Q: How long were you at CMS?

A: I was a student in the Nova classroom for two years.

Q: Where are you now?

A: I’m a freshman at Vista Ridge High School.

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

A: I loved Wednesdays because we got to do Microeconomy. We made candles. We did soap and Epoxy. That was the first time I had ever heard of the term Epoxy. In the seventh grade, I planned the Spring trip with a classmate. It was a lot of fun. And, of course, the trip itself was amazing. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and just being a kid.

Q: Describe your transition to traditional school.

A: The first few weeks were overwhelming socially because it was going from 18 kids to hundreds of students. And moving from class to class was something I had never done before. I was afraid I would get lost. But academically, Charlie prepared us for everything. I recently found out that we learned ninth grade material at CMS. I know most of what we are learning in geometry and biology.

Q: How did CMS prepare you for high school?

A: Besides academics our guides wanted us to be social. We had rules in place for that, like we had to have conversations during allocated time periods. That helped me prepare to go out and talk to people in school. The tools I got from CMS helped me make the friends I have now.

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

A: At CMS, I started to write a novel for my six-week project. It was a big undertaking. I like writing a lot. I’ve taken journalism at Vista Ridge. Next year, I can work at the newspaper or on the yearbook. That will be fun.

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

A: One big thing about Montessori is learning at your own pace. I think that helped me develop my own distinct learning style. Now I know how to teach myself when necessary. That’s a useful skill for the future.



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

A: Pay attention to what you are taught. Eighth graders should study Mitosis at CMS. Cell City is great, but Mitosis is useful. The Nova guides know what they are doing. Be nice to the teachers and respect them. They do try to prepare you for high school.