Choosing a pre-K school or daycare for your little one is stressful, especially when research has shown that the years before kindergarten are crucial for learning and development. Parents strive to find the right place where their child can have the best chance of success. Whether or not you adhere to the Montessori principles, Tree Roots Montessori (TRM) is a top-notch environment for any child.
Here's why we chose TRM and stayed there for 3 years (ages 2-5):
1. The staff operates under a growth mindset.
We experienced a positive relationship with Ms. Hulya and her staff. Ms. Hulya has over 15+ years of experience and demonstrates a desire to stay current and advance her professional development. She attends yearly workshops and maintains a curiosity for learning. When you find an educator with such deep passion for teaching, it makes a night-and-day difference for your child.
2. The setting is ripe for learning.
It's obvious that everything at this school is designed to advance and elevate the students' learning experiences. This space is purposefully curated, impeccably organized, and remarkably clean. It continues to pass official health inspections by always adhering to their standards. Think of TRM as a daily retreat or sanctuary for your kids.
3. Intimacy yields social and emotional development.
The teacher-child ratio is optimal (including Ms. Hulya, there are 2 additional assistants on-site). The small class size helped our kid develop deeper relationships with other kids and gain a sense of collective responsibility. As younger kids grow and progress, they are encouraged to provide mentorship for incoming kids. It's these relationships that emphasize social and emotional development, making academic achievements possible (i.e. reading, writing, math skills, etc.).
4. Mealtimes cultivate positive experiences with food.
We wanted a place that stressed good nutrition and smart eating habits. TRM always has snacks on-hand (from Whole Foods) and follows a strict policy of 'no sugar or junk food' in lunches. Kids participate in setting the table and loading dishwasher, eating their veggies first, and helping with meal prep. These communal eating experiences and regular cooking activities also led to good dining etiquette and meal planning for our family at home.
5. Trust and transparency are key to everyone.
Much of TRM successes are attributed to Ms. Hulya and her teaching philosophy. This is why parents must equally invest in developing a transparent working relationship with her. We found Ms. Hulya to be open to our suggestions, honest in addressing our concerns, and willing to provide reasonable solutions for any course correction. Her communication was warm and friendly; mostly done via in-person or phone call (sometimes via text message or email).
Overall, we wouldn't trade our experiences at TRM for anything. Our child felt the support of educators who invested in his development within a loving environment. He now has self-confidence and social skills needed to transition to kindergarten. He has an enthusiasm for learning, creating the building blocks for academic success. He also discovered passions (like cooking and painting) that we'll continue to foster.
We know it's not always easy to find the right learning environment for your child. Choosing a school can be a trial-and-error process. If TRM is a good fit, you will not be disappointed. Hope this review is helpful --- and good luck!! read more
