Mission Montessori Academy

Summary:

Mission Montessori Academy is a public charter elementary school serving 133 students in grades K-8 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The school is part of the Little Lamb Community School District, which is ranked 20th out of 288 districts in the state and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Mission Montessori Academy consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Arizona, with rankings ranging from 54th to 342nd out of over 1,000 schools in recent years. The school's students perform exceptionally well on state assessments, with 75% or more of 3rd and 5th graders proficient or better in English Language Arts and Mathematics, significantly outperforming the state averages. For example, the school's 5th grade students achieved a 90% proficiency rate in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 38%. Additionally, Mission Montessori Academy's special education students perform in the top 5% of Arizona elementary schools for this subgroup.

When compared to nearby schools like Copper Ridge School and Cheyenne Traditional School, Mission Montessori Academy stands out for its consistently high academic performance, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The school's success can serve as a model for other schools seeking to provide a quality education and equitable opportunities for all students.


Detail:

Public, Charter K-8

 12990 E Shea Blvd
       Scottsdale, AZ  85259-5305


(480) 860-4330

District: Little Lamb Community School

SchoolDigger Rank:
42nd of 904 Arizona Elementary Schools


Student/teacher ratio:  0.0 Help
Number of students:  133

Racial breakdown:

White:
68.4%
Hispanic:
17.3%
Two or more races:
8.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  0% Help


 See top rated Arizona elementary schools

 Compare Mission Montessori Academy to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Mission Montessori Academy ranks better than 95.4% of elementary schools in Arizona. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 94.45. (See more...)
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Compare Details Mission Montessori Academy is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2013 the calculated Average Standard Score was 87.08. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (68.4%), Hispanic (17.3%), two or more races (8.3%). (See more...)
Finance
Schooldigger Rankings:

Mission Montessori Academy was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Little Lamb Community School:

SchoolDigger ranks Little Lamb Community School 20th of 288 Arizona school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Mission Montessori Academy?

Rank History for Mission Montessori Academy

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Mission Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 94.82 3rd 1062 99.7%
2010 92.07 33rd 1090 97.0%
2011 90.83 50th 1075 95.3%
2012 85.77 96th 1141 91.6%
2013 83.93 125th 1158 89.2%
2014 90.37 66th 1079 93.9%
2015 92.03 54th 955 94.3%
2016 89.95 92nd 1079 91.5%
2017 84.29 174th 1106 84.3%
2018 88.38 115th 1109 89.6%
2019 84.99 135th 1039 87.0%
2021 79.09 247th 1226 79.9%
2022 60.40 343rd 1000 65.7%
2023 70.48 332nd 1245 73.3%
2024 94.45 42nd 904 95.4%
See the entire list of Arizona Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Multi-racial students at Mission Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 50.04 453rd 1027 55.9%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at Mission Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 71.89 139th 1201 88.4%
2023 85.44 52nd 820 93.7%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Mission Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 85.15 140th 1023 86.3%
2019 88.26 59th 862 93.2%
2021 61.30 414th 1219 66.0%
2022 55.24 363rd 824 55.9%
2023 61.94 412th 1219 66.2%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Mission Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 89.10 95th 1032 90.8%
2019 88.99 63rd 850 92.6%
2021 86.22 149th 1220 87.8%
2022 49.17 420th 830 49.4%
2023 78.09 238th 1216 80.4%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at Mission Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 61.45 367th 1198 69.4%
2022 61.08 277th 716 61.3%
2023 73.29 233rd 1170 80.1%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Mission Montessori Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 81.20 112th 720 84.4%
2019 57.70 243rd 595 59.2%
2021 67.34 339th 1161 70.8%
2023 52.59 463rd 1024 54.8%
See the entire list of Best Arizona Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Mission Montessori Academy

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools AZ State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2012 89.98 28th 772 96.4%
2013 87.08 48th 787 93.9%
See the entire list of Arizona Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Arizona Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Mission Montessori Academy Test Scores
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Data source: Arizona Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.3)
81%

