As a proud stay-at-home mom to a (then) 2.5 year old I saw no reason to put my daughter in…read morepreschool yet. However, I was interested in some of the "Mom & Me" types of programs that I heard OFMS offered. For that reason, we all decided to take an official tour of the school and see what it was like.
We were sitting behind a one-way observation mirror that looked in on the part-time toddler classroom when my normally introverted daughter exclaims, "Play with other kids!" For those in need of a translation, that was her way of telling us she wanted INSIDE the classroom. Between her reaction and ours, needless to say, we ended up enrolling her as quickly as we could.
Oak Farm is more than most parents could hope for in a school. Seriously. It truly is a second home for our daughter. I did not cry, nor did she, on the first day of school. We were all so excited to begin this journey. For new toddlers, it was our experience that the lead teacher (there is also an asst. teacher at that level) would come to our home so she could meet our daughter on HER turf. A much less intimidating experience, especially for those on the quieter side.
Lori Z. (my daughter's teacher) is a genuine gift to the academic world. I know my daughter is in wonderful, caring, kind and respectful hands whenever she steps into her classroom. Lori is quick to answer questions and to offer encouragement (it's hard raising a toddler!). She clearly loves spending many hours of her day with our children. That in and of itself is priceless.
I'd say that probably 99% of all of my interactions with any of the staff members at OFMS have felt warm and welcoming. They are readily available to answer my never-ending stream of questions and to help me in my quest to learn more about the Montessori philosophy.
Judith Cunningham, the head of the school, is easily accessible. She has an open forum once a month or so where questions can be addressed and new ideas shared. She is a visible presence at the school and can readily be reached by email, too. (How many parents can say that about their child's principal?) Moreover, she encourages parents to give feedback and embraces new ideas. When those ideas turn into solid suggestions they get implemented, not just talked about over and over again! (How many schools seem stuck in the same old way of doing things, just because that's the ways it's always been?)
This is an environment that specializes in healthy living for the mind, body, and soul. They are accredited by the American Montessori Society, as well as ISACS (the accrediting body for independent schools in our area) and they bring life to the Montessori method in everything they do. How neat is it to see a bunch of two year olds peeling their own hard boiled eggs or to watch four year olds going down the hall to the library and checking out their own books?! What about the middle school students who used a system of levers and round fence posts to help move the chicken coop? (How many schools give our kids hands-on, real-life applications to their math and science lessons?)
OFMS is the reason we've given up several better job offers (i.e., lots
more $$) to stay in this area. I also know of at least two families who live much closer to a Montessori school in Fort Wayne, yet CHOOSE to drive 40 minutes or so one-way to have their children enrolled here at Oak Farm.
Come see for yourself. It's hard to know just what a gem this school is until you step inside and feel the amazing vibe emanating from our children absorbed in their work.
Good luck in finding the best academic fit for your family.
Feel free to visit http://www.oakfarm.org/ for more information.
P.S. Ask to try one of Jill (their chef's) famous muffins to find out how great their school lunch program is first-hand!