REVIEW OF North Star Montessori Elementary School BY parent, Suzi Bruce

(5) Student Experience

My child has thrived at North Star Montessori academically but more importantly, socially. The inclusive and supportive environment has seen her overcome profound sensitivity and anxiety. She is now a collaborative, outgoing child who feels confident in contributing in the classroom and in the playground. The teachers have always shown patience and guidance that has allowed her to grow, gain confidence and become a leader within the classroom. The structure of the Montessori classroom also provides endless opportunities for students to mentor younger students and to be mentored. As an only child, this was a wonderful opportunity to experience what a sibling relationship offers in terms of support and guidance. And for the children to feel proud of their ability to guide their younger peers.

(5) School Leadership

The Head of North Star is an incredibly invested leader, educator and administrator. She responds promptly to all communications and her ability to pivot and guide was especially evident during her management of Covid 19 and all its subsequent challenges. The Head is always available for support, counsel and guidance when students might be struggling or needing advice on how to navigate both academic and social challenges. The long tenure of all the teachers and administrators also speaks to the Head's support and commitment to the staff and the school as a whole.

(5) Teaching

The teaching staff at North Star Montessori are deeply invested in the children's education and emotional development. The teachers guide, assess and provide support with their student-led and self-paced time in the classroom. As a parent, I've always appreciated the communication and honesty the teachers have provided for my child. The incredibly detailed report cards amaze me and assure me they have a perfect handle on my child's strengths and the areas that need further support and guidance. With our ever-changing world, the teachers have many new challenges and questions from their students and the staff constantly rise to the needs of the children. Most of the teaching staff have been with the School for years and it speaks to their commitment and enjoyment of the School.

(4) Academics

The Montessori method of education involves children's natural interests and activities rather than more formal teaching methods. Many parents who are looking for a rigorous academic program might find this challenging at first as it is often very different to their own education. However, I feel the raising of thoughtful, ethical, questioning humans in our ever changing world is where Montessori truly thrives and provides benefit. Now that my child has graduated, I can see the benefit of their education more and more in a more traditional school setting. Their ability to analyze, question, breakdown and solve problems is outstanding. And the writing, literature skills appear to be far beyond other children of the same age which are no doubt thanks to the Montessori method.

(4) Extracurriculars

The Extracurricular activities are broad and interesting. Students are exposed to a variety of sports. It would be lovely if there were more opportunities to collaborate with other independent schools for competitions and games. My child particularly enjoyed Jujitsu and Fencing. Activities we never would have thought to try without exposure at School. Although not a fan of climbing and skating it was great that there was an opportunity to attempt them.

(4) Students

The students show an incredible amount of collaboration and support for each other both in the classroom, during lunch and whilst engaging in extra curricular activities. I've witnessed them mentoring and encouraging other students through challenges both physical and mental. It truly is something to behold. It would be wonderful if the student body was a little larger to ensure an increased opportunity for social connections. Retention through the upper grades is improving and if it continues then social connection should improve. However, it was nice to see the cohort come together as a whole and always working together rather than against each other or divided by gender. This often happens in a larger classroom as the children get older and more aware of such things.

(5) School Life

My child has never shown any school resistance in all her years of attending North Star. She has never even been late! In fact, she has even stated that she is sad when the Summer Break comes around. Students are welcomed into the School every day by teachers and support staff to ensure they feel safe. If my child was feeling anxious about an activity, she knew that she could voice her concerns openly to other students and her teachers and not feel ashamed. Although she would have liked to opt out of many extracurricular challenges, the teachers and head of school always gently encouraged her to challenge herself. The times she was successful were some of her proudest moments. It is easy to let children opt out of hard things but the teachers encourage them and support them to find a way forward.

(5) Community

The wider Community of North Star is one of its greatest assets. Parents are always welcomed into school life and are an important part of the success of the School. Volunteers step up readily for fundraising and assistance in a wide variety of areas. Making costumes, donating time, supplies, running fundraisers or community events, etc. New parents are welcomed by current parents and friendships quickly form amongst the Community. Birthdays usually involve the whole cohort and often the entire School might attend a party at a park or a celebration of some kind together. There are always groups talking at the school gates and no one gets left out, parents, grandparents and caregivers are all welcomed into the School and into fundraising or volunteer opportunities.

(4) School Location

The location of North Star is one of its challenges as parking at pickup can be a bit of an issue. However, it is located on the edge of a park/forest and can easily access other amenities and transit. The bus stop is close by and the adjacent park is wonderful for breaks and for parents to connect after school.