0%

0%

5%

14%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, February 7, 2019

Open Quote The Sustainable Systems, Gardening, MMUN Trips, and immersion trips (m. school) are awesome experiences that we haven't seen at other schools. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, December 14, 2018

Open Quote We started our children as infants here and they are now in H.S. Wouldn't change a thing--they have such fond memories and so do we. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, December 2, 2018

Open Quote I am proud to say my children went to Mission Montessori from 1995 to 2005. The Montessori method and their great teachers prepared my children for their high school and college years. I am also excited to say that my grandchild also attended Mission Montessori. She is continuing her Montessori training in California. Close Quote


by a teacher
Thursday, November 29, 2018

Open Quote I love working here and the relationships I've built with colleagues and students. The school grounds are gorgeous! Close Quote


by a teacher
Thursday, November 29, 2018

Open Quote I love the care and persistence each teacher has with all students. Close Quote


by a teacher
Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Open Quote Mission Montessori Academy provides a wonderful learning environment that is centered on catering to each individual's needs while promoting community involvement. Close Quote


by a teacher
Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Open Quote I have been associated with Mission Montessori teachers, administrators,students, parents, and support staff since its very inception almost a quarter of a century ago, and have worked with, respected, and loved its visionary CEO and owner for even more years. This five campus institution offers absolutely excellent and unparalleled balanced and innovative globally-acclaimed Montessori Education to an international and diverse student body. The heart of this program is hands-on child-centered cutting edge programs, like the Model United Nations and Sustainable Systems Education programs, all delivered in a loving and responsible professional Family Community of peaceful and successful global citizens. As the 2016 School of the Year for the State of Arizona, this school system offers an Elementary Education that stands above the rest.

Sincerely,

Dr. H.K. Devich, EdD
youtube.com/globalseedorg Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Open Quote My three daughters have gone to school here since infancy and now the oldest is in high school. We have built life-long bonds here. WE LOVE THE SCHOOL!!! Close Quote


by a teacher
Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Open Quote My name is Travonne Edwards, and I am a Lead Teacher at the 96th street campus and Coach of the sports teams. I genuinely love working here. It is a great community of parents and staff. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Open Quote We love it here! Mission rocks. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Open Quote My daughter loves going to school here. She enjoys her teacher, Ms. Macias. She has enjoyed meeting and making friends, and she especially enjoys the extracurricular activities: band, choir, and cheer-leading. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Open Quote I have two children at Mission Montessori that have gone here for 7 years. We love the teachers, administration, and parents. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Open Quote I am a parent of a student at Mission Montessori. My child will be graduating from the 8th grade this year, and I can honestly say we feel that Mission has prepared our child for success in life. The whole student approach that Mission takes with teaching their students, can not be found in found in traditional classrooms. These Montessori teachers are committed and invested in my child's success. They believe in their students and bring out the best in all of them. Close Quote


by a citizen
Saturday, November 10, 2018

Open Quote An amazing school with amazing staff. A wonderful community creating unforgettable memories for children. Highly recommend. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, November 2, 2018

Open Quote Mission Montessori Academy is a fabulous school. We've had experience with other Montessori schools and this one ranks with the best. The teachers are extremely committed, caring, and communicative. Our daughters are both flourishing and the school community is wonderful. I can't recommend it highly enough. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, July 16, 2017

