How we see Richmond Hill Montessori Private School
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How Richmond Hill Montessori Private School sees itself
"Over more than three decades of service, we have educated thousands of children in our positive and progressive learning environment. Our methods empower children to form their own identity, and strive with ambition towards the goals that they choose. The foundation that our private school provides, gives children the tools to succeed at higher levels of education and beyond."
"Specialization is a key component of RHMS. One key area of specialization at RHMS is the STEM Program. It is a meaningful cross circular platform of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This program encourages students to be creative, take risks, engage in hands-on learning and hone their problem-solving skills. This program also serves to help mentor our students for future careers in STEM fields."
"Why choose RHMS? We provide a positive learning environment, we retain an outstanding staff, we cultivate active community leaders, we inspire a healthy lifestyle, we deliver an innovative curriculum and most of all we empower children."
"One of our most important goals at RHMS is to foster the development of responsible global citizens. Simply put, we encourage our students to be good people. Starting with their immediate community and then going beyond. This goal begins with modeling examples of ways to do so and then working together with students on a variety of good will initiatives."
"RHMS takes the standard curriculum and enriches and extends it. Our teachers research and carefully select the most effective text and resource materials that will enhance in class discussions and hands-on learning in every discipline. This way our RHMS student’s enjoy unique and exciting learning that will last a lifetime."
"* RHMS has just over 600 students offering Montessori to Grade 8 classes
* The building may be large but RHMS is able to keep its intimate and nurturing small school feeling while maintaining its effective student and staff ratios.
*RHMS has invested time and resources into developing an innovative STEM program to increase Science literacy and enable the next generation of innovators."
Upper and Lower Pitch
West Pitch Playing Field
Stair access to playing fields
RHMS students use a green screen in drama class
RHMS Art Room
RHMS Music Lab
Elementary Grades 1-3 Classroom
Montessori Classroom
Elementary Grades 4-8 Classroom
RHMS Primary Science Lab
RHMS Senior Science Lab
RHMS students perform a heart transplant on a paper alien
RHMS Elementary Gym 2 During Competition
RHMS School Library
Montessori and Elementary Gym 1
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Cristina Ingravalle, Principal
Dear Friends,
Be it ever so beautiful. There’s no place like home. (L. Frank Baum)
Richmond Hill Montessori Private School is my second home; and a home-away-from-home for our students and teachers. Each morning when I arrive, I am reminded how fortunate I am to be here.
The spirit thriving within these hallways is powerful. It’s a testament to the school’s culture, developed over decades of passion, friendships and education. Students, faculty, and parents form this incredible community; a community that is caring, compassionate and supportive – an environment truly fostering the love of learning.
My own journey at RHMS began in the classroom, back in 2006. I have filled the shoes of many diverse positions, each with it an opportunity to learn about the school from another angle, and to understand the complexities of each role.
It humbles me to have a steady stream of former students and alumni, returning to share their great feats, and many adventures. Knowing the considerable victories they achieve each year not only motivates me, but reinforces the notion our school’s community is empowering young minds to find ambition and purpose in life.
Soon, my own children will be joining the RHMS community and walking its bustling, bright halls; they’ll witness all that RHMS has to offer, including innovative curriculum, cutting-edge resources, a variety of extra-curricular activities, enthusiastic peers, and a team of knowledgeable and supportive teachers. What a great joy it will be to watch my children grow, develop and find a sense of belonging here, like so many children before them have.
RHMS’ culture is organic; it is grown from within -- I want to thank our teachers and faculty. Your commitment to students’ well-being and your own professional development move me each day.
And of course, thank you to the RHMS parents, who have continued to provide ongoing commitment and support. We remain dedicated to upholding our promise to you, “To nurture each child’s distinct talents and ensure every child feels comfortable, challenged and confident they can achieve anything.” By working together, we can encourage students to accomplish incredible things.
For families interested in learning more about RHMS, I welcome and encourage you to visit and experience our programs first-hand. You too may find your home-away-from-home.
C. Ingravalle
Principal
Most big schools provide your extroverted child with plenty of social opportunities and the ability to interact with different peer groups with a wide range of personalities, interests, values, etc. A larger student population and more extracurriculars—including activities like team sports, arts programs, and debate—will give them a broader scope of opportunities to participate in events that scratch their interpersonal itch. “This may also give them the opportunity to hone certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students.”
If you’re considering a Montessori school for your extroverted child, make sure to look into the amount of unstructured social time it provides. Some Montessori schools don’t have recess, and may limit free time, which is often when kids get their most stimulation. While kids spend plenty of time interacting in a Montessori classroom, a very outgoing child might find the lack of unstructured time less invigorating. Note: The more “orthodox” the Montessori environment, the more it tends to limit recess and unstructured social time.
Make sure any prospective school, no matter what size, provides the right social environment to help your child feel at home, make friends, and develop confidence. This is especially important at big schools, which are sometimes more socially overwhelming and challenging for an introvert to find their bearings in. Of course, “Because larger schools usually have a more diverse student population, introverted kids are more likely to find a small group of people like them, a peer group they can relate to and find acceptance from,” says Dona Matthews, Toronto-based education consultant and co-author (with Joanne Foster) of Beyond Intelligence.
Bigger schools often have a broader scope of extracurricular activities, which is another way to help your child meet the right group of friends. “This may also give them the opportunity to develop certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students. Remember, though, each child is different—so what works for one may not work for another.”
At a Montessori school, your introverted child will often work independently on their own tasks, e.g., during two-hour-plus uninterrupted work periods, which can boost their focus and concentration. They’ll also often work in small groups with kids of different ages, where they’ll learn from and mentor their peers, which can help them come out of their shell, be more assertive, and learn critical social skills. Ask how much, if any, unstructured social time is provided, since this varies between Montessori schools.
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Richmond Hill Montessori Private School
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