Dropping off your child at school for the first time can be both so exciting and also terrifying. I remember reading as many reviews as I could find for the schools I was looking into and it was without a doubt the way in which parents talked about their experience with Countryside ("CSMS") that made me feel confident about my choice to enroll my then 3 year old. Here I am a whole year into my daughter attending CSMS and being a part of the community sharing enthusiastically about our experience and encouraging other parents to choose CSMS for their little one(s) and family. Our experience has gone far above and beyond all the great expectations I/my family had when we joined CSMS.
First, the Montessori curriculum is excellent. Countryside is an accredited school with small class sizes (which I value as I wanted to feel like each student, including my daughter, would get the 1:1 support and attention they need to thrive). CSMS is accredited by the most prestigious and longest-standing accrediting organization for Montessori schools; the Association of Montessori International ("AMI"). From the practical life skills, attunement to sensory periods, mindfulness practices, reading, math, history, gardening, and more everything is to the highest standards of excellence in a way that both respects the child and the child's development.
Second, Countryside fosters and values community--amongst the children, staff, and families. The children learn to be polite and respectful to their teachers and peers and learn why that's important. They eat together peacefully and make it a practice to involve each other in learning about different things happening with the children's lives (e.g., a student learned a new sport skill, reflections from a recent trip, birthday celebration, etc.). Families are strongly encouraged and welcomed to help with things around the school like gardening days, given tips and guides as to how to continue the learnings at home, help with presenting lessons (e.g., about where families are from, holiday traditions, etc.), and more. And not just the parents but siblings, grandparents, and others too!
Third, Ms. Hanne, Ms. Rodica and the other teachers are truly incredible educators and humans. From being personally greeted every single morning at drop off and pick up, to the love and care they show the children, their love for learning and helping to nourish the hunger to learn in each child, the level of detail in how they plan each month's work, special events and holidays, and beyond, their expertise in child development and the Montessori curriculum is undeniable.
Fourth, the school itself is stunning. From the beautiful montessori set up throughout the school, to the large windows that bring in natural sunlight, the consistent cleanliness and tidiness, to the large garden and playground in the back, the trees that surround the school, it's just a gorgeous facility that emanates peacefulness, joy, and care.
Most importantly, my daughter loves attending Countryside (she constantly says it!). She's made many friends, has learned a great deal (everything from learning how to take care of herself, how to prepare food, math and reading, about different countries and cultures, and more), is confident and kind, has a curious spirit and deeper desire to learn, and overall is flourishing. I've also made some friends myself with other parents which has been lovely. So, dear reader, if you are a parent or caregiver and looking for an excellent educational experience, I highly recommend Countryside Montessori School. We love it and really believe you will too! read more