Open Quote I'm sad to say but our experience with the school ended very bad, unfortunately. Although, the teachers are very sweet, the school is extremely crowded and unorganized. There was always commotion when I came to pick up my child. I witnessed several times children going to the bathroom with the door wide open and windows open. There were even more than one child, boy and girl, in the restroom at the same time, with one using the toilet. The school offers a half-day option which is what we chose. However, they pushed Full day on us all the time. They said our child will be behind unless we allow our child to go for the full day. Why even offer the option of half day if you know that you can not teach the child in that given time?! They are always asking for money and "donations". I understand schools needing some extra funding but they care more about the money then the child's education. We paid for the kindergarten graduation ceremony. However, there was a collection basket as you enter the room. The administration stood up there for several minutes asking for donations. It took away from the joy of the occasion. They told us our child had a learning disability. However, they waited until the very last week of school to evaluate our child! What good will that do at this point?! Upon receiving the test results on the last week of school, we found out our child is actually really smart and exceeded in math. They just did not given the opportunity and attention so our child never learned to read. Our child is going into first grade not knowing how to read. There excuse was that they don't think Montessori is for our child. They suggested public school. What Montessori school says that? I personally believe in the method but they just said that as an excuse for there lack of educating my child. I addressed my issues with the administration. They basically said there's the door. They refused to refund my money for the next school year since of course they care more about money than educating the children. There is a $1500 "donation" for the 1st-8th grade program. Although they call it a donation, in order to send your child you have to sign a paper saying you agree to give the $1500 donation. So in actuality it is not a donation if you are signing that you have to give it in order to go to the school. They are calling it a donation for tax purposes which is fraud! To top it off, the most heartbreaking part of our entire experience at the school was when my child came home and said "mommy I don't think I have a brain!" I will never again let a school make my child feel like this! What a horrible way to make a child feel! This school is a total disgrace! Thankfully, I already found a tutor and within weeks my child has learn more than during the entire school year! Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, July 14, 2017

Open Quote I have had three children attend Mission Montessori, but sadly I have had to remove all of them from the school. If it wasn't for the teachers in the Pre K classrooms - we would have never stayed as long as we did. They are warm, caring and have great hearts. However, the administration and the policies at this school is where this school has lost our family.

This last year we had to abruptly withdraw our 2 children because Mission was not adhering to a high enough standard. The classroom has become overcrowded and this has left a huge strain on the staff. One day 2 assistants were sick (there are no substitutes) and this left one overwhelmed teacher to to teach 40+ 3,4 and 5 yr olds! Playground time is often taken away for the ENTIRE class if the are to many disruptions. Why should my 3 year old miss out on play time because somebody else is not following the rules? That is absurd. There are so many kids in the room unsupervised that kids frequently use the restroom with the door open, which is unacceptable. Also, during lunch the kids cannot speak during the entire lunch period. I could go on and on, but the final straw came when my 4 year old son came home with his Curious George shirt turned inside out without even the courtesy of an explanation. To us this is unacceptable. No adult should be allowed to remove the clothing of a child for any reason beyond a potty accident.

We prepaid our tuition and were denied a refund for the remainder of the school year, citing a 30 day notice that we did not give.
It has been clear to us that this schools number one priority is making money. Adding more and more student s to an exhausted teaching staff. They are very adept at turning a deaf ear to the concerns of parents.

Let me repeat, the Pre-K teachers and assistants were terrific, but your kids will get lost in the classroom. Once we transferred to a different school with more appropriate class numbers, it was like we had brand new kids that could not wait to go to school in the morning! We received frequent updates through email about their day and even had a chance to chat with the teachers after school! What a difference. Mission Montessori had a good thing going, but the desire to cash in has led to a huge decline in their campus. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, December 14, 2014

Open Quote Bottom line: if you have a child who needs a 504 or IEP, this is NOT the school for you. They cannot tolerate less than perfect children who fit the idealized mold. Also, if you do not have money and time to throw at the school, still not the place for you. Teachers ignore e-mails requesting meetings and disrespect children who are not of the ideal family. Also, the middle school teachers favor the girls over the boys. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Mission Montessori Academy

