Community Montessori School

Alumni

We have a 40 year legacy at CMS and are very proud of our Alumni! Browse these Alumni Spotlights to hear more about our CMS grads. If you are an Alumni, we would love to hear from you!

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Anna M.

Anna

Attended CMS: 2008-2012

Anna, a senior in Georgetown High School, credits CMS for her independence, eagerness to learn, and her drive to do well in school.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I attended CMS for 4 years from 2008 to 2012.

  • Where are you now?

    I am a senior at Georgetown High School.

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    I remember the cultural lunches, outdoor plays, and working on the Pink Tower.

  • Which schools did you attend after CMS? Describe your transitions.

    I attended Zion Lutheran and Gateway after CMS. My transition was marked with more independence than expected and an eagerness to learn new things.

  • What are some of the challenges you faced?

    One notable challenge I faced after transferring out of CMS in Kindergarten was learning how to print because we were not permitted to write in cursive. I also struggled with having less independence as the lessons were more structured.

  • Do you think CMS prepared you for your subsequent education?

    Most significantly, CMS prepared me for my education by making me love learning. I also learned independence and responsibility. My love for learning made me eager to learn, and I developed a drive to do well in school.

  • What interests did you pursue while you were at CMS? Are you still pursuing those actions?

    I pursued writing and art at CMS. CMS helped spark my passion by encouraging discovery and improvement in my interests. Today, I use writing frequently in school with composition essays, and I use art as a form of creative expression.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    Montessori education taught me the value of learning and because of that I have continued to enjoy new things. I work hard in school and find joy in knowledge. This will help me in college and my future career.

  • Do you have any words of advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    Be kind to others and never doubt your abilities. Work hard and have a good work/life balance.

Avery T.

Avery

Attended CMS: 2003-2012

Like her siblings, Avery also followed her passion for math and forged her own path as a chemical engineer who turns waste into valuable products.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I started in the Children’s House at 3 and left after completing upper elementary at 12.

  • Where are you now?

    I am now a chemical engineer at Sedron Technologies, a waste processing and nutrient recovery company in Bellingham, WA.

  • Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.

    I loved playing Archimedes in a class play (Ms. Veena) in lower elementary. I remember the Heroes in History Parades. One year,  I researched and dressed up as Isaac Newton—complete with a massive apple. This was such an engaging way to learn about historical figures and further helped me realize my passion for math and science.

  • Describe your transition to traditional school.

    After CMS (pre-Nova times), I completed middle school and high school at Meridian World School in Round Rock. My transition was easy but exciting. Having a structured day took a little getting used to.

  • How did CMS prepare you for middle school and high school?

    CMS taught me how to ask good questions and that helped me in the workforce as well. CMS also gave me critical thinking skills and independence, all of which continue to help me.

  • What interests did you pursue while you were at CMS? Are you still working on those passions?

    I was obsessed with math. This has followed me through college where I got a degree in chemical and biological engineering, and now in my job as a chemical engineer. I use math (and science) everyday and am so happy that CMS showed me how fun and joyful it can be. CMS also fostered my love for nature. I continue to explore our world through hiking, snowshoeing, and trail running.

  • How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?

    Montessori allowed me to develop my own interests and pursue them independent of an assignment. Looking for problems and solutions versus being handed a problem to solve is one of the largest skills I’ve taken away from my Montessori education.

  • Do you have advice for our current CMS adolescent students?

    Pursue whatever interests you. We all have different talents and skill sets, and they are all equally valuable. Whatever it is that makes you excited, follow that and see where it takes you. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try out things you might not initially like. You will never know if you don’t try.

Carolina Sofia B.

Carolina Sofia

Attended CMS: 2004-2013

Carolina Sofia discovered her passion for geography in CMS’ lower elementary classroom. It’s now the focus of her higher education.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I think I started at 2.5, but Mom thinks I began at 3. Miss Chrissy was my guide, and I still see her every now and then.

  • Where are you now?

    I’m a graduating senior at the University of Texas at Austin. I’m working on a B.A. in International Relations and Global Studies with a minor in Philosophy of Law. After that, it is a graduate school where I will study international trade and finance.

  • Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.

