Last December I took the plunge to enter my oldest son into Pre-School. As for many new parents, this can be the most difficult and exciting decision to make. I had looked into other schools in the area, but for one reason or another, the fit didn't seem 'just right'. My neighbor, who at one time was a first grade teacher at a neighboring public school, had stated that Alpine Montessori is a great school. She stated that she could take note to who came from Montessori; they were always her better readers, writers, "on top" on math and sciences and had an imagination that was limitless. After that, my decision was made up, my son was enrolled in to Montessori a week later. Everyday since , if not, every week I have my oldest tell me things that I couldn't even begin to think that he would be able to understand. With in the first week of being at Montessori my son was counting to twenty in English along with counting up to ten in Japanese... all of this at the age of two and a half years. This September I enrolled my youngest, and my two boys are so happy to be at Alpine Montessori. The staff is wonderful, a true family atmosphere with a record of teaching at the Alpine schools for at least thirteen years and up to twenty! One usually doesn't know when they make the right decision, but I am already seeing that Alpine Montessori was the right decision for my rapidly growing boys.

My son has been at the Alpine Montessori school for the past two years – since he was one. The growth that I have seen in my son is more than I could have every anticipated. Not only is he developing a genuine love of learning, but the staff at Montessori are also focused on developing his character. The teachers have a vested interest in every child they teach, and take their responsibility as teachers very seriously. Their dedication is evident in everything they do for ALL the students. The structure of Montessori is unlike any other daycare, and that is why the students excel. Alpine Montessori is a SCHOOL, not a daycare. The students are not just “watched,” they are engaged in valuable learning experiences each day.

I enrolled my one-year-old in Montessori this September, and I am so excited that he is going to experience the same growth and exciting learning experiences that my oldest son has enjoyed for the past two years.

Leaving your children in someone else’s care can be a terrifying prospect, but I have no reservations or concerns when I drop my children off before work each morning. That peace of mind is priceless.

Just over 7 years ago, when my first born was not quite 3 years old, I started the heart wrenching search to find the “perfect” place for her early education and day care. The first few places I visited made me want to give up my career and stay home with my daughter. I felt defeated. During a tearful conversation with my mother, she remembered there being a Montessori school somewhere in Sparta and suggested I look into it. A teacher gave me a tour of the Alpine Montessori building and educated me on the Montessori way of learning. She was friendly, patient and radiated compassion for the children. I was relieved and enrolled my daughter with confidence!

That fall was very trying and I would have never made it through without the wonderful women of Alpine Montessori. My daughter was very shy and had been home with my mother until enrolling her into pre-school. I literally had to pry her out of the car and hand her off crying that first morning. I cried all the way to work wondering if I had made the right decision. When I reached my desk, there was a voice mail from my daughter’s teacher reassuring me that my daughter was fine and that she had calmed down. I can’t tell you how important that message was to me. The ‘morning drop off crying’ continued for a couple of months. However, the voice mails from the teacher didn’t stop and each week got better! Eventually, the crying became a show for mommy and as soon as the door closed behind me my daughter was off and playing.

My daughter attended Alpine Montessori through kindergarten. She graduated with a beautiful ceremony and more life skills than one can imagine. Now in public school, she has been in an advanced reading program for the past few years.

All of the above made it a “no brainer” when it came time to send my younger daughter to pre-school. She was put on a list while still in the womb. My little one started with the summer program around 15 months old to get her acclimated for fall. At 3 ½ years old, she continues to enjoy her days at Alpine Montessori with her friends while acquiring extraordinary life lessons.

Alpine Montessori and its outstanding women became part of our family many years ago. They have watched my girls grow and have had a huge impact on their lives. Personable, honest, caring and down to earth only scratch the surface when describing the staff of Alpine Montessori!

I want to thank you for all that you have done this year in making changes to Alpine Montessori. Nehemiah and Victoria are my children. I will let you know that I wasn't sure how things would change when we came to find out that the school was under new management. I didn't think Alpine Montessori could get any better but you have done a wonderful job. So many new things have been offered like the music classes, the math book for next year. I made a decision about keeping Nehemiah at Montessori for kindergarten after talking with numerous parents at the school and at outside schools. My husband and I went to three open houses and two school visits. I never just assume my child will continue somewhere I do the research. Nothing compared to Montessori. I sing its praises to friends, neighbors and patients. People know that is a lot coming from me because I take nothing for granted. I take off work to participate at every party not only to share the time with my children but to also see how the school is operating. You have been not only so present in the school but also I appreciate how you keep the parents informed about events that occur when I am not there because it gives me so much more to talk about with my children regarding their day. This is a little note to you to say thank you for an EXCELLENT school year.

We had our son Aroosh in another Montessori school and were impressed with the learning improvement. However, we had to change his school due to commute reasons and we are so glad we found Alpine Montessori. The school staff treats you like family and there has been a marked improvement in our son's behavior, curiosity to ask more questions, art and science skills. In the first two weeks itself, he was memorizing letters, alphabets and doing that in Spanish and Japanese. Infact, he also started speaking alphabets in reverse order. We were so impressed by this that we put our daughter Kaeya at Alpine when she was 30 months old. Could not be surprised to see the same traits in her as well. Now both of them communicate and do educational activities together.

Alpine staff has certainly made commendable efforts to bring both of my kids interested in educational activities and sport. We are thankful from the bottom of our hearts for this and certainly spread the good word around.

Excellent school for anyone who is interested.