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2001 28 3 8 2 0 n/a n/a 0 41
2002 62 5 5 6 4 n/a n/a 0 82
2003 62 5 5 6 4 n/a n/a 0 82
2004 70 2 3 5 6 n/a n/a 0 86
2005 88 6 7 6 6 n/a n/a 0 113
2006 100 9 12 7 5 n/a n/a 0 133
2007 103 7 11 10 6 n/a n/a 0 137
2008 120 4 13 10 5 n/a n/a 0 152
2009 140 8 13 11 7 n/a n/a 0 179
2010 162 4 15 10 8 n/a n/a 0 199
2011 198 3 22 9 4 0 0 0 236
2012 232 2 16 14 2 0 13 0 279
2013 216 9 22 13 0 0 0 0 260
2014 218 7 14 15 0 0 2 0 256
2015 216 12 11 13 3 0 1 0 256
2016 218 7 15 16 2 1 2 0 261
2017 214 7 16 17 2 0 6 0 262
2018 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 242 242
2019 162 6 11 34 0 0 13 0 226
2020 158 5 11 25 0 0 10 0 209
2021 112 1 6 27 0 1 12 0 159
2022 100 4 8 29 1 1 17 0 160
2023 91 4 2 23 1 1 11 0 133

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Mission Montessori Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2001 41 n/a 0.0 n/a
2002 82 n/a n/a n/a
2003 82 n/a n/a n/a
2004 86 n/a n/a n/a
2005 113 n/a n/a n/a
2006 133 n/a n/a n/a
2007 137 n/a n/a n/a
2008 152 n/a n/a n/a
2009 179 n/a n/a n/a
2010 199 n/a n/a n/a
2011 236 n/a n/a 0
2012 279 n/a n/a n/a
2013 260 n/a n/a n/a
2014 256 n/a n/a n/a
2015 256 n/a n/a n/a
2016 261 n/a n/a n/a
2017 262 n/a n/a n/a
2018 242 n/a n/a n/a
2019 226 n/a n/a n/a
2020 209 n/a n/a n/a
2021 159 n/a n/a n/a
2022 160 n/a n/a n/a
2023 133 n/a n/a n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Mission Montessori Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2001 41 n/a 0.0 n/a
2002 82 n/a n/a n/a
2003 82 n/a n/a n/a
2004 86 n/a n/a n/a
2005 113 n/a n/a n/a
2006 133 n/a n/a n/a
2007 137 n/a n/a n/a
2008 152 n/a n/a n/a
2009 179 n/a n/a n/a
2010 199 n/a n/a n/a
2011 236 n/a n/a 0
2012 279 n/a n/a n/a
2013 260 n/a n/a n/a
2014 256 n/a n/a n/a
2015 256 n/a n/a n/a
2016 261 n/a n/a n/a
2017 262 n/a n/a n/a
2018 242 n/a n/a n/a
2019 226 n/a n/a n/a
2020 209 n/a n/a n/a
2021 159 n/a n/a n/a
2022 160 n/a n/a n/a
2023 133 n/a n/a n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Mission Montessori Academy

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YearPersonnel Expenditures from Federal FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from Federal FundsTotal Expenditures from Federal FundsPersonnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsNon-Personnel Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $293 (1.3%) $00 (0.0%) $586 (2.6%) $15,713 (69.0%) $6,767 (29.7%) $22,481 (98.7%) $22,774

Data source: Arizona Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Mission Montessori Academy

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 135th of 1039 Elementary schoolsRanks 332nd of 1245 Elementary schools
 13.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students226133
 41.2%
African American64
 33.3%
American Indian01
Asian112
 81.8%
Hispanic3423
 32.4%
Pacific Islander01
White16291
 43.8%
Two or More Races1311
 15.4%


Schools Near Mission Montessori Academy









Frequently Asked Questions about Mission Montessori Academy

Yes! Mission Montessori Academy is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 42nd of 904 Arizona elementary schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 133 students attended Mission Montessori Academy.

Students at Mission Montessori Academy are 68% White, 17% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 3% African American, 2% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arizona Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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