I shared a tour with my good friend and business partner yesterday to learn about her daughter's school and to learn more about their expansion. Now I believed I was doing simply that....attending the tour to identify where I could be a physical help to the school and possibly build business relationships. Well I received a whole lot more!
When I arrived on the campus, I was greeted by my host, a young man, age 11. He was polite and courteous, and held a meaningful conversation. Now to us adults, we may think a meaningful conversation, with an 11 year old, means that he answered all of my questions in order to maintain the conversation. Well I was totally surprised. He actually asked me questions, which gave him information about my 11 year son, what school he attends and that he as well as my son keep all parents on their feet by always being busy. Now let me point out, this young man, was opening the door for me, extending his hand for me to enter the way first, and articulately directing me to my destination, while having this conversation.
My surprises did not end there.
After meeting and introducing myself to the other attendees. I listened to the dream and vision of the school director and immediately became emotionally attached. Now I know my personal educational journey for my children and how I can truly be anal when it comes educational choices for them, but to hear of another personal journey and to see the bricks and mortar result, was really emotionally. I was totally ready to see these children.
Now, I will share that my eldest child (now 21 years old) attended a Montessori school from pre-school age to 5 yrs old, but I was no way prepared for the experience that took place over the next 50 minutes.
First, we entered the infant to 18 month old classroom. This room is completely "shoe-free". Yes, all of us on the tour had to take our shoes off. We entered a room totally designed for these "little people". I call them little people, because the school has designed the room with no limitations for them and allows them to explore their independence. The beds are on the floor; there are no cribs, bouncy seats, high chairs, etc. Yes, no high chairs. These little people have tables that are designed for them low to the floor and as soon as the children are able to sit on their own, they sit at the table. They will drink from cups/glasses, no sippy cups, and use "little people" sized bowl, plates, and silverware, as well as their fingers should they choose to. It was joyful to see.
Next, the school shared how the 18 month to 3 year old children, explore their independence during their lunch. After the children finish eating, they remove their plates, clear any remaining food from their plates into the trash, and wash and rinse their dishes in another area completely designed for "little people". Of course, these items are thoroughly cleaned later by the school.
In the 3 to 6 year old classroom, we observed another of the school's methodology of teaching the children early skills in public speaking. These children were sharing an item they brought from home with explaining all the details about their item.
Of course, witnessing the children in the 6 to 9 year old and 9 to 12 year old classrooms revealed a who different level of independence and respect along with a huge appetite for learning. These classrooms showed children learning while seated on the floor, independent learning on a sofa full of cozy pillows and some working on the computer, researching.
Another of the school's methodology is to include the outdoors into the full scope of the children's education. The environment is strictly a natural environment, with trees and plants. The children are prepared to have a complete learning experience outside, with books and educational toys as well. I do not remember seeing any swings, play gyms, etc outside. Additionally, the children beginning at ages 3 enjoy their lunch outside, with their teachers. Each table provides the children with a family style environment and teaches them the etiquette of sharing while enjoying a wonderful lunch.
Aahhh, I saved one of the best for last.....the school provides a hot, ORGANIC, lunch. Now, I always talk of adding organic groceries to my meals, organic fruit, organic chicken, and maybe even organic nuts. But reading a sample menu of lunch at the school taught me that I am in no way organic. Heck, I am not even on my way. But I would love to have lunch at Desert Garden Montessori. Desert Garden also has a wonderful organic garden, in which the children share in the work of the garden.
OK, for those that are reading this and know what the true methods of a Montessori school are, may be thinking that I have not really shared anything significant or different about Desert Garden Montessori. And may be I didn't. But until you experience the truly welcoming and loving environment of the school, you will never know how truly different they are.
On the tour, the director shared that when she was searching for a school environment for her 3 year son, she looked for key qualities in the school....Did it smell, or have an odor when you walked in? What was the vibe of the school? Was there a community unit within the school?
Well I can tell you, Desert Garden did have an odor when we walked in. An odor of cleanliness. Each classroom, smelled clean, and fresh and our tour took place between 10:00 to 11:00. (I would love to know what products they use). The vibe was welcoming, each teacher, and staff member we passed, greeted us with eye contact, verbal hello's and smiles. The children talked with us, and smiled. I watched them run over, hug the director and share their grades from a project. The entire school is a community...the parents are involved in the school, whether as staff or volunteers.
Again, I am a true advocate of strong primary education, my eldest in his senior year at University of Arizona after two years at University of Oregon, my daughter a freshman at Xavier College Preparatory, and my youngest at Benjamin Franklin Charter School, a 6th grader completing 7th grade curriculum. But, if I had 11 years to do all over again, I would have been right there when Desert Garden Montessori opened and my children would have completed their primary education there.
For more information on Desert Garden Montessori or tour information, visit their website www.desertgardenmontessori.com.
(opinions in this blog are of Bettina Vance Johnson)
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