Stepping Stones Montessori Sch

It's hard for me to articulate how much this school has meant to our son and family. He attended from 1st grade through 8th grade. It's an incredibly special community of awesome staff, involved and dedicated Board of Trustees, and lovely families. The staff's kids attend there, the Trustees' kids are there, and the grandchildren of founding families too. It's a supportive and loving partnership focused on your child(ren) and their development, not just a letter grade. Montessori education is science-based, time-tested, and around the world (and growing) for good reasons. And Stepping Stones is an authentic Montessori school. We tell everyone we know in West MI to schedule a tour and see how beautiful the rooms are, as they're cared for by the kids; how exceptional, caring and respectful the staff is by modeling grace and courtesy and expecting the same of the kids; and seeing the investment the community is making by expanding to middle school at a beautiful farm in Ada. My son has made lifelong friendships, transitioned well to high school, and now is in college. He is confident in himself, adaptable, eager to learn new things, kind and empathetic. We know that Stepping Stones played a huge role in his development and we will forever be fans and supporters!

We had the pleasure of sending our son to this Montessori school from age four until he graduated middle school at age fourteen. The experience has been absolutely wonderful, and we truly can’t imagine a better environment. What we appreciate most is how the teachers allowed our son to be himself, nurturing his individuality while providing an excellent education. He’s grown academically and personally in ways that give us great confidence in his future. We’re deeply grateful to the professional and warm staff for creating such a supportive and enriching community. Truly the best school we could have chosen!

Stepping Stones is an awesome school and community made up of great people. The amazing guides and staff are individuals who are dedicated to teaching full Montessori philosophy. I am grateful for all they do and it is inspiring to see how much they care about my children.

Stepping Stones Montessori has been an incredible gift to our family. All three of my children attend, and each one has thrived in ways that speak to the school’s nurturing environment, exceptional educators, and deeply thoughtful approach to learning. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel the warmth of a true community—one where every child is seen, respected, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. The teachers are extraordinary. They meet each child where they are, balancing gentle guidance with the freedom to explore and discover. I’ve watched my kids develop not only strong academic skills, but also independence, confidence, empathy, and a genuine love of learning. The classrooms are beautifully prepared, inspiring curiosity and fostering both collaboration and self-direction. I’ll also add that the head of school, Jan, is a true rockstar. Having taught at SSMS for 20 years prior to assuming the HoS role, she’s a true servant leader who can be found in classrooms, coaching teachers, grabbing coffees with families who want to get to know her better, or even shoveling snow or handling carline. You don’t see that at any other school. What sets Stepping Stones apart is the whole-child approach—valuing not just what children learn, but who they become. My kids come home excited to share what they’ve done each day, and I can see the ripple effect of their experiences here in how they think, problem-solve, and treat others. I can say without hesitation that Stepping Stones Montessori has been one of the best decisions and investments we’ve made for our children’s education and development. It is a school that truly partners with families to help children flourish, and we feel grateful every single day to be part of this remarkable community.

Stepping Stones is a special place. After moving from Chicago where our daughter attended a Montessori school, we sought the same in Michigan. We found a home at SSMS, beginning in second grade and staying through 9th. The teachers are incredible, gifted, kind humans. The students are avid learners who develop into responsible, considerate citizens. The parent-caregiver community is supportive and extensive. We drove 45 minutes each way every day for years to be a part of this learning environment. Obviously, Montessori has to be a good fit for the student. But if you have or know a child that is curious, creative, and motivated, you won’t find a better school. The elementary program is intimate with so much attention given to each kid and where friendships blossom. The middle school is just amazing—a place where the kids grow and explore and mature. They get to be leaders and to learn skills that most high schoolers never acquire. Self-management, study techniques, research, writing… Our daughter went off to high school (City High) with everything she needed to blossom in a bigger setting. I’ve always believed the best investment I can make in my kids is their education. After they leave home, they chart their own path. But as a parent, I know I have laid the foundation by sending our kid to SSMS. Check it out, and you’ll find where you belong.