    A lot of them involve the playground. We used to be so intense about soccer that Mr. Hooper would stand as a referee. We also did a lot of cooking and baking in the upper elementary kitchen. We baked a lot of focaccia bread and pizza.

  • Describe your transition to traditional school.

    CMS only went up to sixth grade in those days. I went to Austin Montessori School for seventh and eighth grade, which was a nice mid-way transition. After that, I moved to Seattle, and I attended a private school. We moved back to Austin in a year. Those transitions were harder, but I’m someone who is willing to do what it takes to make it work.

  • How did CMS prepare you for middle school and high school?

    We did a lot of group work early on. That concept becomes extremely relevant later. I am currently working on a project for the state department. I’m working with 5 other people. We all have to write a paper, and we all have to agree. Having those foundational social skills that CMS provides is the key. CMS also helped me with math. I took a calculus course in college, and we saw a video in class that showed how the concepts physically worked. I recognized the Montessori materials in the video and then I knew that I got this.

  • What interests did you pursue while you were at CMS? Are you still working on those passions?

    I loved geography, anything with capitals. I clearly still do. I remember playing a name the capital city game with my friends. I also enjoyed writing reports and stories. Now I focus on how geography intermingles with history, politics, culture, and economics.

  • How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?

    Montessori made me independent. I learned how to cook and bake. The camping trips in lower and upper elementary helped with independence, too. CMS prepared me to be on my own and made me passionate about my learning.

  • Do you have advice for CMS’ current adolescent students?

    Focus on what you are passionate about. The things that you like will be the things that you want to study later in college. And don’t put too much pressure on yourself in high school. Montessori prepares you in a way that you end up being leagues ahead of your classmates.

Genessee F.

Genessee

Attended CMS: 2006-2011

Meet Genessee, alumni and current CMS parent, who manages a coffee shop and helps her husband run his business.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I was at CMS for 6 years - K through fifth grade.

  • Where are you now?

    I'm now married. My husband Cory and I have a sweet little girl, Harper! I manage a coffee shop in Liberty Hill and help my husband with his company.

  • Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.

    My favorite memories of CMS were probably all the plays we did when I was in Ms. Veena’s class. I loved rehearsing with my classmates, we would do the plays in the log cabin. Ms. Veena's assistant (my favorite assistant ever) Ms. Sally, would play the piano during our performances! My favorite play we did took place in Japan, and it was super cool to learn about that culture!

  • What made you choose CMS for your daughter?

    I chose CMS for my daughter because I love the Montessori philosophy. It’s amazing to see what the little ones are capable of when you give them the opportunity. The Prepared Environments provide room to explore and learn. I was blessed to have had that opportunity when I was younger, and I wanted my daughter to have it as well.

  • How was your transition from student to parent?

    I actually transitioned from student to staff member first. I worked with the babies in the Nido community. As a parent, it is great to have seen the school from these varying perspectives.

  • What are you hoping your daughter gains from her experience at the school?

    I’m hoping Harper gains a great level of self-confidence from her time at CMS. Being surrounded by adults who are constantly encouraging her to be independent and showing her that she actually is capable of so much can only have a positive effect on her later in life.

  • How do you think your work at CMS transfers into the workplace?

    I loved working on group projects with my peers at CMS. It was so enjoyable to hear everyone’s ideas, work together, and come up with a plan to complete whatever project we were working on. I use many of those problem-solving skills in my day to day work life. I manage my shop with compassion and love for every person who works with me. I am constantly having to problem solve, resolve conflicts with employees, brainstorm with the owners to increase our numbers, etc. I feel that having the experiences I did during my time at CMS definitely had a part in setting me up for success.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    CMS definitely helped me gain so much independence and confidence in myself. Having that strong foundation at such an early age helped me grow to be the person I am today.

Katelyn I.

Katelyn

Attended CMS: 2009-2021

Meet CMS alumni, Katelyn, an aspiring astronaut whose ambition was sparked by her time in the Children’s House.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    From 18 months till I was 14 years old.

  • Where are you now?

    I’m currently a sophomore attending Early College High School in Round Rock. 

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    It was probably the Children’s House. I did a lot of sewing. I made so many pillows that my dad would throw them away. I remember polishing brass and folding laundry. There was a little squirrel or skunk that I liked to polish.

