Testimonials
Jennie Pruitt Mother of toddler/primary studentJase began MSR in the toddler program in Ms. Ginny and Ms. Pam’s class. The compassion, love, and patience the Montessori teachers show Jase continues to shape my parenting. Four years later, I understand the difference in the Montessori method. We have felt the compassion from teachers helping us through difficult transitions. I have listened to the patient voices assuring me that phases pass. I have received advice that seemed counterintuitive but worked so beautifully. It is so apparent through the actions of the teachers that learning is key; however, I have witnessed that fostering the love of learning is a top priority. This is the thing I love the most about Montessori. I have watched the practical, hands-on learning style of Montessori and how the “work” they do in the classroom has shaped who Jase is becoming outside of a classroom. We try to foster the same environment at home with limited screen time and access to create what his imagination can dream, still following the “let them get dirty” attitude my mother let me experience. I don’t believe this possible without the alignment Montessori allows us to have. I often find myself watching him play or amazed that he enjoys doing his homework. Montessori is Home. The cliché saying that it takes a village is true; however, now I know selecting the right village is key. Until Jase’s third year of Primary, we had thought we would move him to public school. As we watch him grow academically and socially, we realize that Montessori feels like the right village for us.
Denise Mullaney Montessori Parent“The commitment of the teachers as they guide our children toward the path of a love of learning, and an environment devoted to diversity, curiosity, and creativity are just a few reasons we love this school. To watch our daughters delight in a discovery over something they have learned, or take pride in an accomplishment and then to take that confidence and use it to help other students in nurturing, encouraging ways is simply beautiful to observe as a parent. Our girls are growing into thoughtful, creative, caring citizens of the world, and we are grateful to Montessori School of Rome for fostering an environment for that to happen.”
Shay Ray Mother of MSR graduates and grandmother of current student“One of the best decisions I ever made in my life was sending Braylen to the Montessori School of Rome. Such a blessing to have him taught and loved by such wonderful people. “
Bridget Ivey Montessori Graduate“I enjoyed being able to work at my own pace without feeling pressured. After I graduated from MSR and went to middle school, I was surprised at how far ahead I was in my studies. Also, I noticed my work ethic was strong, and my thinking patterns were more independent than some of my classmates. Recently, I was admitted to the McWhorter School of Pharmacy, and I know that my foundations will help me during the difficult journey ahead!”
Juhi Varshney Montessori Graduate“I attended the Montessori School of Rome for eight years. My MSR experience began when I was a third-year primary student in what would be Mrs. Kumar’s last class and continued until I completed seventh grade- and I loved every moment of it. Montessori’s unique teaching style creates a learning environment that encourages questions, values diversity, and enables students, and I could not be more grateful for the skills I gained here.
It seems like education today is all about numbers- about grades and standardized test scores and other forms of extrinsic motivation that seems to stifle the purest form of learning. My experience at MSR was vastly different. Our teachers were wonderful and compassionate and nurturing, and they worked with each student’s individual needs. I remember all of them encouraging me to take on new challenges and work ahead to make sure I was never bored. I got to control my own learning, and they facilitated my acceleration with so much enthusiasm and love. Whether I was hunched over at a desk or huddled around the green lesson table or sprawled beside a rug on the ground, the greatest reward for my hard work was a sense of satisfaction and pride. I looked forward to coming to class each day. I wanted to complete more Albanesi cards that day than I did the day before- write more in my morning journal, copy notes from the board more quickly and cleanly. I think there was a healthy sense of competition, but greater than that was just this drive to be the best that I could be. MSR really helped cultivate my love for learning. I wasn’t embarrassed to be smart, and I wasn’t afraid to ask questions, and I was never ashamed of wanting to learn more. I can’t overstate how far this attitude has carried me and continues to carry me today in college. Even now, I enjoy reading my chemistry textbooks and asking questions in large lecture halls and working for hours on end in preparation for a test. What a gift it has been to truly love learning.Growing up as an Indian-American in a predominantly white town can be a daunting challenge, but I never felt that identity crisis because MSR was so open to appreciating new cultures. My Indian heritage seemed to fit so seamlessly, and I never remembering being uncomfortable with it. I studied remarkable Indian people of the past for Historical Timeline and delved into Ancient India one International Day where I wore a half-sari and ate Indian food with pride. I remember being a budding Bharatanatyam dancer and showing some of the younger classes a dance I had just learned and their warm response really solidified my appreciation and love for a sacred art that has now become irrevocably intertwined with my life. It almost baffles me to look back on my experience and remember how all cultures –not just my own- were respected and celebrated because such true cultural diversity is just so rare in our world today. We had Spanish and French lessons, dressed up like ancient Egyptians, sang Japanese songs at the Holiday Program, and even traveled to England with our class of four adolescents, a trip that I will cherish forever.
