Interview with Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) PARENT, Adiba Ula

I chose Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) because I was searching for a school with the best rating. When my son was about to turn four, I saw that RMS was the only school with a five-star rating for seven consecutive years. That caught my attention. When I visited, I took two tours—one in the morning and one in the evening—and noticed that the staff maintained the same warmth and energy throughout the day. That was impressive because, usually, people get tired after working with children all day. But at RMS, the staff remained cheerful and engaged, which reassured me about my decision.

My boys were very shy, especially since they had never attended preschool or daycare. Their first year at RMS was challenging because they were adjusting to a new environment. Initially, they struggled to respond and interact, but the school staff was incredibly supportive. They nurtured my children as if they were their own, providing them with a comforting and welcoming environment. Over time, my boys adapted and began to thrive at school.

One of the things I appreciate most about RMS is how much the students respect their teachers and school staff. My children recognize the effort that teachers put into their work. When they come home, they talk about the challenges their teachers face and the dedication they show. This awareness makes them more appreciative and helps them develop respect for everyone, including custodial staff and administrators. As a parent, I also deeply respect and appreciate the school community because, ultimately, we entrust them with our children’s well-being and education.

I have seen significant growth in my children since they started at RMS. My 10-year-old has developed confidence and knowledge to the point that even adults with advanced degrees enjoy talking to him. My seven-year-old has also shown remarkable progress. When he first joined the school, he couldn’t put on his jacket by himself. Now, he handles tasks independently, showing his growing confidence and skills. I want my children to continue at RMS through high school, and I have even requested the school to extend its offerings to higher grades.

One of the most impressive aspects of RMS is its commitment to education. The school ensures that students focus on their studies without unnecessary distractions. They also emphasize the importance of good manners. The children learn fundamental values like holding the door for others, which may seem small but are essential life skills. The school is also diverse, with students from various backgrounds, though many are from Indian and Punjabi families. Despite the diversity, all the children come from supportive families and share strong values, which fosters a positive environment.

Parental involvement is another strong aspect of RMS. Since parents are making a financial investment in their children’s education, they take an active role in school discussions. There are parent groups where concerns are addressed and clarified. If one parent feels their child is not receiving proper attention, other parents step in to offer perspective and help resolve misunderstandings. This creates a helpful and cooperative community among parents.

The school administration and teachers are outstanding. Among the teachers, I particularly admire Ms. Chaudhary and Ms. Rehan. Ms. Rehan is excellent with children, making them feel comfortable and engaged. Ms. Chaudhary, who taught my son in Grade 4, maintained a rigorous academic standard. She constantly challenged students with weekly academic exercises, which I appreciated. While some children struggled to keep up, my son thrived under her guidance because he was accustomed to a structured learning environment. I had hoped she would continue teaching him in higher grades, as her teaching style fosters discipline and resilience in students.

My children have a busy academic and extracurricular schedule. From Monday to Friday, they have after-school tutoring in French, coding, and Arabic. On Saturdays, they participate in dance, additional coding lessons, and tutoring. Sundays are dedicated to music and piano lessons. This level of engagement has helped them develop a strong work ethic and the ability to handle pressure effectively. If RMS had more teachers like Ms. Chaudhary, it would be an added bonus for us.

Education is my top priority when choosing a school. While some parents prioritize facilities like soccer fields, I focus on academics. I can always enroll my children in extracurricular activities elsewhere, but the quality of education at RMS is unmatched. Another crucial factor is safety. RMS provides a secure environment, with thorough documentation and well-organized protocols. Knowing that my children are safe at school gives me peace of mind.

When selecting a school, parents should consider the overall educational quality and safety rather than relying solely on superficial aspects or single reviews. It is important to read multiple reviews and personally visit the school to assess how well their child fits into the environment. Each child’s experience may differ, and the best way to judge a school is to see how the teachers and students interact. For me, RMS has proven to be the right choice because it prioritizes education and provides a nurturing, safe, and structured learning environment.