Montessori School of Syracuse

I was a member of the MSS Family for 15 years - all three of my children attended this school from preschool all the way through sixth grade. My children felt loved here - the teachers are all so caring and passionate about what they do. The education they received was tailored to their individual learning styles and they were taught about the world and to be inclusive of all cultures. Montessori is about teaching the whole child - about showing children how to be independent, peaceful and caring people - that is who my children are today. Forever in your debt, Mom!

Both of our children have been at MSS for 5 years so far and I can’t imagine a better learning environment for them. The Montessori philosophy of child-lead learning in multi-age classrooms, paired with the school’s focus on peace and inclusiveness, allows for a truly remarkable educational experience. Our children are not just learning factual knowledge and how to be independent thinkers, but also how to be good friends and good citizens of the world. We are extremely grateful for the multitude of non-academic experiences that are offered such as 45 minutes of daily recess, trips to Land Lab, and lessons on grace and courtesy. Lastly, we are thankful to be part of a community of like-minded families and so greatly value the friendships we have created.

The Montessori School of Syracuse is a treasure in our community! We sent our three girls to Montessori and could not have been happier with the experience each time. What a wonderful teaching environment that is also nurturing and caring. We are firm believers in the child-centered curriculum. The teachers and staff became like family to us! We love that the girls learned hands on mathematical concepts, were exposed to a breadth of curricula that included geography (!) and developed a strong desire to acquire knowledge. They also understand time management and independent learning. Even more importantly, Montessori helped to develop them as good people and good global citizens. The oldest, who recently graduated from public high school, mentioned recently, "Montessori was great! It taught me to be a better person. The public school talks about these things, but it's not the same. At Montessori, you really learn it!" We are grateful for the school and the staff that played a very positive role in the development of our children. I will continue to recommend the school to all our friends!

Like adults, children learn when they are interested in what they are learning. And the only way to be sure that they are interested in what they are learning is to give them some choice over how and when they learn new things. This is how the Montessori School of Syracuse (MSS) works, and does it ever work! Our two oldest sons graduated from the MSS three and five years ago and our youngest son will graduate next year. The school administrators and the teachers are all fantastic. The supportive atmosphere they have provided from the school's foundation has led to the creation of a beautiful community of teachers, parents, graduates, and students. We will be forever grateful for the education and community MSS provides.

Lets begin with the words "peace", "courtesy", and "grace." As a parent of an MSS alumna who graduated June 2016 after successfully completing nine years of Montessori education, I am writing to all parents and educators out there about the amazing experience our family had. This respectful form of engaging with others has created a unique MSS culture that brings together our cultural, social, and religious diversity into celebrations of peace once a year and in celebration of each child's birthday, and you wont find blowing candles or cutting cake but each child is celebrated with affirmations and reflections celebrating the circle of life. Yet, I look back on my first year when my daughter was in the fist multi-age class from 3-6 years old, I somehow overlooked the importance and the impact that these small but mighty words will have on her education and development in latter years. As an educator myself specializing in adult learning particularly design and assessment, I cared only for the academic part, the assessment techniques, the curriculum, and yes her grades!! What - no grades, no homework, no marks whatsoever! it's true! Until maybe the 5 or 6th grade Montessori children are encouraged to be themselves, guided by their own desire to explore and observe and take their time in so doing which builds a love of learning . Parents too are invited to observe and listen and encourage. These years have gone by so quickly! I wish I had spent more time doing all that because in so doing, you partake in the incredible gift of time standing still so you can almost see in your child as you would a flower blossom, a tree grow, your child gaining confidence and trust in its environment and surroundings. With every step she/he takes, she/he will be courteous to others, gracious, and eager to learn. The Montessori School of Syracuse teachers are exceptional in every way, their dedication, compassion, and motivational abilities are always present. All these social development is well and good, and touchy feely stuff is all good but what about academic achievement you say? In response I say please take the time to observe an age 9-12 science presentation or a theatrical performance, or an guided tour during open house by a student, and last but most important their exit speech during graduation. You will be inspired, you will see Montessori students walk the walk and talk the talk. Throughout these activities, you may wonder why the teachers are not leading? Why do they sit with the audience instead of backstage with the kids? Where are the teachers you say? Hmmm....follow the child Madam Montessori will say. Thank you Montessori School of Syracuse for 9 years of social and academic teachings. My daughter today is thriving in a well renowned college prep school. She is making new friends and keeping the old MSS friends. She is making the grades. During her first week in her new school to help emotionally transition, I heard her sing softly to herself " peace, peace is caring, peace is sharing". Peace to all! October 2016

We have three children, two who have graduated and one who will be entering the upper elementary classroom next year. MSS has served our family well.. The unique learning environment has provided the children with the opportunity to grow and acquire skills they will use the rest of their life. The well rounded curriculum helps a child build social and cognitive thinking skills, as well as the pride and self-confidence to succeed. When our oldest son started at MSS we knew it was the perfect place for him. It was an environment which allowed him to grow as an independent learner. We weren't sure when the time came for our oldest daughter to attend. But she found her place there and excelled. Needless to say it was a "No Brainer" where the youngest child would continue her educational journey. With out a doubt I can honestly say if we had to do it all over again.... Wouldn't do anything different!

Our children have been a part of The Montessori School of Syracuse's community for over eight years now. They benefit from being there every step of the way, from Pre-K through Upper Elementary (4th-6th grade). The attention and care put in to planning the classroom setting and programs, along with the individualized attention delivered by the teachers - throughout ALL grade levels - is nothing short of extraordinary! How to quantify the quality of life and joy of learning our children are gaining at MSS may be incalculable. The sense of community and belonging, self-esteem, responsibility, personal growth, purpose, self-motivated learning and happiness our kids experience while at MSS is invaluable and will certainly support them throughout their lives.

Both our boys went through Pre-School and Elementary at Montessori School of Syracuse. It was the best gift we could ever give to our children. They have developed a lifelong love of learning. Montessori gave them the skills to be fully engaged in their knowledge acquisition. Both our boys are grounded young men who are curious, compassionate, and driven to make the world around them better for everyone. The faculty and community surrounding Montessori School of Syracuse makes for an ideal learning opportunity in grace and courtesy and life long love of learning.