Q: How long were you at CMS?

A: I was at CMS from first grade to fifth grade.

Q: Where are you now?

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

Q: What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

A: 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.

Q: Describe your transition to public school after your time at CMS?

A: 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. 

Q: How did CMS prepare you for traditional school?

A: 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.

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

A: 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.

Q: How do you think Montessori education prepared you for life?

A: 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.

Q: Do you have any advice for current CMS adolescent students?

A: 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.