Alumni

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

From 18 months till I was 14 years old.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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? 

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. 

I was at CMS from first grade to fifth grade.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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! 

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.

I loved being outside. I still do!

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

I just graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Game Development and Design.

Most definitely the plays. The first play I remember was when I was in Gina’s class. I was one of three cats. I was determined to bring out my acting skills.  One year I played a dragon. My last play was Pearl – all the classes came together to do it. It was a musical. I played an octopus. I also remember the school trips. My most memorable one was the Galveston trip because we got to go to the beach, and we met with marine biologists who told us about their research. The best part was being able to sleep in the aquarium!

I went to Tippit Middle School. I remember my first day – I wondered what was going on. But I think I got used to it pretty fast. In Tippit, we had dedicated time to certain subjects. We had lecture periods, which was different from CMS. I was able to transition pretty well. There was no real hardship for me.

I felt like I had a better understanding of math subjects. I also had pretty decent writing skills. We wrote a lot of short stories. In Tippit, everyone was just beginning long division. I had been doing that since the fourth grade!

Art has been a passion of mine since forever! I remember drawing during  transitions. I had other opportunities to create art, like the dragon costume for The Phantom Tollbooth. I also made a costume for Pearl with my mom’s help. Later, I began coding and working on 3D animations. I realized I could take my passion for art and use it in another format.

One of my biggest takeaways from CMS was starting my writing skills young. I was able to use those skills later in middle school, high school, and college. I’m dyslexic so having the ability to write at a younger age gave me an advantage. I don’t think I would be where I am today without those initial writing skills.

Follow your passions, follow your dreams. I know that’s kind of cheesy but do what you enjoy, and you should be happy with your life and your education.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

I started in the Children’s House in Ms. Jinny’s class at 4 and stayed at CMS until fifth grade.

I attend the University of Texas at Austin. I study management information systems. And I'm doing a minor in entrepreneurship. I'm currently continuing my studies at the Corvinus University of Budapest.

I absolutely loved Serendipity, a festival we celebrated in the Spring.  I remember running around on the playground.  I also remember going to Ms. Veena’s house on a field trip. We got to experience a Hindu holiday. She gave us a delicious dessert. Having that exposure has created an interest in me to learn and be respectful of other cultures.

It was very different. It was sequenced. You follow the schedule and the instructions in class and just get it done. There's a lot more independence to be had at CMS.

I learned to write papers when I was six or seven. I was constantly writing and doing research. That has helped me all the way to college. I noticed a lot of my peers in high school found writing difficult. CMS also helped me stay curious. Be curious. It taught me to keep an open mind about how to solve problems.

There is so much art in CMS learning. I actually would take up two of my elective courses by doing two different art classes every single year of high school. I still create art as a hobby.  I want to create a little Etsy shop, so that I can start selling my art. I also think of art as a way to mentally decompress. In fact, I carry a sketchbook around with me while I travel.

How to be a good person is implied at CMS. Montessori taught me how to be open-minded, see the big picture, and ask questions. I also learned to be respectful and love nature. I love hiking and exploring national parks. 

You can always change your mind about anything that you choose. There is no one defined path in your life that you have to follow. Make the most of every single opportunity. And never stop being motivated.

I was at CMS from third grade to sixth grade. My parents found the school by accident while driving around after we moved from Florida.

I recently completed my Master's in Public Policy and started a new job in Washington D.C. I work with the National Women’s Health Network.

I found my closest friends at CMS. These are people I still talk to. I remember the Fall Festival. My friend’s dad would do the hay rides. I also loved playing soccer on the field by the big oak tree. I also enjoyed the trip we took to Mo-Ranch when I was in the third grade.

After CMS, I attended Austin Montessori till the 9th grade. Then I moved to Griffin, which is a traditional school. I discovered I was ahead of students in areas like reading and writing. My transition was pretty smooth. 

I developed my writing skills and sense of advocacy and fighting for what's right from CMS. It was not an explicit part of being at CMS. It comes with having a sense of what we think is right and what we are taught is right.

I really developed my writing skills at CMS. I have always been interested in writing, whether it is creative writing, or writing essays. Now it’s a part of my job. I do a lot of policy writing,  essay writing, memos, and presentations. CMS helped me develop those skills. I got to skip freshman writing in college and went straight to advanced level writing courses.

Montessori education taught me to think for myself, be creative, and tackle problems head-on, setting me up to handle whatever life throws my way. It encouraged me to explore and learn in my own way, which will always help me adapt and thrive in whatever comes next. 

Embrace your curiosity! Take advantage of the freedom and flexibility that the Montessori environment offers and pursue what you're interested in because it might just open up pathways for you for the rest of your life!

I attended CMS for 4 years from 2008 to 2012.

I am a senior at Georgetown High School.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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