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Parent Perspective |
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May 9, 2004 My children are grown up now. My oldest daughter, who has been a High School Valedictorian, is currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan and my youngest one is a straight "A" High School student. Looking back at their education I must say that, while they were attending the Danville Montessori School, I have never been more pleased with their learning experience that, I believe, is the key to their academic success. What my children have learned in those Montessori years, indeed, is not just information but a way to access and process "any kind" of information. They have discovered that learning combined with appropriate stimulation, is a natural response of the brain that does not have to be "painful", but is very rewarding in itself and can be trusted. My oldest daughter, in a reflective moment of her education, told me just a few days ago, that the Montessori education and the special attention given to the whole individual taught her self-reliance in problem solving both in academic subjects and in interpersonal relationships, which is a gift for life. Internal motivation, logical reasoning, and ability to make mindful decisions have made my children very independent thinkers and have contributed, at the same time, to their avoidance of academic competitions they could have easily won but, in their mind, could not justify. Someone might believe that this is a negative aspect of their education. I have, however, a great respect for their choice because it is based on the wish to take away competition and anxiety from an educational experience. My children say that learning should not be motivated by winning over others... it is a natural process and a pleasure of the mind. Maria Grazia Levin April 2004 My twins attended Danville Montessori from the first grade through the fourth grade, and it was a wonderful experience. Now that they have transferred to a school in another town, I can see how well the Montessori school prepared them for academic work and for life. At their new school, they are straight-A students, they have each been put on several academic teams, and they rank high nationally on standardized tests. They are about two years ahead of the rest of their class in math. Socially they are well adjusted, and they still enjoy visiting the friends they made while they were in school in Danville. I attribute their academic and social success to the preparation they received at Danville Montessori. It is a fine school. Bill VanArsdall April, 2004 The pre-school and elementary years are a very important time in the development of our children. Work and study habits, social skills, and attitudes about life and the world we live in that will be carried on into adulthood are being formed at this time. The beauty of the teaching style developed by Maria Montessori is that all these areas of childhood development are addressed as well as academics. The Montessori child learns to make wise decisions or suffer the consequences, to be a socially conscious citizen, and to set goals and achieve them. Working and playing well with others as well as independently is also key in the Montessori way. Both of our children began attending the Danville Montessori School in pre-school, initially because George and I worked long hours and needed daycare with flexible hours. They both immediately loved the school, all their teachers and all of the other staff cared for our girls like they were their own on a daily basis. Although our children have dramatically different personalities and learning styles, both thrived and could read quite well by age four. Both acquired the joy of learning and discovery, and at the end of each day excitedly told us about their day at school. The Danville Montessori School is small, so that it lends a feeling of family to all the school functions and field trips because everyone knows everyone else. I have gone on many great field trips (hiking at Pine Mountain and snorkeling at Key Largo’s Marine Lab were awesome) and I have never ceased to be amazed at how much a young child can absorb and assimilate when give the opportunity. I always learned so much from them, and was very proud of all their achievements. For our family, choosing to send our children to the Danville Montessori School was one of the best decisions we ever made. For overall academics, child care and support and encouragement of family values, I would put it up against any school anywhere. Susan Wheeler April 15, 2004
We were so thankful to have had the Danville Montessori program for
our daughter, Carol, from 1998 through 2001. Their program provided
her with a superb foundation for the rest of her education to come.
She
grew to love the staff there, including Rita Finke, who lovingly and
firmly encouraged Carol to do her best. Also, she gained friends
with whom she still visits and keeps in touch, despite a bit of a
distance barrier.
Although we moved her to public school to start first grade because
we had moved a little further away, we were glad that the transition
was not difficult, thanks to the preparation she received at DMS.
Carol has
been doing so well that she was promoted from 3rd to 4th grade
during the current school year of 2003 - 04! Our family recommends
that parents consider Montessori; they encourage children to seek
the joy and
creativity of learning while learning it's discipline, too.
Robert & Kay Cunningham
March 14, 2004
We are so thrilled with Taylor-Grace's experience at Danville Montessori School!! She is developing a true love of learning and is eager to "soak up" everything about her world. We are so pleased with the well-rounded education and caring atmosphere. We highly recommend Danville Montessori School!
Jamie and Chris Mingo
Contributions to Parent Perspective are appreciated and may be submitted via email.
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