Testimonials

[Montessori] instilled in me an indestructible instinct to seek the true heart of any subject, and ensure the integrity of my understanding. Perhaps most importantly, Montessori taught me to be accountable for my own education. It is hard to overstate the difference this made for me in high school but especially in the liberal arts environment at my college. I was able to create a meaningful structure for my learning, even across diverse disciplines. And I remained sincere and focused in my pursuits despite extensive personal and global challenges.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the wonder that Montessori cultivates. Looking back, I feel that my teachers really understood the magic of being a kid. They did their best to create an environment where the unique joy and curiosity of childhood became the foundation of the learning process. I was allowed to play, and taste, and sing, and make mistakes. I carry these memories very close to my heart, and I try to bring this same sense of wonder into all of my endeavors in life.

The world needs learners like this more desperately than ever. Montessori is, and always has been, an education for peace.

Khalil, Class of 2014, EBM Student from 1st - 8th grade (excerpts from his letter to the EBM community)

This fall I am attending the University of Michigan to study history, and my Montessori education will be as important there as it was in high school. 

In my senior year, I decided to intern at EBM as a part of my English class. During class time, I worked with students who needed extra guidance and helped teachers with small tasks. My first thought when I started my internship was how much smaller the school seemed. Each room I entered brought back childhood memories, like the concerts in the Community Room or music lessons with Micah. It was heartwarming to see the kids enjoying the same games and materials that I used to love and meaningful to meet the new teachers who will be just as memorable to them as my old teachers are to me.

As a part of my high school program, I wrote a weekly research report about Montessori and traditional education. Because of this, I learned more and more about the deliberate choices to enhance education in the classrooms that I had overlooked as a kid, like the mixed-age classrooms, child-sized furniture, and end-of-day jobs. Other than the nostalgia of reliving my childhood, this was the most interesting part of my internship, since I developed a new sense of appreciation for Montessori education. After researching the Montessori philosophy as an older teenager and observing many classes from an outside perspective, I realized just how much EBM shaped me for the better. I can say for certain that it was truly a privilege to attend EBM, and I think any kid would be lucky to have the same opportunity as me.

- Luca, EBM Student from K - 6th grade (excerpts from his letter to the EBM community)

East Bay Montessori gave me a community that I couldn’t ask more from. I have found long term connections, and friends, that I will keep for the rest of my life. The ability to engage with each other, academic and not enabled me to develop meaningful relationships that I don’t believe I would have found elsewhere. Even beyond my closest friends, I feel confident I could reach out to any of my peers, even from my elementary school years. 

Supporting Montessori education guarantees an environment of exploration for each student. They are able to further learn and think about their world, and engage with their peers in a meaningful way. During such divided times, it is crucial that we raise kind and effective students, and people, to support the next generations. 

- Anja, Class of 2020, EBM Student from PreK - 8th grade (excerpts from her letter to the EBM community)