Good education, fun activities, daughter loves it!. It's been just 2 months since my 3.5 yr old daughter has been going here. The management has changed (apparently for the better) and I have no complaints about the current one under Nimalka & Shamina.

The teachers are friendly, there are so many classes most of which you can enroll your kid for free - such as Dance, Piano, Hindi, Chinese, Spanish, Ukulele, Drama and more.

Pros:

1. Teachers impart excellent education to the children. They really work hard on all aspects such as writing, reading, handwriting, interpersonal skills, general knowledge of how things work etc.

2. The teachers are innovative with the games they play

3. It is a clean, safe environment for the kids

4. Most importantly, children love to go there (This was my acid test - before joining, I asked the kids directly and they couldn't stop saying how much they loved coming here.

5. They offer pick up service from other schools and preschools and that is included in the fees.

6. Their fee is reasonable.

Cons:

1. They use the word Montessori, but it isn't really montessori. Its not even the montessori style teaching (where the teacher gives a individual lesson and then becomes a passive observer). It is a more traditional style school. Their only Montessori trained teacher is on a leave.

2. The indoor play area is smaller than what I've seen elsewhere. This was the biggest deterrent for me, considering this is Portland! During good days the kids go to the nearby THPRD park, which is right opposite the school, wearing umbrella factory shirts.

3. The decor and the toys are nothing to write home about.  View Less … View More

Great School. I'm not quite sure about the comments left by the person below, it looks like it's in reference to the previous ownership... in any case, this school has been fantastic under the NEW owner, Nimalka.

The teachers and staff are very helpful and nurturing with our children and the skills that they are learning right now are building a great foundation for their future.

Also, I did a bit of research and found that ALL of the teachers that are staffed at this institution are certified Montessori teachers so I know that our children are getting the best education possible.

I would give 10 stars if I could! Keep up the great work Little Stars!  View Less … View More

check out if its certified Montessori. My daughter went there years ago, and we pulled her out. Some of the teachers were really nice, but the owner and one of her daughters were really rude. My daughter told us some very unpleasant stories of the one daughter of the owner who was a teacher, yelling and using humiliation as a form of punishment. However, I heard through the grapevine that the owner sold the buisness a few years ago in 2007 or 2008, so I would just make sure that it in fact new owners before you send your child here. Also with all Montessori's, be sure to check that there are actually Certified Montessori Teachers. Previously there were not when this place was Umbrella Factory. Good Luck!  View Less … View More

Excellent School!!. Our daughter was apprehensive about starting school. The caring staff gently guided her through the transition and now she thoroughly enjoys it! FUF/ Little Stars has helped a typical Mommy's child like mine, to understand the concept of a school. I would recommend this school for any parent who wants an affectionate environment and a wonderful education for their child! All the children there seem to really enjoy the school and their teachers. You know it is a good sign when at the end of the day your child says they don't want to leave! :)  View Less … View More

Great school..I would know..I went 14 years ago. I attended this school in 95' I believe. Those days still remain vibrant in my memory. I never had a bad day at that school. I loved everyone from staff to student. This school was the building block to my whole education. I learned more there in 2 years than I did in 6 years of elementary school. When I was in preschool I could read books, I could write stories, I could add and subtract. When I was in Kindergarten I could Read chapter books, I could write essays, I could do multiplication and division, and I could speak some Spanish and Japanese. When I attended a public school in 1st grade, I was already in 5th grade reading and writing level and 4th grade math. What other preschool/kindergartens do that? I loved the staff, especially Merica. She was so kind and she always told me I'd do something with my life. And I have. I will be attending college next year majoring in Forensic Science and Criminalistics. I feel like I wouldn't have been able to do that without The Fantastic Umbrella Factory. I love this school. I will ALWAYS remember the good times I had there. I will never forget how caring the staff was. My english teacher, Diana Kone, was my hero. I still think of her everyday. She would write me letters while I was in Vermont for the summer to see how I was doing. If that's not special, than what is? Take it from a highschool graduate and a F.U.F graduate, THE FANTASTIC UMBRELLA FACTORY IS AMAZING!!!!  View Less … View More

19 Years of operating at capacity! Why don't the happy kids and parents write a review?. My daughter is TOP STUDENT in private school due to the EXCELLENT beginning at UMBRELLA FACTORY. She was there from ages 3 to 10 (summer camps). SEVEN years we only see hugs, happiness, and EXCELLENT ACADEMICS. She learned READING at age 4 1/2 and love it. Now is in private school doing GREAT. All thanks to the hard hard work of the loving teachers at FUF.

HOW EASY IS IT TO SIT ON SIDELINE AND POINT OUT FAULTS? FORMER owner was dedicated and devoted her life to TOP QUALITY education. TOO BAD PEOPLE ON INTERNET TRY TO RUIN HER REPUTATION. SORRY INTERNET PEOPLE, the kids' success and joy tell the truth. Customers just get mad when admin. won't bend a rule for them - like children themselves.

ALL THE WORLD'S a critic. Content customers don't take the time to comment. THEY SHOULD!

We were in the Umbrella Factory from 1998 - 2005. She still wants to go back to visit! What a shame that a dozen complainers try to spoil such a wonderful place of music, laughter, drama, violin, guitar, and learning was done in such a fun way.

Advice for NEW OWNER: DON'T LET THEM DISCOURAGE YOU. People will try to knock you down no matter how much good things you do. Take 100 students times 20 years. That's many happy kids. Thanks Umbrella Factory. My son is old enough to start in Spring. Lucky boy. I hope new administration will be a wonderful and attentive to a top education.  View Less … View More

fantastic umbrella factory (soon to be Little Stars Montesori). The Fantastic Umbrella Factory has new owners and a new name. It will be Little Stars Montesori. My 4 year old started there this month. My 1st grader attended Little Stars in thier old building for one year before kindergarten. Both sons have liked it. We find the owner and teacher to be easy to speak with and receptive. I like that the teachers and students are ethnically mixed. Many music and language options are offered free for study in the afternoon. Unfortunately, my son attends only in the morning. I am looking forward to this year. I will post again when we have had more experiences in the new location.  View Less … View More

Horrible experience! The owner is verbally abusive, not kid friendly. It's pretty obvious the owner is in this just for the money. She has no compassion for these children. Mine went there and after and abuive incident from the owner toward the parents, we pulled our kids out of there. I don't recommend this school to send your children. You could find a much more loving and nurturing environment than this. The situation is actually very sad for the children as well as parents.  View Less … View More

no no no. I would not spend my money sending my child to this 'school'. Favorites is a game much played by the administration and avoidance is another. Things might seem disorganized upon first, second or third viewing, because it is- the Director likes it that way. Consider how you want your children to spend their time on this planet, not in your care.  View Less … View More