  • Describe your transition to high school after your time at CMS?

    The biggest transition for me was socially. There are 120 students in my graduating class.  At CMS, I knew and interacted with everyone. Academically, I found that I was far ahead in the things I was interested in because CMS encourages you to explore your interests. I was ahead in math and science.

  • How did your time at CMS prepare you for high school?

    I’m good at working with people and that is something that has helped me. I am running for sophomore student council representative so that I will be able to speak for the 10th grade class. We also do a lot of group work in class. CMS prepared me well for teamwork and collaboration.

  • What interests did you pursue while you were at CMS? Are you still working on those passions?

    Science! I explored a lot of it at CMS. I worked on mitosis and STEM projects. We used the laser cutter and 3D printer. My curiosity for science carried on into my current chemistry class.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    I have a good grasp on managing my time compared to my peers because I was expected to do that every day at CMS. That’s a skill a lot of people don’t have because school is structured for them.

  • What do you want to be when you grow up?

    My dream is to be an astronaut. At first, I wanted to be a paleontologist. I wrote so many reports about dinosaurs in Ms. Stephanie’s class. So, I thought I wanted to be a paleontologist. And then I learned about the planets. Who wouldn’t want to be an astronaut? 

  • Do you have any advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    The biggest thing is that you are more prepared than you think you are. You will be more prepared academically and will probably be ahead in science, math, writing, and problem-solving. 

Lily S.

Lily

Attended CMS: 2009-2014

Lily devoured books at CMS, and now she aspires to help authors publish quality literature.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I was at CMS from first grade to fifth grade.

  • Where are you now?

    I’m at Emory University, majoring in creative writing and psychology. This semester (Spring, 2023) I’m studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland.

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    I remember the camping trips. Those were fun.  And I loved visiting the CMS library. Then, I’d cozy up in the reading corner and read the book that I had picked.

  • Describe your transition to public school after your time at CMS?

    I transitioned into public school in the sixth grade. Academically, I was ahead of my peers. Socially, it was a smooth transition. I’ve always been a talkative person. It was mainly just a shock to have so many more people in my class who were all my age.

  • How did CMS prepare you for traditional school?

    I feel like it made me a lot more confident about knowing my interests. Even now in college, I see other people really struggle to pick their majors. I knew coming out of CMS what I loved. I think that’s because there is such an open curriculum there. And Montessori allows you to pick your interests and explore them.

  • What interests did you pursue at CMS and are you still working on them?

    You probably already guessed that at CMS I became interested in English and writing. From there I’ve become more interested in publishing and editing. My biggest takeaway from CMS was that it got me interested in something specific when I was young. And I could keep going with that. CMS gave me access to a lot of books and opportunities to read.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    I think it made me see the interdisciplinary nature of things a lot more than I would have in public education. That’s one of the reasons I’m double majoring in psychology and creative writing right now. I feel like I would have seen them as separate fields if I didn’t have a Montessori education.

  • Do you have any advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    The Montessori values that we learn at CMS can be applied later in life. There’s a lot to be said for basic things like compromising and being respectful of others.  It’s helpful to not forget all that stuff.

Mason T.

Mason

Attended CMS: 2003-2009

Meet CMS alumni Mason, who enjoys reading, fly fishing, and traveling, when he’s not crunching numbers at his day job.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I started in the Children’s House and went up to third grade.

  • Where are you now?

    I’m a Settlements Analyst in an energy trading company in Houston. I work on accounting and financial due diligence. Prior to that, I completed my Master’s in Finance from SMU in Dallas. I earned my BA at the University of Texas at Austin.

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    I remember working on these lengthy long division problems. I participated in plays in Ms. Veena’s classroom. One of them was about Archimedes. We also had cultural lunches, and we got to try food from different nations. I remember this one time my mom brought over her friend’s father-in-law who was Finnish. He came in dressed as a Viking that day. Ms. Veena will testify that I was a very picky eater. I kind of still am. Those cultural meals helped me expand my culinary horizons a little bit.

  • Describe your transition to public school after your time at CMS?

    When you go from self-guided learning to having scheduled classes for each subject and homework assignments, it is  a different experience. But I adjusted pretty quickly. I decided not to stress about making friends or anything else. Things fell into place.

