Children growing up in Montessori schools often speak of how closely-knit their friendships were with their schoolmates and their families. Our sincere hope is that kindergarten children will have an incredible sense of self-confidence, enthusiasm for learning, and feelings of being closely bonded to their teachers and classmates. We want them to honestly enjoy school and feel good about themselves as students. Once children have developed a high degree of self-confidence, independence, and enthusiasm for learning, they normally can adapt to all sorts of new situations. By the time they are in first grade, children will typically be able to go off to their new school with not only a vibrant curiosity but also an excitement about making new friends and learning new things.
Teachers respond to children who are curious, self-disciplined, and responsible.
We know that children who complete their kindergarten year at the Children's House are highly valued by their first grade teachers. Although children develop wonderful skills by the end of their kindergarten year, academic progress is not our ultimate goal. Our real hope is that the children will have a strong sense of self-confidence and a joy for learning that will last throughout their lives.