Sunrise Montessori Academy is a small school with a family-like atmosphere providing a 'home away from home, ' where children can freely explore and learn independently through the environment which has been prepared to stimulate natural learning. It is located in the southeast area of Independence, MO, and sits on a large lot full of various shade trees that provide a natural landscape for outdoor learning.
There are also a variety of plants on the school grounds and a garden for the children to work within, providing endless opportunities for hands-on science.
There are also a variety of plants on the school grounds and a garden for the children to work within, providing endless opportunities for hands-on science.
Services
We would love to share more with you about the benefits of Montessori education. Contact us today to set up an appointment so we can show you around our beautiful school, natural playground, and answer any questions that you have. Please also take the time to read about Sunrise Montessori Academy, learn about the Montessori method of teaching and its benefits, and take a look at your child's future teachers.
It is our mission to provide a nurturing environment with opportunities of exploration and to cultivate within each child a desire to become a life-long learner. Sunrise was established in 2011. Many years ago, as a long-time Montessori teacher and mother of young children, I found myself looking for early education and care for my young children close to my home.
Reviews (20)
Allyx McCoy
Jul 14, 2021
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My daughter and son went to Sunrise for over a year and absolutely loved every second of it. They would bring home beautiful and creative arts and crafts every day it seemed! They made best friends and truly grew both socially and academically while attending Sunrise. My son could do math at 4, and my daughter showed early signs of reading at 3.… Isn’t that crazy?! I was also pleased as a parent to see my children outside so much and the lovely pictures that got posted on the Private Facebook groups of my children. They were always clean and tidy at pickup while smiles on their face
Anna Wilson
Jul 14, 2021
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My son attends this school and they have brought him so far! He was being labeled as "the trouble maker" at his last school and was always in "time out" since starting Sunrise we see a different child. He is excited to learn. He uses his words when he feels frustrated and his academics are right on track!!
Daniel Goodwin
Jul 10, 2021
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Incredibly disappointing experience.
Started our 3-year old here. We had planning on starting him when he turned 2, but COVID caused other plans. Our boy loves the outdoors, has a motor that never quits, and after viewing the Montessori school, it seemed perfect. They seemed to have a huge emphasis on the outdoors, and seemed the perfect structure… he would enjoy. We talked to the teachers multiple times about this being his first daycare and were assured they will work with us through his transition.
Each day on pickup, we ask how his day went. Each day we were told he was doing fine, throwing
Started our 3-year old here. We had planning on starting him when he turned 2, but COVID caused other plans. Our boy loves the outdoors, has a motor that never quits, and after viewing the Montessori school, it seemed perfect. They seemed to have a huge emphasis on the outdoors, and seemed the perfect structure… he would enjoy. We talked to the teachers multiple times about this being his first daycare and were assured they will work with us through his transition.
Each day on pickup, we ask how his day went. Each day we were told he was doing fine, throwing
Shannon Warford
Aug 29, 2020
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My daughter absolutely loves her school! She has talked about her amazing teachers and classmates nonstop and talks about her lessons daily. She loves nature walks and all of the wonderful things there are to… explore in the outdoor classroom! She enjoys Spanish and music time and sings her Montessori songs everyday at home. And now she is a Sunrise Montessori graduate💖💖💖
Erin Wooldridge
Nov 28, 2019
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Tori Ormiston
Sep 11, 2019
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Robin Tubbesing
May 23, 2019
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Briana Miller
Jan 24, 2019
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My daughter attended here as a pre-k student the year before she started Kindergarten. In that time, she learned so many new skills and actually learned how to read. Not just sort of read, but REALLY read. Her Kindergarten teacher was so shocked. She always told me how much she loved school too.
My son is going to start soon and do the same. I hope that he gets the same experience. I'd recommend this school to anyone.
My son is going to start soon and do the same. I hope that he gets the same experience. I'd recommend this school to anyone.
Courtney H.
Dec 22, 2018
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Christy McConnell
Nov 30, 2018
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Leah Prutsman
Sep 06, 2018
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My son has gone to Sunrise for almost a year now. Prier to him going he was having trouble with his speech. I have seen a huge improvement in his speech since he started attending Sunrise. The teachers work with him one on one and are so nice. They make sure to communicate with the parents about anything and everything going on at the school or with your child. I highly recommend Sunrise for your little one!
