder and Educational Consultant

Kathy Budd

As Admission Director what I love most is connecting with families and sharing my personal experience of having my two sons attend the school - and now seeing my grandchildren here as well.

I have been part of the Summit-Questa Montessori School community for 25 years. I first became involved as a parent, helping wherever I was needed on a part-time basis.

Kathy Budd

Admissions Director

Mr Austin

Summit-Questa Montessori School’s Summer Camp offers a joyful and enriching environment where children explore, create, and grow through hands-on Montessori-inspired experiences.

With engaging themes, outdoor adventures, creative arts, STEM activities, games, and practical life learning, the camp nurtures curiosity, confidence, independence, and meaningful friendships in a safe and supportive community.

Mr Austin

Middle School Principal and Summer Camp Director

Ms. Coralie

Being part of our middle school community, I’ve seen how intentional and meaningful the culture is.

We support students’ academic and social growth while also shaping them into compassionate individuals. Teachers truly care, hold high expectations, and create a family-like environment where every student is seen, valued, and encouraged to grow as both learners and people.

Ms. Coralie

Middle School Administrative Assistant

Jess

Sports are an incredible way to build a brotherhood or sisterhood among peers. The kids respect each other, and they respect those who put their all into the game.

As a coach, I have been a part of both middle and elementary school teams. It is incredible for me to watch their journey as athletes as they possibly find “their” sport.

Jess

Coach

Ruben

As a Track & Field and Cross Country coach for students in Grades 2–8, I help young athletes build confidence, resilience, and teamwork through age-appropriate training and goal-setting.

Beyond sport, I strive to create a supportive environment where students develop discipline, sportsmanship, and life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Ruben

Coach

Joanna Kopicki

Watching my daughter Julia grow in the Hummingbirds classroom has been truly inspiring.

As a Kindergartener, she has begun reading, developing mathematical understanding through hands-on learning, exploring the world around her, and building valuable social skills with confidence and independence.

Joanna Kopicki

Teacher and Parent

Ms Rebeca

In spring 2023, after six years of homeschooling my eldest, we chose Summit-Questa Montessori School for his transition to middle school and immediately loved its peaceful, green campus.

I was concerned about his stutter, but weeks in, he told me, “Everyone is accepted here,” which reassured me completely. The following year, we enrolled our youngest, and I returned to teaching as an Upper Elementary teacher in fall 2024 - Summit-Questa is truly a safe and welcoming community.

Ms Rebeca

Parent and teacher

Alex C.

At Summit-Questa Montessori, every experience has shaped who I am today.

The school has helped me grow academically and personally, with teachers who support success while making learning engaging. I’ve developed strong study and reflection skills, and the people, lessons, and moments here have made this an unforgettable experience.

Alex C.

Alumni, class of 2026

Charlotte Grade 5

Market day is a great way to learn how to create a business!

It is fun, educational, and takes a lot of hard work.

Charlotte Grade 5

Student

Daniel Harper

I think the biggest thing I took away from Questa was the interests I sparked there and clung onto in high school.

From our journalism class, I gained a realization about my passion for writing and reporting. Today, I’m still writing for my high school newspaper.

Daniel Harper

Alumni, class of 2024

Lucy 1st grade

Actually, I love school, even if we had a long break, I just want to come back because I love learning and school.

I love to learn grownup words. I really love learning science and I learn from cosmic. I learn about new animals and plants.

Lucy 1st grade

Student

Mariella B.

I have been a student at Summit-Questa since second grade.

Through the six years I’ve spent here, I have learned the fundamentals of education, patience and critical thinking. With the help of SQMS, I will be moving on to Saint Thomas Aquinas for high school.

Mariella B.

Alumni, class of 2026

Mena Zavala

Questa prepared me for high school by introducing self-discipline and trust.

It taught me that you cannot always rely on others to push you to your potential or do the work for you. You will only see results and progress as a reflection of your own work and passion. Questa taught me to strive for a better future for myself and how to achieve it, no matter my age.

Mena Zavala

Alumni, class of 2025

Nina

I've been a student at Summit-Questa Montessori School since I was four years old, and it has shaped my life into what it is today.

SQMS has taught me to be creative, active, and intelligent.

Nina

Student

Olivia 2nd grade

I like that my teachers give us opportunities and chance.

The teachers give us things at our own speed. My teachers are kind and nice.

Olivia 2nd grade

Student

Victoria 3rd grade

I love cosmic, I love doing research projects, math and recess.

What makes my school special is my teachers. They are nice and help me when I need something and they are funny.

Victoria 3rd grade

Student

Judy Dempsey

Founder and Educational Consultant

Kathy Budd

Admissions Director

Mr Austin

Middle School Principal and Summer Camp Director

Ms. Coralie

Middle School Administrative Assistant

Jess

Coach

Ruben

Coach

Joanna Kopicki

Teacher and Parent

Ms Rebeca

Parent and teacher

Alex C.

Alumni, class of 2026

Charlotte Grade 5

Student

Daniel Harper

Alumni, class of 2024

Lucy 1st grade

Student

Mariella B.

Alumni, class of 2026

Mena Zavala

Alumni, class of 2025

Nina

Student

Olivia 2nd grade

Student

Victoria 3rd grade

Student

Judy Dempsey

Founder and Educational Consultant

Kathy Budd

Admissions Director

Mr Austin

Middle School Principal and Summer Camp Director

Ms. Coralie

Middle School Administrative Assistant

Jess

Coach

Ruben

Coach

Joanna Kopicki

Teacher and Parent

Ms Rebeca

Parent and teacher

Alex C.

Alumni, class of 2026

Charlotte Grade 5

Student

Daniel Harper

Alumni, class of 2024

Lucy 1st grade

Student

Mariella B.

Alumni, class of 2026

Mena Zavala

Alumni, class of 2025

Nina

Student

Olivia 2nd grade

Student

Victoria 3rd grade

Student

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