Interview with Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School PARENT, PJ Caletti

Interestingly enough, TMS was a referral, so I was familiar with the school already through a relationship with a friend. And so our process was really we knew the child that attended the school, and to see academically how that child was able to sort of progress and the skills that they developed at TRMS, it was sort of like a no brainer when it came time for our children to attend school. So we're actually really lucky because our kids have always been sort of enthusiastic about attending school. We sort of hyped it up when they were little. And I mean, if anything, what's really cool about the TRMS experience is that they really harness that positivity in our kids and they amplified it.

So the awesomeness that our kids were feeling about going to school was only amplified by their relationship with TRMS and the educators there. It's wonderful. I think my kids would say their favourite thing about school is the environment that they're in and the love that they feel. If there's one thing I can say about the school, it's how the children are made to feel. And I don't know how you quantify that feeling that they're able to create. I think my kids would say their favourite thing about school is the environment that they're in and the love that they feel. If there's one thing I can say about the school, it's how the children are made to feel. And I don't know how you quantify that feeling that they're able to create.

I think we all, as parents, want our children to feel cared for by their educators. It's hard for me to put into words how our children are made to feel by the people at TRMS. They're amazing. The one thing I appreciate the most about our relationship with Trafalgar Ridge is and maybe it's an odd question for a parent to ask because so often we think about academics. But the one thing my wife and I always ask the teachers is, how are we raising good children? Like, are we raising good people? And what we really appreciate is those really positive messages we try to those really great people we're trying to develop with our kids.

Again, it's not just about academics. It's also about their character, and that's awesome. So what do we think Trafalgar Ridge might be able to change? It's a tough question to answer because in my profession, we talk about you strive for perfection and you settle for excellence, and they're excellent, and they deliver on so many of those things that as a parent, you could only dream of for your child to encounter when they go to school, there isn't anything I feel like I can identify something.

So one of the pleasant surprises in signing our children up with Trafalgar Ridge is because we had the experience and because it was a referral to us, it wasn't a complete unknown. But I guess the pleasant surprise was just the extent to which our children are cared for, like for teachers to have relationships with the kids to the point where they're their besties, they're their best buds. It's not just words. And I think in today's world, talk is cheap. And there's a famous expression we sort of live by, don't tell me, show me. And that spirit, that warmth feeling that my children come home with. You can tell they are receiving love. And it's just amazing. Again, how do you quantify that?

I believe they value that sense of empathy, leadership, those qualities takes to be a really good human being. Inclusion. Like, there's so many words I can think of to just gush over how they prepare our kids for, again, not just academics, but also for being really great human beings and being a part of a greater community beyond themselves.

So they have a great saying, which is it takes a village, and it really does. And we're so fortunate to be part of their tribe. From my own personal experiences of going to school and just in talking to other parents, I mean, I almost feel guilty that we are having such a wonderful experience. I wish that the whole world could talk about their educators the way I feel like we can talk about the educators that our children are with right now. They're second to none. I mean, again, talk is cheap. And that the old adage, don't tell me, show me. The fact that these people care so much about our children's academics and as much as their characters is just amazing. And it's kind of an emotional thing with my son, who's in JK. Up until recently, he's been mostly nonverbal, and his attending Trafalgar Ridge, certainly the great work that they've done with him there,  in concert with the people that are helping my son with his speech outside of the school, that effort, their willingness to combine efforts has given me a little guy that's talking.

So that's something I guess we're most proud of. And in terms of my daughter, I mean, what can I say? She's an absolute firecracker. She's the centre of the universe, and she's so full of energy and excitement. And I think what I'd be most proud of is how much they empower these young ladies and those strong women at Trafalgar Ridge. They set such great examples for her and the kind of person that she can be and the strong, independent woman that she can be as she sort of moves on to the next steps in her academic growth. I think what the tide that binds us is a desire to want the very best for their kids.

And I think in choosing Trafalgar Ridge, we all recognize this is the Lexus of enhanced learning for children. And again, when you combine that with the amount of emotion that's involved as well, again, it's easy to see why we've all chosen this school. And I think it's infectious when other people see how wonderful not just academically these kids are coming out, but also as human beings, they're developing really great people.

Our interests have always been first and foremost are raising a good person and you couldn't find a more warm and friendly place for your children to attend school. And there’s the inclusion of the parents. As parents, we play a huge role and Trafalgar Ridge really embraces and encourages our involvement and our children's success. And it's awesome. It really is amazing. 

The best advice I can give is if you are looking for a place where your children are going to be educated, and really loved is a strong word, but they're going to be loved. This is the place. I mean Trafalgar Ridge. Fortunately for us, we knew the kind of place that it was. So again, when we made our decision, it wasn't unfamiliar. But I know for parents there's a lot of angst when you're making these big decisions like where are your children going to go to school.

And to have someone like us that has absolutely no interest in the school beyond our affiliation. Meaning there's no advantage to me in making this referral. It's a no brainer. This is the place that you want to send your kids. If you want them to come out with great support for their school development and great support from their human side development, you will not be disappointed.