Leelanau Montessori - free montessori school in the area
The advertising for this school is terrible, so I figured I would let people know about it as time to enroll/pick schools for next year is upon us and I know they still have openings for several ages. If you're looking at, waitlisted at, or can't afford, any of the other "alternative education" choices in town (TCAPS montessori, children's house, pathfinder, woodland), you should consider it.
We've had our kids there for 3 years and have been very happy with the school overall. We were looking at Children's House and Pathfinder initially, but really couldn't afford either and discovered this school luckily. Leelanau montessori is a public charter that split from Children's House many years ago, has a similar high quality montessori approach, and is free for anyone 5 and up. Starts at 18 months through 6th grade I believe.
Significant focus on whole child education, social/emotional skills, practical skills like cooking/cleaning, in addition to the traditional book skills of a normal school. Kids are given freedom to be kids, and have a lot of choice and freedom in their own life and education. Play areas are mostly in nature or natural settings (there is a huge cut down tree that kids climb on in the playground, a zen garden for them to rake, woods to play in, a creek, things like that).
Both staff and students have been very compassionate and understanding with one of our kids who had ADHD behavioral issues for a few years. I've never met such a kind, gentle, sweet group of children anywhere else.