REVIEW OF Enquiring Minds Montessori BY parent, Sherron Mohammed

(4) Student Experience

As a parent whose child attended a private school from preschool to grade 6, I would say that their experience was quite enriching and unique. One of the things my child appreciated the most about the school was the small class sizes and the close-knit community. With fewer students in each class, the teachers were able to give more individualized attention and provide a nurturing learning environment. The school's emphasis on academics allowed my child to explore their interests in a variety of areas. The curriculum was well-rounded and included not only core subjects like math, science, and language arts but also art and music. This holistic approach to education helped my child develop a broader perspective and a well-balanced set of skills. However, as with any experience, there were also a few things that my child found disappointing. One of the main drawbacks was the lack of diversity within the student body. Although the small size of the school's community allowed for a tight-knit environment, it also meant limited exposure to people from different cultural backgrounds. My child expressed a desire to learn more about various cultures and perspectives, which they felt would enrich their understanding of the world.

(4) School Leadership

I can confidently say that the school's leadership and administration played a role in shaping my child's experience. One aspect that stands out about the school leadership and administration is their strong commitment to creating a positive school environment. The staff were highly approachable and actively engaged with both students and parents. They fostered a sense of open communication, making it easy for parents to voice their concerns. Regular parent-teacher meetings ensured that parents were well-informed about school activities. My child's experience at the private school was positive, largely due to the exemplary leadership and administration. The school's commitment to creating a positive and nurturing environment and its open communication with students and parents made it a place where my child felt supported and encouraged to thrive both academically and personally.

(4) Teaching

I am delighted with the quality of instruction provided. The school has passionate and knowledgeable teachers who are dedicated to their subjects and committed to nurturing their students' academic growth. They employ effective communication skills, keeping parents well-informed about their child's progress and any areas that may need attention. The teachers go beyond just imparting knowledge; they foster a love for learning and encourage critical thinking. My children were consistently challenged academically, which helped them excel in their studies. Simultaneously, the school offers the necessary support to ensure their success, making sure no student is left behind. Overall, the private school experience has been incredibly enriching for my child. The combination of exceptional instruction, passionate educators, effective communication, and balanced challenge and support has created a nurturing environment for their education and personal development.

(4) Academics

I can attest to the enriching academic experience offered by the school. The school's academic strengths lie in its commitment to fostering independent thinking, creativity, and a love for learning. The Montessori approach encourages hands-on learning, personalized education and allows children to progress at their own pace, which has been beneficial for my child's development. The academic culture at Enquiring Minds Montessori is nurturing and inclusive. The teachers create a supportive atmosphere that encourages curiosity and exploration, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students. I believe that Enquiring Minds Montessori has adequately prepared my child for life's next steps. The emphasis on independent thinking, adaptability, and self-motivated learning has equipped my child with valuable skills for future challenges. One of the school's weaknesses, however, is its limited emphasis on structured assessments and standardized testing. While this approach nurtures a holistic education, it might not fully prepare students for the assessment-driven environments they may encounter in higher grades or beyond.

(4) Extracurriculars

I can say that my experience with extracurricular opportunities was generally positive. The school provided a range of extracurricular activities that allowed students to explore different interests and develop diverse skills. There were indeed adequate opportunities for both competition and fun. The school offered various crafts activities, music lessons, and photography. These opportunities allowed students to engage in friendly competitions, showcase their talents, and collaborate with peers. The school's emphasis on extracurricular activities contributed to fostering well-rounded students. It encouraged students to explore beyond the classroom and discover their passions, promoting personal growth and character development.

(4) Students

I can describe the unique characteristics of the student population as relatively small, with a tight-knit community of students and staff. The overall feel and spirit of the student body were warm and friendly, as everyone seemed to know each other well. One of the standout features of the general atmosphere was the sense of camaraderie and inclusivity. With a smaller student body, it was easier for students to form strong connections and friendships with one another. The dynamic between students was generally positive, and conflicts were relatively rare. Bullying was less prevalent due to the close supervision and the strong emphasis on fostering a respectful and compassionate environment. The students' interactions were marked by a sense of respect and mutual understanding. However, one challenge of the small student body was the limited diversity in perspectives and experiences. And the lack of a more diverse student population could have been a limitation in terms of exposure to different viewpoints and experiences.

(4) School Life

I can confidently say that my child had a positive experience overall. The quality of student life at the school was commendable, with a strong emphasis on nurturing each child's individuality and fostering a love for learning. My child loved going to school at Enquiring Minds Montessori for several reasons. Firstly, the school provided a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The teachers and staff were genuinely caring and attentive, creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. The Montessori approach allowed my child to explore subjects at their own pace, which instilled a sense of autonomy and curiosity, making the learning process enjoyable. Additionally, the school offered a variety of engaging extracurricular activities, such as excursions, art classes, and hands-on science projects, which further enriched my child's educational experience and encouraged their passions. For prospective families, it's essential to know that Enquiring Minds Montessori prioritizes holistic education and values individuality. The school focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and social skills alongside academic knowledge. Parents who seek a nurturing and personalized learning environment that encourages self-directed learning and fosters a love for exploration and discovery may find Enquiring Minds Montessori an excellent fit for their child's educational journey.

(4) Community

One aspect that stood out was the active involvement of the parent community. Parents were encouraged to participate in various school activities and events, making them feel like valued stakeholders in their child's education. There were opportunities for parents to understand what their child was learning in the classroom and assist with extracurricular activities. The school's open-door policy made parents feel welcome to communicate with teachers and staff, fostering a collaborative relationship between home and school. Regular parent-teacher conferences and communication channels allowed for discussions about each child's progress and individual needs. However, while parental involvement was encouraged, there could have been more opportunities for parents to engage with the school beyond classroom-based activities. For example, more organized workshops, seminars, or parent-led initiatives could further strengthen the parent-school partnership and create a more comprehensive and inclusive educational experience for the children.

(3) School Location

I have some concerns about the school's location and its impact on the students' experience. The fact that the school is situated in a primarily business area with disturbing smells from local plants can be challenging for both the students and the school community. Additionally, the small size of the area around the school, coupled with its business-oriented surroundings, can limit the students' opportunities for engaging in sports or physical activities during recess. Lack of adequate space may hinder the children's ability to enjoy outdoor play, exercise, and social interaction during break times, which are essential for their overall well-being and development. It is crucial for the school administration to explore possible solutions to mitigate the negative impact of the location. This could involve implementing indoor physical activities or creative play options during recess and organizing off-site field trips to nearby parks or sports facilities.