As I watch her interact with her non-Montessori friends, I see a difference in the way she solves problems. I appreciate the way she listens and I appreciate the way she interacts with others. I always knew that her Montessori experience has nourished her and helped her to blossom.

My husband and I have decided to continue her Montessori education at MSLF’s Blue House. Yesterday, she was invited to spend a day visiting. When I went to pick her up, I witnessed the most awe inspiring event.

About 20 adolescents were holding onto ribbons and circling a pole weaving over and under each other’s ribbons. I watched for a few minutes, not amazed by the activity itself, but by the look of utter joy on these twelve, thirteen and fourteen year old’s faces. Every few seconds, I would catch a glimpse of Gianna and think how lucky we are that we found Montessori (or Montessori found us).

I know my own recollection of Middle School, and I’ve heard plenty of stories from my friends that send their children to the local Middle School. Images of joyful children ringing in a birthday by prancing around a May pole do not come to mind.

I will always cherish the 5 minutes I spent waiting in the Adolescent carpool line and will reflect on the happy faces (my child’s being one of them) experiencing simple childhood bliss. I wish every child, every Adolescent, could feel the joy that those children experienced on that Tuesday afternoon on the Blue House front lawn.

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