  • What are some of your hobbies? Did you pursue anything at CMS that you are still involved in?

    Definitely, reading. Ms. Veena would read to us after lunch, and it instilled a love for reading and literature that I have even today. I also enjoy being out in nature, and CMS and my parents instilled that in me. I enjoy fly fishing and traveling.

  • What are your future aspirations?

    This sounds really cheesy but my parents worked hard throughout their lives. I’d like to emulate them and be in a situation like theirs, where they can kind of enjoy life, work if they want, and spend time with their family.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    It helped me learn more for myself and about myself. It taught me to keep striving to become the best person I can be. And just to keep learning. Nobody knows everything. There is something you can learn every single day. It helped that Montessori let me lead my own path throughout the day while being guided with lessons.

  • Do you have any words of advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    Be enthusiastic and passionate about learning. What you learn now will set the groundwork for what you learn in high school college and your career. If you hate what you learn and aren’t enthusiastic, it’s not going to be any fun. As I’ve started adulting, I’ve realized that I miss being a kid. So just enjoy and learn. Have fun going to school!

Neha S.

Neha

Attended CMS: 2001-2007

Entrepreneur Neha balances her creative and logical side through her wedding planning and accounting businesses.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I joined when I was 5, and my mom was my guide. I left CMS when I finished fifth grade.

  • What was it like having your mom as your guide?

    I totally took advantage of it. I got all my friends in the classroom to call my mom “Amma,” which means mom. I definitely created some ruckus for her.

  • Where are you now?

    I run a financial planning company with my husband, and I am a part-time wedding planner. I think the creative part of me really liked the wedding planning side and the logical part of me still needed my day job.

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    The thing that stands out to me is the actual environment of the school. I loved the farm-like, secluded feel of the school with its beautiful gardens and chicken coop. I also remember the big CMS tree that we used to climb on and play under for hours. 

  • Describe your transition to high school after your time at CMS?

    It was pretty easy for me. I was able to adapt quickly. I didn’t feel behind or anything. I felt I had learned so much more at CMS. In sixth grade, we had a geography class and the subject was completely new to my classmates. I wondered how they did not know the oceans and the continents. I had worked on the flags and maps since I was in first grade!

  • What were your interests when you were at CMS and do you still pursue those passions?

    When I was in the Children’s House we would write out scripts for plays that we would then enact. We created the costume and background sets. Those experiences fired up my passion for Performing Arts. I continue that passion even today. I’m involved in the theatre scene in Austin and perform regularly.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    The Practical Life skills we were taught at CMS helped me in college. I remember none of my friends knew how to even sew a button. I was known as the “seamstress.” If something had to be fixed or if a button fell off everyone would come to me.

  • Do you have any advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    Live in the moment and cherish your time at CMS because not every school is as special. Not every environment is going to be so beautiful, peaceful, and calm. Enjoy learning and exploring the topics that you want to study. It’s a unique opportunity that you have.

Savannah B.

Savannah

Attended CMS: 2000-2005

Meet Savannah, LSU’s Regional Admissions Counselor, who credits her time at CMS with helping her to think critically and problem-solve.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I started at CMS when I was 18 months old and left as I was going into first grade (2000-2005). I started at the original campus and then moved with the school when it moved to the current campus! I came back and worked as a summer camp counselor at CMS in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

  • Where are you now?

    I now work for Louisiana State University as a Regional Admissions Counselor in DFW! Reach out if you are interested in going to college at LSU!

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    CMS memories that I remember (I was young) were going to Serendipity, playing in the log cabin on the playground, growing things in my classroom backyard, classroom tea time, and making snacks! Ms. Cindy was one of my guides during my last year or so there, and I loved reconnecting with her! As a counselor, it was a blast coming back to the space where I grew up.

  • Describe your transition to traditional school after your time at CMS?

    I left CMS so I could start public school in first grade. At that time, they definitely didn’t have middle school at CMS. It took a while to adjust to traditional school. I was not used to having to sit all day. My teachers wanted me to write in print instead of cursive. But once I established friendships, I was good! 

  • Which schools did you attend after CMS?

