Quotes from Parents

Quotes from Parents from Our 2005-2006
Program Evaluation

Did you feel your child was using appropriate materials at school?
        "Yes - he would alter home materials to mimic the classroom."

Did you enjoy the special events?
        "It was so nice getting the families together."
        "Yes. I loved the songs."
        "These were wonderful and will remain special memories!"

Did you enjoy the parent's nights?
        "They were informative and it was nice to get to know the other parents."

Did you feel your child had a happy and productive year?
        "My child always looked forward to school days and I feel she has grown so much."
        "My child has grown so much. He loves school."
        "Yes. I am extremely pleased with my child's school year."
        "Yes, I have seen my child grow and develop, he is a confident boy and is always surprising us                 with his vocabulary and skills. He is always looking forward to going to school and is                 proud of his Montessori school."

What do you like best about the school?
        "All of the events including the families and field trips"
        "The nature study, classroom animals and hatching chick eggs"
        "The physical setting, the learning tools and methods, the relaxing atmosphere and teachers                 personalities."
        "The feedback from the teachers, the materials are so beautiful, the newsletters."
        "The quiet/calmness in the atmosphere - the importance put on life and learning and the person                 that each student is."
        "Intimate classroom and teacher involvement - the teachers really care about each child."
        "I love the way the children are treated. It is obvious how much you care for the children."
        "Teachers, materials, cleanliness, uncluttered."
        "The organization and quality of the materials, and the philosophy."

Additional comments:
        "You guys are the best! You are really what make the school so wonderful."
        "Thank you for a very successful and happy year - you must be very pleased! We are so happy                 and my child is a very lucky boy to have had this opportunity."
        "I felt my child was safe and all the materials were age appropriate."
        "Kathy and Sasha were always positive with my child."
        "We look forward to another great year."
        "The nurturing atmosphere in the classroom is so wonderful to see. I truly appreciate how well                 my child is loved! Thank you!"
        "The teachers make the school! There was time to talk to the teachers. I appreciate being                 informed as to the events of the morning."

Quotes from Parents from Our 2007-2008
Sandcastles Montessori Preschool Program Evaluation

Do you feel your child was challenged at SMP? How? Why?
        "Yes! And there are too many ways to name them all, but namely he was challenged in finding                 his way in a classroom setting - following rules, interacting socially, being                 independent…"
         "Yes we have noticed how much he has learned and improved from last year. We have noticed                 what he has learned in comparison to kids his age in other schools."

Do you feel there was time to communicate with the teachers? Why?
        "I believe ample opportunity is available to communicate with the teachers. Both in person,                 over the phone, e-mail or notes."
        "You always make an effort to let us know how our child is doing."

Was your child comfortable with the teachers? Why?
        "Yes. You are all very different and all very effective in teaching methods. And very caring and                 loving."
        "The new teachers are fabulous too. All of you are very patient and caring. My daughter loves                 each of you."
        "Extremely! The love he feels for you and you for him is obvious."

Please describe what you and/or your child like about the following aspects of the preschool program.
Math
        "Just recently, my child has really talked quite a bit about adding and subtracting. It seems to                 have just clicked."
Geography
        "My child has become more aware of the world around him. We even work on our global map                 at home."
Practical Life
        "My child seems to have enjoyed this - especially the sewing. He's even helping more at                 home."
Social Interactions
        "I love that my daughter has friends. She started off only talking about one person and now she                 talks about all the children as her friends."
        "My child has become more conscious of those around him. He's become better at sharing                 and trading as well as saying please, thank you, and excuse me."
Specials - Art, Music, and Movement
        "These activities round out an already wonderful curriculum."
Gatherings
        "Very special! My child loves when we get to come in and participate."
Parent Conferences
        "I like meeting at the beginning and end of each year. You get to see the progress your child is                 making."
        "We like knowing how he has improved and what we need to work on with him."
Newsletters
        "I really enjoyed these. I saved them all and made copies for grandparents - near and far - to                 see what you've been up to."
        "I love, love, love the newsletters. They are informative and fun to read."

Additional Comments
        "Overall my child has benefited from SMP. He is polite, helpful, and respectful. I believe it is                 really from his school environment."
        "We are extremely lucky to have found you. This has been such an amazing experience for all                 of us."
        "I honestly didn't think I would like the Montessori Method of teaching, I thought my child would                 need more structure, more traditional methods…in part because that's what I had, but                 your school is wonderful! I can't believe how much he has learned and how much he                 really enjoys it!"