The mixed age classrooms were one of my favorite aspects of the Montessori environment. Getting to help the younger students not only reinforced concepts that I had learned before, but it taught me how to be a role model and how to be a leader. Working with the older students that I looked up to presented a constant challenge of reaching their level- one that I thoroughly enjoyed. The values of honesty, kindness, and integrity that I learned at home were reinforced each and every day in the classroom, equipping me with a high moral fiber that I uphold today. There was never any gender bias- never once did I feel lower or lesser or not enough because I was girl; this was so fundamental to my personal development that I was baffled to learn that many of my fellow female peers in college did not receive the same treatment when they were younger. The idea that teachers favor boys or that girls are conditioned to believe that they can’t achieve as much as boys can is so foreign to me based on my own personal experiences, even though it seems to be a prevalent, if tacit, notion in our society.
I am so grateful to the Montessori School of Rome and to Maria Montessori and her philosophy for creating a nurturing learning environment and constantly challenging me with rigorous academics. For helping me every single step of the way as I developed into an independent, inquisitive, hard-working, honest, accountable, responsible, compassionate Indian-American, woman, student, friend, mentor, role model, and leader. For helping me create friendships with other students and my teachers that will last a lifetime. And for enabling me to love learning, to always work my hardest, to never give up, and to always be the best version of myself.
I look back on my days at MSR fondly, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for high-achieving children of all ages and backgrounds.”
Mary Beth Cauthen Mother of two Montessori graduates“Best school in the world! My kids turned out pretty darn great and I credit MSR with most of it!”
Anna Loyd 2009 Graduate“The friendships and memories I made during my nine years at Montessori will last a lifetime. I will always cherish the hands on experience and amazing atmosphere Montessori offered; there’s no place like it! Being able to say I have had the same best friend for fifteen years through Montessori is quite remarkable. I can’t thank the incredible teachers enough for pushing me to excel and doing my best. Attending Montessori was a wonderful experience that I will always appreciate.”
Kaylie Martin, Secondary studentI have been a student here since I was eighteen months old, and through my time here, I have experienced events such as International Day, Historical Timeline, and May Day that are unique to this school. Montessori has shaped me into the person I am today by helping me develop personal responsibility and a strong work ethic.
At Montessori, I formed a close connection with my teachers and classmates of all ages, allowing me to feel a sense of community. Because of our emphasis on community service, our school makes us feel we are involved in something bigger than ourselves.
The one on one time available with our teachers helps secure the foundations that will develop the child’s love of learning. These are all important skills in helping the child grow successfully into a mature, young adult, something that is difficult to find anywhere else.
Kaylie Martin
Suzannah Peek Former MSR student“I attended Montessori from Primary to Upper Elementary fifth year. I have found that the skills I acquired at MSR have been extremely beneficial to me throughout high school. One of my favorite memories was working through any issues with fellow classmates on the peace rug. Now that I’m older, I realize how valuable the curriculum is at MSR. From an early age, the classroom is divided between subjects such as math, language, and practical life tasks. I am so thankful for my time at Montessori, and I will carry the memories with me forever.”
Lelia Stina Mother of current primary student“When I became a mom and the time came to send my child to be in someone else’s hand, I asked myself how Luca will spend his days. After researching the Montessori method, I realized it is not only an educational process for your child, but also for yourself. The focus is on educating your child and helping develop parenting skills. There is a partnership between the school, the parent, and the child. I believe that the best investment to the future is education. So, Luca began MSR at the age of 18 months.
I have seen my child grow and develop beautifully. At the age of 5, his vocabulary, social skills, and understanding of life is quite impressive. I remember when Ms. Shannon, two months before Luca’s 3rd birthday, prepared Luca for a big step towards achieving self-independence. She also helped me work with him as he became potty trained!
The MRS community is an invaluable resource which we enjoy. The other parents become familiar with one another as we share our daily life routines. We have joy and peace that our children are being educated with kindness, knowledge and by guides who have a true love for children.
My Luca is a happy boy, who loves his teachers, enjoys going to school, and learns to treat living and non-living things with respect and kindness. All the structure and techniques through the years have helped Luca develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning while having fun.
I couldn’t be more pleased with the job of MSR educators give every day; surely you won’t regret it either.”