Robert Prutsman
Jun 07, 2018
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Lori and her staff run a top shelf operation at Sunrise and I’m grateful my boys have the opportunity to attend their facility. I encourage anyone with interest to stop by for a site visit and tour of the academy, then you can see for yourself what a hidden gem this place really is. Fingers crossed they have openings!!
Trudy Nicole
May 15, 2018
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My daughter has been a student here for 2 years and I'm so impressed with what she is learning, the friendships she has built, and the professionalism of the staff. It has been an amazing experience being a part of the Sunrise family. The 1 star review has absolutely nothing to do with the wonderful job they do with the kids. I'm glad they care enough to find solutions that makes the lives of busy parents easier.
Maretta Stutesman Smith
Feb 09, 2018
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This is an awesome school, ran by awesome people. It is so nice to know your children are in a safe environment and are well taken care of AND EDUCATED ONE ON ONE. That is a rare situation to find in this day and time. Prices are reasonable and that is so hard to find in these difficult times. A place where there is no price on education but still affordable. Most of all the kids are happy, that is the final word.
Rhonda Hayes Smart
Feb 08, 2018
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This has been an excellent School. I have two grandsons who have gone here one graduated and he excels in math. My youngest grandson currently goes here and is learning many new and wonderful things. His speech is so much better and all the extra activities that the school brings such as bringing in live animals for the children to see and touch is just an extra Plus for all the great things they do there. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to start their children out with a good education
Michele Potts
Dec 29, 2017
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My son went to Sunrise the first year they opened and now my daughter goes here 5 years later. This school is flat out amazing. If you want your child to be a student of the world and to grow academically this is the place. Lori Smart and Steve Ward are passionate about what they do. My children aren't just students here, they are loved everyday and treated as they are theirs!
There will always be an unhappy customer with any business because some people cannot be pleased. I actually feel saddened to hear there are some who have had a misunderstanding or seen a misrepresentation of what actually
There will always be an unhappy customer with any business because some people cannot be pleased. I actually feel saddened to hear there are some who have had a misunderstanding or seen a misrepresentation of what actually
Gabriel P.
Dec 08, 2017
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Horrible. Absolutely terrible. Lori Smart, the owner is a horrible human being, and should never be around children.
Here's the truth. There was a child who had an allergic reaction to peanut butter, because that day they made bird feeders. The parents well informed Lori Smart that this child was allergic to peanut butter, and when this incident occurred, she covered herself by having all the teachers lie about what happened. Just so she wouldn't get sued. She sent out an email to all of the teachers stating that this is not to be discussed anymore, and that the child was never in contact with
Here's the truth. There was a child who had an allergic reaction to peanut butter, because that day they made bird feeders. The parents well informed Lori Smart that this child was allergic to peanut butter, and when this incident occurred, she covered herself by having all the teachers lie about what happened. Just so she wouldn't get sued. She sent out an email to all of the teachers stating that this is not to be discussed anymore, and that the child was never in contact with
Kristy DeMeyer
Jun 11, 2017
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I have one child that has graduated from Sunrise and one that will be there for another 2 years - they LOVE it - I LOVE it - it's an amazing school. My daughter was very prepared for kindergarten when she started and my 3 year old is spelling her name and knows her numbers. We love the focus on nature and a world view. I can't recommend this place enough!
Lori Smart
Dec 03, 2016
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Excellent Montessori School with very caring and compassionate teachers who are not only trained and certified, but also who go above and beyond to provide an excellent education. I have three children and have experienced a variety of programs over the year and this school more than meets my expectations. My son excelled at Sunrise and entered elementary school academically advanced!
Ashley Thomas
Oct 01, 2016
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Our family is so happy with Sunrise Academy. As an educator myself I was very worried about finding the best fit for our son. I toured alot of traditional and Montessori facilities and was not finding what I was looking for.When looking for a school I was looking for advancement academically, self independence and an all around self awareness of himself and others. When I toured Sunrise Academy I was blown away, from the cleanliness, how organized and how engaging each teacher was. Lastly, I loved how each teacher was certified. Our son has been attending Sunrise Academy for 4 1/2 months now and
