The Montessori School

My children started at The Montessori School at age 3. I am beyond pleased with the academic work and the wonderful relationships the teachers (guides) have with their students. Classes are grouped in 3 year cycles, so my kids have the same teacher for 3 years. They are able to get to know my child and form a relationship of respect. Academically both my kids are above their peers in every subject. My 2nd grader has no required homework but is expected to read something every night, and we are encouraged to help memorize multiplication tables. So different from the hours of homework friends in other schools have. Yet my child and the other 2nd graders at TMS, are ahead of them. I was so impressed that the 1st graders were doing research reports about an animal of their choice, including 3 references and an oral presentation. The teachers undergo a rigorous training program that is evident in the classroom. Each classroom is a community of students who are expected to respect and teach each other. The older children in the classes have responsibilities to teach and assist their younger classmates (3-K, grades 1-3,4-6). They are creating leaders at TMS. And my kids LOVE TMS.
--Submitted by a parent

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! Our children are in the Lower Elementary program (grades 1-3) and we are constantly impressed by the quality of the work they do each day. The academics are far superior to what we have seen anywhere else - public or private. From math to science to creative writing to geography - the concepts are presented in an interesting, individualized/customized manner using the Montessori materials. Students are introduced to engineering concepts, public speaking, research papers, environmental studies.....you really need to stop in to see how challenging the work is - yet how much the students LOVE it and thrive in the classroom. Our children are truly learning life lessons here in a peaceful and caring environment. We cannot say enough about the staff - the teachers and the administrators are caring, approachable, and knowledgeable. The Montessori School is the best thing we have ever done for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely one of the best decisions my husband and I ever made was choosing The Montessori School for our daughter s education! While the exterior of the school is not very exciting, the school more than makes up for it with their curriculum, staff and education experience. The TMS program operates true to Maria Montessori s principles and is delivered by one of the most dedicated faculty and administration staff. I am constantly amazed by the results this Montessori education has awarded my girls and all the graduates. It provides our children with a foundation of knowledge and skill sets that prepares them for higher level education. Our children learn to master research, collaboration, public speaking and time management all by the sixth grade! In addition to the curriculum, TMS teaches our children the importance of respect for others and peaceful behavior. In comparison to what other school s offer, the tuition is a bargain. I couldn t imagine my girls going to any other school. We are so happy to have found TMS!
--Submitted by a parent

Our family feels fortunate to have found this hidden gem. Our son is a kindergartner and has attended The Montessori School for 3 years so far, and we are amazed at how and how much he is learning. For example, while we were on vacation last year, he was begging us to write out three and four digit addition and subtraction problems for him, which he quickly solved. This summer, he was adding in his head and singing "2+2 is 4, 4+4 is 8..." up through "4,096 + 4,096 is 8,192." As much as I want to brag about my own child, it isn't that. The environment and method used at TMS is the magic. Each child is able to investigate what they are interested in and ready for. Also, with the mixed age group (age 3 to 6) kids learn to help and be helped, and are both challenged by and respectful of the achievements of others. Incredibly, my son and his young peer group at TMS already have developed an ability to concentrate, and they know how to write, read books, know continents and countries, have a strong understanding of numbers operations and geometry, etc. I highly recommend TMS to any parent hoping for their child's love of learning to be nurtured and to give their child a head start.
--Submitted by a parent

TMS is an amazing gem! It has the most wonderful faculty of any school - public or private - that I know of. The facilities are, in candor, ugly, but the low active buzz in the air, the quality of work and interest of the children is palpable. You can tell they put their money where it matters - in the teachers and the materials. The school provides a deeply caring environment where academic rigor is accomplished through each individual student's own interest and drive. It is really an extraordinary thing to see. I feel so lucky that we found the school for our two daughters! Plus, it's a bargain compared with other independent schools!
--Submitted by a parent

A Montessori education is designed to support and endorse children's natural styles of learning. The Montessori School (formerly called New Horizons) is Montessori done right. I have a child in kindergarten and one in second grade. All along the way, their skillful guides encourage them to take risks, make mistakes and get messy. That mentality helps ensure that children maintain their curiosity and eagerness for learning. At this school, kids are permitted to explore what interests them most, but the curriculum also makes sure they learn everything they need to succeed. My kindergartner is thrilled to be reading books, writing journal entries, and learning about fractions. My second-grader can't wait to complete her "required work" so she can move on to the "fun" task of researching, writing and orally presenting a report on her favorite animal. She also is competent with several math concepts that I didn't think a child of her age could grasp: square roots, word problems, basic algebra. I also love the mindful consideration given to the fact that children (and adults) need time outdoors to feel happy. I can't say enough good things about this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school provides the strongest elementary level academics we've found (18month -6th grade). Students have strong bond with their teachers. There is a heart-warming, vibrant energy in every classroom and the students seem quite happy.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. We have two children in the preschool there in two different classrooms and are exceptionally happy with both. We plan to stay through sixth grade. The staff is very caring and kind. They always put the children first. That being said, not all staff have the greatest adult to adult communication skills. My kids are taught problem solving and independent thinking - even at 3 years old. They play, explore nature and just have fun. This is a small private school. If you are looking for a traditional, large private school it is not the place for you. The front office staff is on first name with all the parents. It is a very casual, open atmosphere. The best way to experience New Horizons is to visit!
--Submitted by a parent

I would highly recommend this school. My husband and I attended a parent education night and were pleased with the teachers, the quality of work that was represented, and the stimulating, beautiful environment. I have yet to see another school in the area like this one.
--Submitted by a teacher

I teach at a local community college and frequently recommend my education students to observe in the New Horizon Montessori classrooms. I believe the school provides the perfect opportunity for my students to see children who are internally satisfied and excited to learn.
--Submitted by a teacher