The Montessori School

I am not a parent, but rather a 2013 alumnus of TMS, so I can give a former student's viewpoint. I truly would not be the person I am today without this school. I learned critical thinking skills, compassion, tolerance, integrity, and respect, and developed a passion for learning that will stay with me for the rest of my life. You may not realize it now, but the first part of your child's life plays such an important role in their development. When I tell my friends about the individualized, hands-on approach that the Montessori method encourages, they wish that they could have had the opportunity to attend TMS as I was lucky enough to have had. Because I was never pressured to do well for a grade, I learned until I mastered a subject instead of just enough to pass a test. Because of the diverse backgrounds of students and teachers at the school, I have always been empathetic and accepting of others. Because of the individualized learning, I never fell behind and learned to be confident in asking questions. Because of the wonderful teachers, I was always encouraged to succeed. Because of the Montessori materials, I was able to visualize and make connections while learning. Even today as I take AP Calculus BC, I know I have a leg up on other students because I can connect many lessons to Montessori materials I used in Upper El. This year I am in 12th grade in high school, and even though my years at TMS seem to have been so long ago, I still have vivid memories of my wonderful experiences there, even as far back as Children's House. My teachers were my second set of parents, and the school my second home. As a 3-year-old, I of course could not decide where to go to school, but I am so, so grateful that my parents sent me here. If I had the chance to rewind time and choose where to go to school, I would choose TMS without a doubt.

My children have been at The Montessori School in Dresher for all of their schooling. My spouse and I believe fully in the Montessori method of teaching, especially the idea of meeting the child where he is in his learning and development and not trying to shoe-horn him into a prescribed mold. This is a powerful method, in that it allowed one of my children to move with math skills as far and as fast as he was ready. It allowed another child the extra time needed to learn to read, without the pressure of trying to keep up with the group. I expect that when my older child graduates, he will be ready for algebra one in 7th grade. The school gives the children a strong foundation in math, verbal and public speaking skills. It also promotes tremendous independence and responsibility in students. But, best of all? My children’s love of learning and curiosity is still as bright and evident as it was when they entered the school as 3-year-olds. I can’t think of a better thing to say about a school than that.

Incredible and transformative. A beautiful way to educate your child! Maria Montessori was a visionary. The Montessori School has opened my mind to the way education should be. The curriculum is individualized and designed to meet your child where he/she is in their development. It is uniquely tailored to help your child meet his/her potential. There is a profound respect between the students and the guides. I have three children attending and have seen them blossom into articulate and curious global citizens. The Montessori Method truly instills a love of learning and curiosity in every student. If you are considering sending your children to the school I would recommend visiting because the minute you walk into TMS you will be amazed at what an authentic Montessori classroom is like.

We had decided to change our daughter’s care, from a local day care to The Montessori School about 1.5 years ago (she is now 4). At the time, we had felt that our child was not getting the best possible care. The day care seemed more like a babysitting institution that would simply try to pass the day with general activities that were applied across the board to all children. They even discouraged our bilingual daughter from speaking our native language at home, pressing us to only speak to her in English at all times. When our daughter started at the Montessori School, the difference was obvious and very noticeable. She started in the Children’s House classroom, and was gently and carefully introduced into the class. Personal attention was given to her during that time of transition, while her highly trained teacher quickly gained a sense of her most subtle qualities, those that even some of our family members didn’t know about her. Our daughter was introduced to the excellent Montessori lessons one after another in a very personalized way, based on her interests, strengths, and potential. We immediately noticed the attentiveness, personalization, and incredibly caring nature of each teacher and staff member at The Montessori School, devoted to the progress of our child. Two and a half years later, we continue to be amazed! Our daughter’s teacher continues to allow us to be involved with her development through emails and intermittent one-on-one meetings, with ideas to reinforce her lessons and education at home. Our daughter has loved going to this school and misses it so much during weekends and vacation days. She has impressively started to read full sentences and simple books at 4 years of age and loves doing simple addition. She has an appreciation for nature, art, play, and mindfulness. We enrolled our 2 year old son in the toddler class earlier this year. His toddler class teacher came for a home visit. Then, during an orientation day at the school, he was personally introduced to his classroom by her, and he has loved going to school since day 1. We’re truly grateful to the Montessori system of (especially early) education, where it is implemented quite sincerely at The Montessori School. Their dedication to the development of our children is truly a wonder.