Roundtable Q&A Discussion About Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) (2024)

Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) provides students with engaging and interactive learning experiences, particularly through events like the annual science fair. Every student is required to create a science fair project, which evolves in complexity as they progress through the grades.

Younger students conduct experiments, documenting their steps, results, and conclusions. By grades seven and eight, students are challenged to invent a solution to a real-world problem and create a model to showcase their invention. On the day of the science fair, these projects are displayed, and students also participate in fun, science-related activities led by their peers.

Extracurricular activities and trips are a highlight of the RMS experience. From grades five to eight, students attend Leadership Camp, an overnight experience designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie. Beyond this, RMS offers a wide range of extracurriculars, including track and field, frisbee, softball, Breakfast Club, and Robotics Club, providing students with diverse opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills.

In the classroom, RMS fosters an environment where students can actively engage with their teachers. The small class sizes and close-knit community allow students to seek one-on-one support from teachers, both during class and outside of regular lessons. Teachers are readily available to answer questions, whether during recess or other free periods, ensuring that students receive personalized guidance tailored to their learning needs.

RMS is a school that prioritizes strong relationships within its community. Whether a student, parent, staff member, or administrator, everyone is welcomed into an environment that is both supportive and accommodating. The school's small size allows staff and administration to truly know each student, fostering a sense of belonging. As a result, every member of the community feels valued and recognized as an essential part of the school's culture.

The first thing I’d tell someone about Rowntree would definitely be the environment that I’m part of every single day, the inclusivity that takes place at Rowntree. They involve students of all different ages, race, ethnicity, and background.

I would also mention the supportive teachers that we’re surrounded with who are always there to help us whenever we need it.

Another big thing I would tell people about Rowntree is the various different opportunities that you are provided with once you enter the school. These are activities that are good for all ages and for different people’s interests. For example, if you have a passion for arts, you can join the Festival of the Arts Competition, and you can show your skills there. If you like singing or music, you can join the junior or senior choir. If you’re really interested in sports, you can join the floor hockey or a soccer tournament. And if you really like showing off your talents, like dancing or playing an instrument, you can even show that off in the annual talent show.

I’ve definitely had many memorable experiences at Rowntree, and it’s really hard to pick a favorite. But so far, I’ve really enjoyed our trip earlier this year during October to Leadership Camp.

We visited Camp Kauai for three days and two nights, and that was definitely one of the most memorable experiences that I’ve had at this school. Since it was during the first two months since school started, we still weren’t very familiar with our classmates and our juniors, which were the grade sevens. So it was really good for us to bond, make relationships and connections, and get to know our similarities, differences, and what interests we share. And it was really good because we would make friendships that would last for the whole year.

The best part of the experience at Rowntree would definitely have been the things that I’ve accomplished.

Earlier this year, I took part in the Festival of the Arts Competition, and I submitted my artwork focusing on the theme of changes in our community, and I won first place. I had lots of feedback, and my art teacher, who was really able to help me and create that path in order for me to go for success. But it was definitely a really big accomplishment.

Another thing I would really be proud of is my win last year in the STEAM Fair competition when I won first place along with my partner.

I definitely feel that Rowntree has prepared me for the future really, really well as a well-rounded individual. The teachers have taught me different skills, qualities, and knowledge in different subjects like English, math, science, geography, history, and as well as in specialty subjects like art, music, French, computers, or even physical education. I feel like all of those skills that I’ve learned and all that knowledge is definitely going to help me build a strong base for my future high school education.

Rowntree has given me the opportunity to learn so many different skills. For example, like our annual speech nights that we have, I’m able to learn public speaking skills, which I think is definitely something that I would require in high school to share my ideas and thoughts with everybody around me.

Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) provides students with engaging and interactive learning experiences, particularly through events like the annual science fair. Every student is required to create a science fair project, which evolves in complexity as they progress through the grades.

Younger students conduct experiments, documenting their steps, results, and conclusions. By grades seven and eight, students are challenged to invent a solution to a real-world problem and create a model to showcase their invention. On the day of the science fair, these projects are displayed, and students also participate in fun, science-related activities led by their peers.

Extracurricular activities and trips are a highlight of the RMS experience. From grades five to eight, students attend Leadership Camp, an overnight experience designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie. Beyond this, RMS offers a wide range of extracurriculars, including track and field, frisbee, softball, Breakfast Club, and Robotics Club, providing students with diverse opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills.

In the classroom, RMS fosters an environment where students can actively engage with their teachers. The small class sizes and close-knit community allow students to seek one-on-one support from teachers, both during class and outside of regular lessons. Teachers are readily available to answer questions, whether during recess or other free periods, ensuring that students receive personalized guidance tailored to their learning needs.

RMS is a school that prioritizes strong relationships within its community. Whether a student, parent, staff member, or administrator, everyone is welcomed into an environment that is both supportive and accommodating. The school's small size allows staff and administration to truly know each student, fostering a sense of belonging. As a result, every member of the community feels valued and recognized as an essential part of the school's culture.