Central Montessori Schools: Parent Interview with Patrizia Cortese

Watch our Parent interview with Patrizia Cortese to hear firsthand what children experience and how they grow at Central Montessori Schools.

Transcript of the interview

What’s unique about Central Montessori Schools’ program?

I think that it has two components to it. Central Montessori Schools’ program has a play component, and they still maintain the educational component that is similar to what they do in the day-to-day school. I like that they are still able to continue with their curriculum through the camp, but at the same time, when they are teaching them the lessons, they’re made very fun.

It’s summer camp, and the children are still enjoying themselves, and it’s still playful and fun for them. So I feel like that’s one of the unique features of Central Montessori Schools’ summer camp.

How did you know that Central Montessori Schools’ program was the right fit?

We’ve been with Central Montessori Schools for a little while. My son, who’s now eight, started with them for preschool, so before JK. A lot of the teachers who do the summer camp are the same as during the academic year.

I also learned very quickly in preschool and then junior and senior kindergarten that he didn’t like change. So when I learned that they offered summer camp with some of the same teachers teaching the camp, I thought that it was a good fit for us because it wasn’t going to be a lot of change for him.

So far, no regrets. We’ve enjoyed it, they love it, and they’ve done really well going there.

Was there any noticeable personal growth in your child after time at Central Montessori Schools’ program?

I did see the boost of confidence, and I think that they also loved meeting new people. There are children from outside of the school who attend the summer camp, so I think they felt good going there and knowing the teachers and kind of knowing a little bit of the routine around the school when they compared themselves to other children who were external.

While a lot of the teachers are the same, they also have student teachers who attend the camps and help out. And they really like that—the newness, the freshness, and the younger teachers. I think that they find it really cool, and they really thrive on that.

How can a parent support their child to get the most out of Central Montessori Schools’ program?

I think just encouraging the children to try new things, to go for it, and to enjoy each day. On a day-to-day basis, the camp structure is very different. They try to have modules or themes on a two-week rotation.

Just really encourage the children to get the most out of it, cooperate, and learn. It’s not just about having fun; they’re still learning, which is kind of nice. So just support them, encourage them to learn new things and talk to different people, and make the best of their experience.

What does your child say about Central Montessori Schools’ program?

I actually asked them in preparation for this interview today, and they said, “Tell them that we love it. It’s so much fun.”

They love that there are new teachers and that they’re young students. I think they feel like it’s easier for them to relate to them. And I think they have a lot of fun.

My son is like the Energizer Bunny, and so he never really gets tired. And when he comes home from camp, in a good way, he’s exhausted. So that tells me that he’s having a blast during the day while he’s at the camp. So I’m happy about that.

Any final thoughts about Central Montessori Schools’ programs?

For any parents who are interested and who are researching Central Montessori Schools for summer camp, I think that you will not regret it. It’s a great camp. The teachers are very caring and nurturing. The administrators of the school are fantastic. They’re always accommodating and willing to stop and answer any questions. I’ve never, to be honest, had a bad experience.

The children love it. They enjoy the interaction with the other students and with the teachers and just have a lot of fun. So I would definitely recommend it if someone asked me, “Would you send your children there or recommend it?” The answer is yes, definitely I would. I think overall it’s been a great experience for our family.