REVIEW OF Westmont Montessori School BY parent, Jennifer Macklam

(5) Student Experience

As a parent with several children at Westmont Montessori, I can confidently say how proud I am to be sending my children here. The teachers and staff are beyond caring and extremely experienced and well-versed in the Montessori system. The incorporation of nature, with the outstanding forest and beach behind the school, is second to none. I have found the school to be extremely welcoming and open in its communication. My children have blossomed in the last two years. This is a school that is aiming to teach children how to apply in real life what they are learning—not simply to memorize and sit at a desk, but to get out in the real world, build firm relationships, contribute to society, and interact with the world as a whole. After searching for many years to find the right school for all four of my children to attend, I am proud to say that we have found a wonderful place for them! I would encourage any parent in the Victoria area to send their children to Westmont.

(5) School Leadership

I have found the school leadership to be excellent. Anytime I had a question or concern, I was appropriately acknowledged and listened to, and I felt welcome to communicate. While I have not had to deal with any disciplinary measures, I take this as an indication that any of these kinds of situations are handled appropriately, with the parties on a need-to-know basis and handled swiftly. My children feel happy to communicate with the teachers and administration whenever needed. I have always received a swift response, whether it be through email or in person.

(5) Teaching

The teachers are extremely passionate about the Montessori system. Many of them have been teaching for many years, some of whom have gone to the school themselves. Others have written Montessori books for children. They are very dedicated to teaching the children how to learn to apply in real life. My children have received extra learning support when needed, whereas in the past at other schools, I found I had to search in other places to get extra help or guidance. I have had my children’s teachers go above and beyond and take time to walk and talk with me or my child about anything necessary. The parent-teacher interviews have been great, especially with my older daughter, as she is asked to participate in them, which I think is fantastic, as there is no hidden communication between teacher and parent, and the older children are able to be fully responsible for their progress.

(5) Academics

The Montessori tools that are used to teach children starting at preschool age are outstanding. The children are able to understand the full concept of something, especially mathematics, which makes life and learning so much more real to the students. Simply trying to memorize one plus one without understanding what that means in real life does not provide a proper basis for learning. For most of us who did not grow up with Montessori methods, we are truly missing out. The incorporation of hikes, team-building games, daily physical education, and outdoor activities such as a four-day trip to Camp Thunderbird for my older daughter has been life-changing. The school has a relaxed feel; however, it is strong and consistent in routines, schedules, and academics. The classrooms are very calm with soothing colors, Montessori tools and materials, no distracting toys, no clutter, and immediate access to nature.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

There are many extracurricular activities offered at Westmont. Many field trips take place throughout the year, as well as after-school choices such as participation in golf camp, some mixed sports, and other clubs. I feel there is no shortage of opportunities, especially for children at younger ages. I find the shorter day on Friday is a bonus, as children have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities on a schedule that does not bombard their lives.

(5) Students

Westmont is an extremely welcoming place, from the teachers and administration staff to the parents and children. I feel very involved in the school and very welcome to participate in anything that I choose to. Equally, there is no pressure to participate as a parent or a student beyond what is expected in the daily routine of the school. When the school community comes together for events during the holidays, track and field day, closing ceremonies, etc., I feel the school spirit is strong, and most parents are well acquainted with each other. Staff are equally involved with parents and students outside of classroom time. My children have all made lots of friends, not just in their age group, but with younger and older children. Because of the way the classes are set up, with a three-year age range together, this allows lots of interaction with other ages and the ability to help students younger and older. It creates a strong dynamic among the school, and my children know students far older than them and younger than them as well.

(5) School Life

My children are very happy going to school every day. They love that they know what the school day will bring, and they are excited for the day’s and week’s activities. Because of where the school is situated, with the beach and forest behind it, there is weekly interaction with nature. The students spend a lot of time outdoors, and because of this, they are better able to focus on their studies indoors. My daughter particularly enjoys morning hikes, Fridays when they play teambuilding games in the forest, and other fun events such as bake sales, holiday markets, Halloween activities, and late nights at the school, where they do fun games with pizza, etc. The parent committee works hard to plan extra fun activities for the children throughout the year, which also incorporate lots of volunteers and opportunities for everyone in the school to be involved, mixing different age groups together. The school does not have an indoor gymnasium; however, I think this is a bonus. Especially since we live in a mild climate here on Vancouver Island, I think it’s fantastic that kids get to spend so much time outdoors, playing, building, being in the elements, and learning how to explore and enjoy nature through all seasons. In this day and age, children spend so much time inside that I think it’s incredibly valuable for them to have no inhibitions about going outside.

(5) Community

In the last two years that I have been a parent at Westmont, and also newly arrived in the city, I have made so many friendships with like-minded parents at the school. My children have also made what will likely be lifelong friendships. I always say in life it is important to look and not just listen. I teach this to my children on a daily basis. In the community that Westmont is striving for and creating, I see a group of staff, parents, and students who are eager to learn and to build strong friendships and relationships—in an environment that is forward-thinking, one that encourages children to follow their passions and dreams and to achieve these without the distractions that life’s environment can bring. Being surrounded by nature at Westmont, along with a strong Montessori teaching base, allows children to be extroverted rather than introverted. I don’t think there’s much more a parent could ask for their child.

(5) School Location

The school location is second to none. As I mentioned earlier in this review, it backs onto the beach, forest, waterfall, and trails. There is so much to learn about life outside the school, never mind what it teaches you inside. The community where the school is located has many farms, hiking and walking trails, and a wonderful group of people, many of whom send their children to the school. The school has gardens with flowers and vegetables, a big open playing field for sports, as well as a few play structures and swings. It is an absolutely beautiful learning environment.

(5) Admissions

My admissions experience was wonderful. We were moving at the time from another city, and the administration staff were very welcoming and flexible to ensure that our process of touring the school, applying to the school, and my children doing their trial days worked very well with our schedule. They were very accommodating and understanding. I feel very privileged and lucky that three of my children got spots immediately, and my fourth child started the year after. My children enjoyed their trial days at the school and were happier than I had seen them in a long time.