What people say about us
Testimonials
“I love that I get to do work when I want to do them and at my own pace instead of having to go to specific classes and subjects at specific times. I also love that there is no homework!”
— Esme (Student)
“I like all of our teachers, how kind they are, how sweet, and they have all sorts of kids to look after. Most of all I like my friends, cooking in the cob oven, and going on walks with other students.”
— Truly (Student)
“We feel so grateful for Desert Sky and their amazing staff. My daughter absolutely loves school and we all have such great relationships with everyone there. It really does feel like one big family. Every single day you can see how much time and energy the staff puts into making each child's day a positive one.
I know that when my daughter is at school she is not just learning—she is thriving, gaining confidence, and building relationships. We cannot say enough great things about Desert Sky!”
— Avara (Parent)
“Desert Sky has been a transformative experience for our two children. They are thriving both academically and socially, developing a deep love of learning and a strong sense of independence. The Montessori philosophy, with its focus on self-directed, hands-on learning and respect for each child’s curiosity, has nurtured their growth in the most beautiful way.
They are truly excited to go to school each day—and even hate being late! The teachers are nurturing, the community is warm and supportive, and we feel incredibly grateful to be part of this amazing school.”
— Tania and David (Parents)
“A wonderful school community, great teachers and an innovative curriculum. I have a son in first grade and he's thriving in ways he hasn't at other schools. Definitely worth considering this program for your kids.”
— Sam (Parent)
“We love Desert Sky! They have changed our daughters’ lives and have grown their confidence in abundance! Our girls love their teachers and often don't want to leave because they're having so much adventure.”
— Jolisa (Parent)
“I feel so fortunate we made a last-minute decision to enroll our son at Desert Sky this year. What an incredibly wonderful school! The administrators and staff are amazing and create a loving, nurturing environment for the students and their families. My son is very happy here, and I’m thankful he gets to spend his days in a beautiful, joy-filled school.”
— Amber (Parent)
“At Desert Sky, my kids are becoming both ‘life smart’ and ‘book smart.’ They are mastering academic skills as well as developing grit, curiosity, character, social skills, and work habits. They work with their hands at their own skill level all day long.
They understand phonics, math, geography, and public speaking at a deep conceptual level. They own their learning process so much that they craft school projects on Saturdays by choice despite (or partly because of?) the lack of extrinsic motivators like grades, sticker charts, homework, or high stakes tests. Thank you Desert Sky teachers and leaders!”
— Katherine (Parent)
“Desert Sky has renewed our sons' love of learning. Each morning they are excited to go to school and each afternoon they share endless recounts of their days. The teachers and staff are dedicated to the success of the school and the students therein. The school has a huge, positive impact on our family, and the Bend community as a whole!”
— Erica (Parent)
“My son started kindergarten at Desert Sky this year and is absolutely loving it! The teachers and staff obviously care very deeply about the school and the kids. If it wasn't for Desert Sky, our son wouldn't be able to attend a Montessori program which has been such a wonderful fit for him. We feel so lucky that we are able to be a part of this school.”
— Natalie (Parent)
“The passion and love that the entire faculty and parents possess to make Desert Sky such a special place shines through. It feels like one big family and we are blessed to be a part of it.”
— Krystyna (Parent)
“I am so grateful for Desert Sky! My kids are so different from each other in their styles of learning, social interests, and strengths in academics, yet both are thriving at this school. They're able to excel in their own areas of interest, following where their curiosity takes them and approaching different areas of learning whenever they've been ready to do so.
This school provides a very unique opportunity for our kids to get more individualized, whole-child, hands-on, real-world learning. The independently driven, and yet often very collaborative, learning that happens here is a stark contrast to the trends in mass education we're seeing elsewhere.”
— Tara (Parent)
“After two years of traditional public school, we have seen a dramatic difference this year at Desert Sky. Our child is so much brighter, happier, more engaged and is learning at an accelerated pace. Highly recommend!”
— Mallory (Parent)
“The sense of community here is special—the families, teachers, and staff are all welcoming and supportive. The teachers are fantastic and genuinely care about each child’s growth, providing individualized instruction that meets kids where they're at. Our daughter has thrived in this environment.
The school’s emphasis on nature is another big highlight for us. Between the engaging field trips and the beautiful school garden, kids get to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way. We're so grateful to have found a school that aligns with our values and supports our daughter's learning journey.”
— Shane and Melissa (Parents)
“After my wife passed away I needed to relocate with our kids and I really wanted to maintain the continuity of their Montessori education. I never imagined I could find a public charter Montessori like Desert Sky.
Being a newly single dad, with a daughter with significant learning challenges, I was looking for a school that would not only provide a great education, but could also support her unique emotional needs.
She has flourished at Desert Sky. Not only has her level of academic skill improved faster than expected, but she is one of the happiest, healthiest kids I know. I would recommend this school to any parent.”
— Tim (Parent)
“I am one of the Lower Elementary Lead Guides. I stumbled upon Desert Sky by chance and was instantly blown away by how similar their values and approach to education are to my own personal teaching philosophy.
I have always believed that my role as an educator is to facilitate student learning rather than to impart knowledge on them, and that is exactly how we do things at Desert Sky.
Students learn through working with specially-designed, research-based Montessori materials and all instruction is done in small groups or with individual students. This in combination with our mixed-aged classes allow students to get exactly what they need.
Our methods facilitate student agency and build independence from Day 1. Students at all ages are engaged with developing their own work plans and monitor their own learning and growth.
This means that at the same time that they are developing their academic skills, they are also practicing metacognition and a variety of life and learning skills that they can apply to any new situation.
As someone who has taught in both traditional schools and now at a Montessori school, I regularly think about some of my former students and how they might not have struggled so much if they were learning with hands-on Montessori materials, especially when it comes to math.
Desert Sky is truly a gem and I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to provide a tuition-free Montessori education for the children in our community.”