The Childrens Garden

As a new mom, I spent time researching the type of preschool I wanted my children to attend. I liked the Montessori philosophy of self-guided learning, and after visiting a number of local Montessori schools decided that The Children's Garden would be the best fit for our family. The supportive nature of the school, focus on life skills, kindness and nurturing of both the children and the environment were contributing factors, as was meeting Jean Passantino, the founder and headmistress of the school. I also liked the multiage classroom and continuity of the same teacher and peers throughout preschool and kindergarten. Both my children attended The Children's Garden through Kindergarten, and we still see the influence of those early years in our children, now 12 and 14. The focus on caring for both the indoor and outdoor classroom environments was also something we loved about the school. The children helped plant flowers every year, and had daily opportunities to interact in nature which I believe is so important to their development at this age. In addition to allowing my children to learn and progress at their own pace, The Children's Garden instilled a true love of learning and supported and encouraged their natural curiosity. Being together in the same classroom nurtured their growth, and had a very positive impact in their relationship with one another that we still see to this day. They had role models and relationships with older children in their early years, followed by them nurturing and helping the younger, new children as they moved toward and into Kindergarten. They took pride in this progression and I believe it gave them a sense of responsibility for their school community. We also appreciated the "extended family" that the Children's Garden provided, with a community that supported not only the children but our entire family. We met so many wonderful families there, and although we don't see them often now that our children are older, the connection is still there when we do see these families. Jean's dedication to the children and the school itself, as well as her kind, incredibly patient manner of guiding the children through the daily activities is something I still turn to when I feel overwhelmed in parenting. There were many times when we did not know the best way to handle a situation that my husband and I would ask each other "what would Jean do?". I feel we became better parents in the time our children attended The Children's Garden, thanks to Jean's influence. I would highly recommend The Children's Garden to parents considering a preschool and kindergarten for their family.

The Children's Garden has been a wonderful journey for my whole family. My son started at the age of 3 and it was incredible experience to watch him grow emotionally and intellectually. The first year he would look down at the grown to greet adults and teachers and now he independently interacts with others and respectfully shakes their hands. He will be entering first grade with a strong foundation in math, science, and awareness to treat others with respect and kindness.

The Children's Garden creates an enticing learning environment where my kids were encouraged & inspired to actively engage in a multi-faceted approach to learning. Mary and John thrived at the Children's Garden because their naturally inquisitive instincts were nurtured on an individual basis. They learned to initiate and engage their curiosities with a sense of joy, wonder and anticipation. To this day, they love to return to the Children's Garden to work with the younger children, where they nurture and encourage the others in the same fashion in which they were taught. It's amazing and beautiful to see! The Children's Garden will always hold a dear place in our hearts and lives. 😊

I visited The Children’s Garden during the winter of 2003 and our son became immediately absorbed in all of the daily activity that is so typical of a Montessori classroom. Because he was so immersed, I was really able to observe the students working in an educational setting that I was unfamiliar with. I was an educator, too, although having been trained to teach in a more typical, traditional setting. I was captivated, impressed, and eager for him to get started with such a wonderful educational opportunity. We were introduced to the “Plant a Seed Watch it Grow” campaign that fall. I remember thinking that the slogan was a catchy phrase; quite clever in fact and most appropriate in terms of comparison to children. Every year since that time, I have watched my children grow stronger roots from the rich soil that can only be found at The Children’s Garden. I have watched their branches grow stronger with so many life lessons learned and embraced. I have watched my children grow steadily and securely in the six magnificent years that we attended the school. During our daughter's kindergarten year, and our last year at the school, I found myself becoming quite nostalgic as I reminisced about this wonderful school, the teachers, and all of the families that we have gotten to know over the years. The “Plant a Seed Watch it Grow” theme really hit me hard at her graduation as I looked back and realized how much budding and flowering both of my little seedlings had made over the years and that this tremendous opportunity, for this particular kind of growth and development, was coming to an end; at least on a daily basis. All of the alumni families have a couple of opportunities, each year, to stay attached, become reacquainted with old friends, and to give something back to the school that gave us so much. Although we are no longer recipients of Jean’s daily graces at pickup time, all of us know we can still depend on her to listen to our stories, share our concerns, and to offer a peaceful and calming influence in our lives.

We love the Children's Garden!!! Prior to coming here, we were at a different Montessori pre-school, which we were also pleased with... we just didn't realize how much more our kids could be getting elsewhere! The teachers here are amazing... so patient and caring (everyday, my children ask if they are going to school and are disappointed if the answer is no)! And as parents, we are continually amazed by how much the kids are learning. Our 5-year old is already reading and at a level that far exceeds my older daughter's ability at her age (which says a lot, since my older daughter is and has always been one of the more advanced readers in her grade). Every day, our kids are pointing out or informing us of random facts... many that I've forgotten or didn't know in the first place (e.g., how many eyes a spider has, how cold it is in Antarctica, naming the 7 continents, the numbers / colors in French, etc.). And how they teach life skills... my three year old loves to help around the house! The other day, I half-jokingly asked my 3 year old to unload the dishwasher, and she did it... correctly!!! Love that my children think their learning projects (e.g., hand washing, flower cutting, dish washing) are fun... versus just playing dress up or playing with toys at preschool. Last thing I want to mention: we are so grateful for the impact that the teachers are having on our kids' self-confidence. Prior to coming here, my 5-year old would never hold her head up or make eye contact when speaking with an adult. To see her interacting with adults and how her overall confidence has improved, we will forever be indebted to the Children's Garden! We love this school and would highly recommend!