    I transferred to Carver Elementary in GISD and graduated from East View High School in 2017 before going to TCU for my bachelor's and Master’s degree.

  • What are some of your hobbies? Did you pursue anything at CMS that you are still involved in?

    I loved being outside. I still do!

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    My Montessori education prepared me to think critically, problem solve, and be comfortable with the lack of rigid structure that comes with advanced degrees and adult life!

  • Do you have any advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    You will be more than prepared for your next steps after CMS! Take what you learned and apply it to the next part of your educational journey!

Tanner T.

Tanner

Attended CMS: 2004-2012

Meet Tanner, a mechanical engineer in the making, who discovered her love for math in CMS’ elementary classroom.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    I started in the Casita classroom and stayed until the third grade. There was no upper Elementary or Nova at that time.

  • Where are you now?

    I’m working on my degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tulsa where I’m a sophomore. I have a research job as well, which is fun.

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    Gosh there are so many. I participated in a lot of plays. We baked biscuits. I remember working on long division on 40 sheets because we chose a huge number. I liked using the fractional insets for math. I liked math a lot growing up. We also had a tea set in our classroom. I think that’s how I started liking tea. I remember the World Books that we used a lot for research.

  • Describe your transition to high school after your time at CMS?

    I went to a Charter school called Gateway for about a year. After that, I went to Meridian from 6th to 12th grade, which is IB affiliated. I was way ahead in math. I’d always ask my teachers for more work. Later, I joined the UIL math club, which I loved. A lot of my CMS friends went to the same high school. The smart kids were the ones from CMS.

  • In what way did CMS impact your future?

    I was one hundred percent one of those kids who would do math for most of the day and had to be reminded to do my reading. I definitely still love math, and it’s a huge part of mechanical engineering. Even in high school, I enjoyed math and STEM. I think it’s just interesting and describes how our world works.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    Montessori helped me want to learn more. I was sitting at my desk wanting to learn. I have a lot of peers who say they don’t want to attend class. I am grateful for the fact that I like to learn, grateful to CMS for that, and for encouraging my creativity. My friends are surprised that I know how to knit, crochet, and embroider. A lot of people don’t know how to be creative. That is such a necessary skill!

  • Do you have any words of advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    Keep working hard and don’t be afraid to fail. You are here to learn. Try not to burn yourself out. I feel like that’s the number one cause of people not liking school.

Zoya D.

Zoya

Attended CMS: 2007-2017

Zoya was petrified of skeletons until her CMS guide helped her confront her fears. Now she’s considering a career in medicine.

  • How long were you at CMS?

    10 years. I started when I was two and left after I finished sixth grade.

  • Where are you now?

    I’m at Headwaters, which is a private school in Downtown Austin. It’s an IB school. I’m taking physics and environmental science. And I’m working with one of my teachers to publish a paper. I’m also applying for colleges and preparing for finals.

  • What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

    Definitely the Model UN in New York. I was part of the second group that went. I was a shy kid. I didn’t like to talk to strangers. A friend who had been there the previous year pushed me to participate. But the skills I gained helped me. I became the President of the National Honor Society at my school because I learned to write good speeches.

  • Describe your transition to high school after your time at CMS?

    Nova did not exist in my time. For middle school, I attended another Montessori in South Austin. It was an easy transition. But high school was tough the first year because it was online. When I got back in person, it was easy to meet people and get involved in school. Academically, I didn’t have any problems although I was graded for the first time.

  • How did your time at CMS prepare you for High School?

    Montessori taught me to love learning. There was no pressure. It was learning something because you were interested in it. That made it easier for me to be interested in learning in high school even though we do get grades. Learning for the sake of learning is what I got from Montessori.

  • In what way did CMS impact your future?

    I was petrified of skeletons, but my elementary guide helped me to get over my fear. Now,  I am seriously considering becoming a doctor.

  • How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

    Montessori taught me to love learning. There was no pressure. It was learning something because you were interested in it. That made it easier for me to be interested in learning in high school even though we do get grades. 

  • Do you have any words of advice for current CMS adolescent students?

    Changing schools will be challenging. But I believe Montessori helps. My college counselor says that she loves having Montessori kids because they are so interested in how the world works, and they are so invested in school. Don’t worry about the grades, they come second to learning.

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