REVIEW OF Sunrise Montessori School BY parent, Angel Li

(5) Student Experience

We have only been at Sunrise Montessori School for a year, however, my daughter has been enjoying her time there so far. The small class size has really allowed my daughter to feel comfortable and it has been really great for her in making friends. Also, this allows for the teacher to have more "one-on-one" time with my daughter and all of the other children. My daughter loves learning with her teacher and looks forward to seeing her teacher on a daily basis. She is always eager to see what new activities will be brought into the classroom. As a parent, I really am glad to see that my daughter loves coming to school. I always feel at ease leaving her at Sunrise Montessori School.

(5) School Leadership

Sunrise Montessori School has a great team of teachers and administrative staff. They are always very welcoming and accommodating to us as parents. When my daughter started school at Sunrise Montessori School, I was anxious as a parent with lots of questions. However, after speaking to the principal, she mentioned that I would be able to call in during the day just to get an update of my daughter's day. This really put my mind at ease! I appreciate the open communication between the teacher(s), administrative staff and parents as a whole.

(5) Teaching

At Sunrise Montessori School, their method of teaching is the Montessori Philosophy. All of the teachers are either Montessori Trained and/or RECE. The teachers evaluate your child and from there they will decide what to teach your child. They will create work that is specific for your child. I really appreciate the smaller class sizes as this allows for my daughter to have more one-on-one time with her teacher. Thus far, I am happy with the quality of education that has been provided to my daughter over the past year. She has learnt so much! The teachers at Sunrise Montessori School are very passionate and knowledgeable about children and the psychology of children as well. It is always great talking to my daughter's teacher.

(5) Academics

Sunrise Montessori School practices the Montessori Philosophy. This encompasses the five different avenues (Practical Life, Language, Math, Sensorial and Culture). There is also a drama center within the classroom. On a daily basis, the children are taught to be independent and well-rounded individuals. Their daily learning will prepare them for their next steps in life. Situated in Markham, they have a strong academic standard as well. Being an Asian parent myself, I find academics are very important. It is very important for my child to learn the basics and much more. The children are also taught to work in a collaborative setting. This is carried out by having group projects where the children will work together. I can say that I am very satisfied with what she has accomplished this past year.

(5) Extracurriculars

Sunrise Montessori School provides a variety of extracurricular activities throughout the year. This includes, soccer, Zumba, Taekwondo, robotics, piano, art and etc. Within each activity, there are always opportunities for the children to have a sense of competitiveness while having fun. I have signed my daughter up for piano and Zumba and she loves it! I believe that the school is providing the children with various opportunities that will allow them to grow into well-rounded individuals in the future.

(5) Students

The diversity found at Sunrise Montessori School consists of various ethnicities. This allows for the children to thrive and grow. In addition to that, the children are able to feel accepted while being challenged and encouraged to be their very best. All of the children are provided with various opportunities to build long-term relationships with their friends and teachers. My daughter has made so many friends over the past year who have shared common interests with her. The atmosphere of the student body comprises of, respect, empathy, confidence, and leadership. I have personally witnessed older children assisting those who are younger than them. In addition to that, I have also seen past students who have came back to visit their old teachers. The joy and happiness expressed between the teacher and child really portrays the bond that has developed over time. This also shows how much love the teacher has for her students.

(5) School Life

My daughter loves going to school on a daily basis. She is always so eager to see her teachers and all of her friends. She is always constantly engaged and learning something new everyday. There are days in which she does not want to go home but rather stay another "5 more minutes" to play with her friends. In my opinion, this is due to the strong bond that she has created with her teachers and friends. This is also because Sunrise Montessori School has provided my daughter and all of the other children with a great environment filled with lots of fun activities. Sunrise Montessori School has become her "second home" or her "home away from home". SMS really emphasizes on ensuring the quality of service provided is always excellent!

(5) Community

Sunrise Montessori School is like my daughter's "second home" or "home away from home". I also share the same sentiment. There is a great sense of community at Sunrise Montessori School. All parents are always welcome to be involved in the life of the school. At Sunrise Montessori School, they have a Parent Association whereby parents meet with one another to discuss the direction of the coming school year and what events should be planned for the children. In the past, they have planned bake sales, special breakfast for Mother's Day, family photo's with Santa and etc. Parents opinions and concerns are also taken very seriously by the administrative staff. Sunrise Montessori School has provided us with all a voice within the school community.

(4.5) School Location

Sunrise Montessori School is located amongst other business in the heart of Markham. The children do not have access to the neighborhood parks, as they are too far away but they do have two huge playgrounds in which the children have access to on a daily basis. The children have their playtime outside and on certain days, they do go for a nature walk around the school. The school is in a great location for me as my husband and myself, we work close by. This is a great school for parents who work within the area!