CountrySide Montessori School

Ms. Hanne, Ms. Rodica & Mr. Bill,nnPlease accept our highest recommendation of Country Side Montessori School. This past summer we began touring potential schools for our son entering Kindergarten. During the short list process I reached out to a friend, whose child attended Country Side a few years prior, to talk about her experience. Quite a few things resonated with me during that conversation. Ms. Hanne (Directress) was described as having an exceptional gift to teach young children in a manner that not only allows children to grasp curriculum but also piques their curiosity and interest in the world around them. Ms. Hanne’s ability to teach children in a serene, calm, peaceful environment was noted. Additionally, she credited her son’s success and interest in school thereafter on the foundation established at Country Side. Over the course of the last six months, all of the aforementioned and more, we have experienced while our son has attended Country Side.nnCountry Side is the ideal setting for learning, set back from the road in a cozy cottage on grounds that are beautifully maintained. On the day of our tour, we met with Ms. Hanne for over two hours, as she took her time with us allowing us to ask questions and also provided us with a lesson in math using the Montessori approach. Country Side is impeccably clean, tidy and organized. The classrooms have many windows allowing children to learn in a setting filled with natural light surrounded by blooming flowers, gardens and woods. An abundance of materials are available to students which cover any possible area of interest such as geology, geography, space, arts, music, anatomy etc. We knew immediately, during that tour, that this would be an exceptional place for our son to complete Kindergarten.nnMs. Hanne and staff understand that the best results come from joint efforts of student, parents and teachers. Children are provided individualized learning and communication is consistent and frequent. Many other equally important lessons and principles are taught and reinforced at Country Side and everything Ms. Hanne does, is done thoroughly with every detail addressed. The structure of the classroom, with varying ages, allows the older students to take on leadership roles in the class and provides an opportunity for younger students to be mentored by the older students. This reciprocal relationship is beneficial to all of the students and fosters patience and relationship building amongst all students. The older students develop a sense of responsibility by helping the younger students. If you have an opportunity to assist in the class or observe the classroom, you will find a learning environment that is quiet and calm. Children are eager to learn, engaged and interact with each other and staff with courtesy and kindness. Ms. Hanne encourages appreciation of nature and aesthetics by engaging children in activities such as planting and tending to flowers and vegetables. Teachings at Country Side far surpass a standard curriculum. Ms. Hanne and staff’s profound sense of responsibility in the role they assume in a student's education is evident in every interaction. As parents of six children of varying ages, we can attest that this school is truly exceptional.nnSincerely, Rosemary & Wesley Harris (parents of Kingston)

Ms Hanne and CountrySide Montessori School are the absolute best school/teacher we could have hoped to find for our son. We had short listed and visited about five schools in search of a school for our little one. When we visited the school and met Ms Hanne, we knew we had hit GOLD !! Her genuine passion for teaching is what we loved. Our son has had the opportunity to study at CountySide for three years and in those years we can say that Ms Hanne has not only nurtured his love for learning and his curiosity but also has helped him become confident in everything he does. As for us parents, the school and other parents there have become like an extended family. We love everything about this school, be it a small homely feeling, to the picnics, to the special mothers day tea Ms Hanne arranges for all mothers, to the great educational materials being provided, to the fun and games. I know we all remember the one special teacher that we remember from way back when - the one that we loved learning from and wish all teachers were like them...well look no further.

We loved our experience with Countryside! Our twin boys, now 14, attended Countryside from about age 3 through kindergarten. Today they will reminisce about what a great experience they had. They thrived on the structure and the complete environment of the school, it’s beautiful! The boys came away with knowledge and respect for people and the world around them. Recently the boys were discussing how the math and writing really helped them the most. It was a wonderful environment for our boys and I would highly recommend it if your considering early education for your children.

There are people and places in life that you find and then treasure them for many years to follow. My husband and I will always be grateful for the foundation the Countryside Montessori school gave our daughter. This place is a true gem and will always have a special place in my heart. Ms. Hanne and her staff (more like family) really bring you in as part of their world and let me just say what a wonderful little world it is.nThank you so very much

CountrySide Montessori is a wonderful early childhood school. CountrySide is a nurturing, loving, calm, inviting, happy, and supportively inquisitive learning environment. Specifically for our family, the kindergarten experience has been exceptional and exactly what kindergarten *should* be. The Directress, Mrs. Hannelore Gottschalk, is an expert in her field and we will forever be thankful our youngest has had the opportunity to attend. The curriculum, beautiful setting, and incredibly knowledgeable and caring faculty of Mrs. Hanne and Mrs. Rodica has enriched the life of our youngest beyond measure. Academic foundations of reading, writing, mathematics, science and nature, as well social studies and the humanities are all expertly taught, as are manners, kindness in community, self reliance, art and artistic crafts. Had we lived here earlier, I like to think that we would have sought this very special school for our older children as well.