Q: How long were you at CMS?

A: I started at age four in Cindy’s class, and I stayed till the end of sixth grade.

Q: Where are you now?

A: I’m a junior at Chapparal Star Academy.

Q: Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.

A: There were a lot, especially with my friend Marlo. I remember an incident in Cindy’s class when I pretended to be right-handed because Marlo was right-handed. Cindy reminded me that I was left-handed. Then, she took me into the little backyard and tossed me a ball. I caught it with my left hand. There was no more pretending after that.

Q: Describe your transition to traditional school.

A: My transition was a little skewed because I started middle school during the pandemic. High school was weird at first because I had to sit at a desk and had a structured routine. Socially, it turned out to be pretty good. I have close friends now.

Q: How did CMS prepare you for high school?

A: Montessori definitely taught me that everybody learns differently, and you have to find how you learn. If my teachers taught me something, and I thought this was not how my brain works, I was able to figure things out. CMS taught me to be independent and self-reliant. 

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

A: While I was at CMS, I really enjoyed math and science. I still like math and would like to go to college and study psychology. When I was in Veena’s and Gina’s classes, I thought I wanted to be a teacher. I don’t want to teach anymore, but going back over the summers taught me that I enjoy working with children. 

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

A: In addition to being self-reliant and independent, Montessori taught me that if something isn’t working for you, you should try a different way. Don’t keep doing the same thing. In the Children's House, while doing Practical Life, Cindy would encourage students to try things in different ways. I think that philosophy can be incorporated in a broader sense. 

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

A: Take the time to learn what interests you and know that might change. Montessori encourages exploration. Public school doesn’t. Explore what you might want to do.