High educational standards, capable educators and french instruction only a few of the reasons this teacher chose moncton montessori school for his son’s pre-school and kindergarten years
Several years ago I faced a question that all parents of young children must answer: finding the best possible place for your child to spend his or her day while you, the parent, must be at work. There are so many aspects to consider – your child’s safety, emotional well-being, and social development to name a few – and you realize that whatever choice you make will have a lifelong effect on your child. I chose Moncton Montessori School, and I am pleased to be able to say that it was the best choice I could have made.
I based this decision partly on my own research into the Montessori Method of education, but mainly on my tour of the school and my meeting with its Directress, Riza Espiridion. Ms Espiridion instantly impressed me with her intelligence and character; she is one of those few people you meet in a lifetime whom you know immediately are reliable, compassionate and capable. She explained her school’s program clearly and simply, and showed me around her facility, and by the time the meeting was through I was more than ready to sign on the dotted line.
I enrolled my son in the school’s Casa program for pre-school children. He made many friends, and learned a surprising amount: the school has high standards of education, and I was impressed that he was learning things at four years old that most children are only introduced to in 1st grade, at the earliest. Most of all, I was glad that he enjoyed the school and clearly had such a positive experience. In fact, I was so impressed that I decided to hold off on public school for the next year, and kept him at Moncton Montessori School for his kindergarten year instead: it was well worth it. Beyond basic reading and writing, he learned geography, some science and – I was very pleased with this – French, which is no longer offered in early years at public school. By the end of the year, I felt he was more than prepared for a successful transition to public school… though I must say, if Moncton Montessori School offered grade 1, he would probably still be there!
I cannot say enough about his teachers. They are such smart, kind women, who know how to run a disciplined school environment while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Tasha Lutes-Meunier and Sarah Sutherland were my son’s main instructors, and I’ll always be grateful to them for the work they did. Thanks also to my son’s other teachers. Together, and under the direction of the amazing Riza Espiridion, they are probably the single best teaching staff in the province.
I am a teacher myself, at the high school level, and so know better than most the challenges faced by our profession. And while I feel our public schools still do an excellent job, I know I made the right choice for my son. If you are the parent of a pre-school or kindergarten-aged child, you owe it to them to investigate Moncton Montessori School.
—Bill MacGillivray, parent of student, 2007–2009
Moncton Montessori School instilled a desire to learn and succeed
My four children attended Moncton Montessori School. The lifeskills and academic foundation that the school provided have enabled my children to have a keen desire to learn and succeed.
—Mrs Jill Irving, parent of students for over 10 years
Freedom within limits has instilled a quiet confidence in my son that he will carry throughout his life
When I enrolled our precious son, Will, at the tender age of 30 months, I received some “looks” from other parents in our social circle. “He is too young,” I often heard. Our son has thrived in this unique learning environment. No longer are we throwing him into the chaotic environment of daycare and hoping that he might learn something new that day. We have invested in our son’s future. He has amassed this great deal of pride in his work. He calls himself a “hard worker”, and has suddenly become so tolerant of others and is genuinely interested in others’ points of view.
We watched him stand in respect when our National Anthem was sung at a recent Remembrance Day ceremony. He belted the lyrics to O Canada at the top of his lungs, while other 3 year-olds played in their seats.
He recently brought home a map of the world and quickly informed us that lions live in Africa, and penguins are from Antarctica. He has been diligently working on his map of the world for 3 months, and taught himself, through colours and shapes all of the continents of our great world.
The high level of educational standards that his teachers uphold is key in laying this foundation for my son. Freedom within limits has instilled a quiet confidence in my son that he will carry throughout his entire life.
—Heather Noseworthy, parent of former student
Moncton Montessori School helps children develop to the level of which they are truly capable
At the age of 3, the children are learning more than in my son’s kindergarten class in public school. To me, this shows what children are truly capable of. [With regard to French as a Second Language], again, our child at Moncton Montessori School is receiving more French instruction than in public school. We love it! – Parent’s Response to the School’s Fall 2009 Survey
—Parent of current student and of 2007-2009 student
A great change for the better
When my daughter and son-in-law informed me they were enrolling my grandson, Oliver, in the Casa program at Moncton Montessori School, I was curious if a child of only 2 1/2 years needed to attend pre-school. I am proud to say that Oliver has blossomed over the last year becoming more confident, gaining social skills, making friends, and learning academic and life skills.
I have had the opportunity to drop off and pick up my grandson from the school and have noticed how wonderful the staff are with all the children. I would like to thank the staff for their unique ability to bring out the best in my grandson and would highly recommend Moncton Montessori School to any parent, grandparent or guardian considering pre-school.
—Don Lenehan, one very pleased grandparent
Teachers are professional and really get to know the students
June 21, 2010
Dear Moncton Montessori School,
We want to extend our thanks to all of the teachers at Moncton Montessori. Our child’s transition to your school in February was welcoming and seamless. We are pleased with the improvement in our son’s independence and problem solving skills since attending your school.
We were very pleased at his parent-teacher meeting by some of the comments made by his teacher. It was obvious that she had gotten to know our son and maximized his learning by tailoring things to his personality. She knew how to encourage as well as hold his attention to the task at hand. We appreciate her taking the time to get to know the ‘real’ child.
Our son looked forward to going to school each day. We all felt comfortable as we had gotten to know the staff. Their professionalism made us feel that our son was being well cared for.
Thanks for giving our son a great experience in his beginning education!
Sincerely,
Neil and Danielle Dwyer