Elisa Montanaro

“I began MSR in the toddler program, and I was in Ms. Kumar’s last Primary class. On my first day in her class, she discovered within three hours that I needed glasses, and it changed my life. As a +8 power in glasses, I desperately needed them. After the world wasn’t just a big shadow, I really began learning. Montessori made my childhood experiences fun, and I learned so much without even realizing it. There were some tears in Lower El as the work expectations increased, but I am so thankful my parents stuck it out and listened to Ms. Dolores and Ms. Diane that I could do the work. They believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself, and I left Lower Elementary ready for the challenging program of Upper Elementary. That’s what we called the pinnacle where it all came together for some of the best days of my education so far. I’m still disappointed that there wasn’t an adolescent program for my group! I told Ms. Shemi to please begin the adolescent program again because she should offer the opportunity of a Montessori education for as many years as possible. When I graduated and went to Darlington, I really began to understand just how valuable my education had been–not just academically but because it taught me to be confident in my abilities and face the challenges of middle school and high school with the skills I needed. Now, I attend Belmont University where I am pursuing a Music Business degree. I am so grateful for my Montessori education, and my advice is to stay in the MSR bubble as long as you can! It’s a great place to learn!”