Going out is part of the Montessori experience. The kids walk over to the grocery store to get what they need for their Friday cooking lesson, they walk over to the retirement home to give a hand with chores or to entertain the residents, they help shovel the neighbours' driveway in winter... BHMS is definitely not an island!
The surrounding neighbourhood of BHMS is safe and open. I enjoyed spending recess and gym class on the expansive school property and being able to walk across the field to Pinecrest pool for after-school activities.
The neighbourhood surrounding the school was a nice family neighbourhood; the public park we played in was always clean and we often used the soccer fields and baseball fields for sports and walked to the local swimming pool for swim lessons. While it is not a very expensive or "high class" community, I never felt unsafe, and often biked to school alone when I grew older.
The students always have the opportunity to venture around the school as it is convient-il located close to the ball park, the city community centre and also has a track and field park. Great space and location for kids to explore.