What Parents Say

Here are some examples of comments from about why Stepping Stones Montessori School was important to them.

“… we are happy to report that Jessie's transition has gone very well. Jessie continues to leverage all of her Montessori preparation and the results have been "all that we could hope for" (as expected). She continues to excel in all life skills and we have the SSMS family to thank for their part in her life.”

The Nahikians

“Having been a Montessori child, Montessori taught me the true way to learn: through self exploration, curiosity and self motivation. Montessori to me means truth of self.”

An SSMS Parent

"Among the members of Stepping Stones' Class of 1999, six kids went on to attend City High-Middle School here in Grand Rapids, which as you know is possibly West Michigan's most academically challenging Middle/High School. They are graduating next week, and last Thursday City held its awards assembly for its Class of 2005 Parents of kids enrolled at Stepping Stones, or thinking about enrolling their kids of kids at Stepping Stones, anguish about 'how will my child do in a 'regular' school environment after leaving Stepping Stones?' What we experienced at the City Senior's Awards Assembly I think very nicely answers that question, and the answer is: Very well, thank you! There were generally several students given or qualifying for each award, but time and again at least one of the six graduates of Stepping Stones was honored. And look at the range of things they were honored for!; These are clearly not one-skill or one-dimensional kids. Whatever they decide to pursue they excel at, because at Stepping Stones they learned how to learn, and how to learn and act with passion. Anyone wondering if Stepping Stones is the right place for their child has only to look at what graduates of Stepping Stones go on to achieve in order to determine what the answer is a resounding 'Yes!'. Thank you!."

John Arnold

"In my experience teaching at a local public high school, I’ve had the pleasure to teach several former SSMS students. Each of them knew their own learning style and strengths, had the maturity to ask for help outside of class if necessary, and in general, possessed a quiet self-confidence that quickly distinguished them from their classmates. Only much later did I find out there were SSMS graduates. It is truly remarkable to me for 9th graders to master a set of social and academic skills."

Bill Strickland

"We are so pleased to have found Stepping Stones for our son. It represents education at its finest - nurturing the individual uniqueness of the child, their special talents and interests - and is building upon a strong foundation for a life-long love of learning."

The Sorgs

"Thank you to everyone who made me who I am! Thanks to you, I have an excellent advantage over those kids educated in public schools (comparing our GPAs) who are now in my grade. I'd give this whole place five stars out of five if I was given the chance." "All good things must come to an end--but the sun never sets on SSMS."

Emily Riipa (student)

"When searching for academic excellence, we looked for a school with actual demonstrated success. Stepping Stones graduates but a handful of students each year. Call them and they will tell you about academic excellence. Stepping Stones graduates are not hard to find. Some are at U of M and Calvin. Others attend Princeton, Dartmouth, Notre Dame, Brown, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and Yale."

Thomas Heiden

"The teachers at Stepping Stones encouraged me to learn the importance of self-discipline and motivated me to both wonder and learn."

Tom J. Jacoboice

"The decision to send our children to Stepping Stones was a difficult one since our public school is one of the highest rated in the state. We have not been disappointed. Currently, two of our children are attending Stepping Stones and their personal growth, development of self-esteem, and sincere interest in learning have been remarkable."

Nancy & George Wanty