Alumni References
“I attended Garden Montessori School from age three through the eighth grade. One of my first memories of school is having a lot of one-on-one attention from my teachers. As I got older, I appreciated how the teachers respected all the students and how they helped us learn to accept each other’s differences. I also liked being able to microwave leftovers at lunch, an ability I do not have in high school.”
-Frank B.
Senior, Halls High School
“I am a former student of Garden Montessori School. Ever since preschool, I went to Garden. That’s right, preschool! And where am I now? I am a freshman at Central High School. Every year at Garden, it just got better. Garden is a wonderful school. There, the the teachers really care about the students and that is one of the school’s best qualities. The education is also top-notch. In kindergarten we learned addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and writing, and creative writing. By eighth grade, we learned algebra, science, social studies, music and Spanish. Throughout my ten years, I made many friends. I’ve learned good manners, I’ve gained integrity and I have learned to be a friend to all. Now that I’m in high school, my grades are coming along beautifully as well. Not meaning to flaunt it or anything! Garden is plain and simply extraordinary. Why wouldn’t you want your child to go to school there? Your child will learn many, many things, meet many wonderful people and just have a great time.”
-Mark P.
Freshman, Central High School
“My memories of Garden Montessori are surrounded by a warm, golden glow. As I remember the vastness of the world then, the endless possibilities, it is easy to think of that golden glow as magic. But, in reality, I think it was love. In looking back at those times, I see that my feelings are only a reflection of the love and care that my teachers surrounded me with every day. As a child at Garden, I was enveloped in what seemed a blanket of safety. I felt completely comfortable to explore, play and (with the least intention or understanding) develop and grow in an atmosphere of fun. Now, as a twenty-two-year-old person, standing at the brink of college graduation and an unknown future, I can’t help but long for some of that safety and love again. But, in reality, I know that I will carry it with me always. My best friend, and fellow Garden alumnus, is in college hundreds of miles away and when we do have time to catch up and talk, we often find ourselves reminiscing about our days at Garden. We were provided with a unique environment that allowed our friendship to flourish. As I watch leaves fall from trees and think about the beauty of the rain (I still like to make rain paintings just like I did in kindergarten) the magic is still with me. And when I think about the person I am, my love of reading, my love for the world, my love of adventure, I am not so afraid or uncertain anymore. Garden Montessori School has been a huge force in helping me to become who I am and I am so grateful for my time there. Thanks to everyone who continues to make Garden Montessori School a place filled with magic, love and security.”
-Kaitlin Gencay
Senior, Goshen College
“Out of the five schools I have attended, Garden has definitely been my favorite. I went there for seventh and eighth grade, and I am so happy that I did. garden is such a loving place, with caring teachers and an all-around good environment. I still have many friends that I made while I was there. I’m thankful for that, and for how it helped me now and then, with having good people to go to and talk to if I need to. It definitely is a very good school to go to, and I hope to someday be a teacher there.
Laura Hulen,
Senior, Berean Christian School