DR. & MR. PIETRANTUONO — 2022
“If we have the Ability, we have the Responsibility.” It is this belief, along with knowing our daughter is “meant for more,” that led us on a journey to seek out a learning environment that would allow her to flourish, at her own pace.
We began to research the many pre-schools in our area, visiting the few that stood out or were “highly recommended” by the community… We walked away from each one knowing exactly why they were not the right environment for our child; though each offered options that fit into a 2 parent, working household, the tuitions were similar yet the opportunities appeared confined to the “group,” not the individual child.
Prior to beginning at Willow Tree, our daughter was already advanced for her age, yet after just 4 months at the school, we have seen her truly blossom.
One of the major benefits of a Montessori education is the focus on fostering independence and self-motivation in children. Our daughter has become much more confident and capable in her daily activities at Willow Tree, and we have seen her take ownership of her learning in a way that we have not seen before.
Another benefit of a Montessori education is the emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Our daughter is constantly engaged in meaningful, real-life activities at Willow Tree that allow her to make connections and understand concepts on a deeper level.
Overall, we are extremely impressed with the progress our daughter has made in such a short time at Willow Tree Montessori, and we highly recommend this educational approach and specifically this school to other parents.
Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of this amazing WTM Family.
TERRI L. GERMAIN-WILLIAMS — PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS, PH.D
This environment is more than we could have dreamed for our son. He is flourishing socially, learning kind and peaceful ways to interact with other children and adults, as well as academically. The team at Willow Tree are providing a warm and at the same time challenging (applying the principles of productive struggle with high expectations) day. The students also have access to do their work outside in a zen garden as well as special topics including Yoga, violin and French language.
GILLIAN FATTAL — EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NEW HAVEN COUNTY BAR
I came to my first observation this morning and was immediately taken by how peaceful but busy the environment is. The children were happy and very engrossed in their work. The time went by so quickly. I can’t wait to come again! I thank you for a wonderful and inspired winter morning.
ERIC FRAZER — Psy., PH.D.
Dear Future Montessori Parents,
If you are reading this letter, you are in the same place I was many years ago when the time came to make a decision about preschool. In those days, the frenzy was about making sure everything was ‘perfect’ for my sons, and it was almost by chance I heard about Montessori schools since that had not been a part of my upbringing. While I was impressed with the open house presentation, what converted me from aspirational belief to instilled confidence came from the guiding wisdom of Rhonda Bielik. I came to observe a method of teaching that drew out my children’s innate love of learning. Now in 4th and 1st grade we’re still talking (and creating) about space, nature, robots, physics, inventions which were all spawned out of what was instilled in those early years.
Instruction aside, what truly struck me was during my first ‘parent-teacher’ conference, where I listened to Mrs. Bielik tell me things about my son. These were Insights that could only have been known by someone who connected with him in the most depthful way. This was not a teacher talking, it was what I would call a nurturer, and actually a spiritual nurturer if you’re inclined towards those beliefs. My son’s ‘teacher’ paid attention to him in a way showing how she tuned into his inner strengths, curiosities, talents, and areas needing growth. This, of course, was all communicated in a metaphorical “Montessori Way” that left me wanting more feedback, but also with full confidence that he was not only in good hands, but a place that I knew great things would happen in a very natural developmental transformation.
If I could award Mrs. Bielik with an honorary Ph.D. in child development, it would be without hesitation.
KAREY MAXWELL — D.M.D.
Simply Beautiful! This is my first time observing a Montessori environment in action. From the moment you walk in you are swept away into a calm, enriching educational experience. I see the older children baking a cake together; helping one another scoop, pour and stir. My daughter is washing, peeling, cutting a carrot. Then clearing up after herself without being asked. A [middle child] is busy painting ‘Picasso”-like paintings and [another child] is concentrating on multiplication, while [younger child] works on the continents and their animals. Now I overhear the children singing the “State Song” as [younger child] corrects any mistakes he hears. I wish I could be here everyday! It’s quite lovely that 3-5 year olds can be describes as peaceful. It reminds me of a yoga retreat! Absolutely glorious! And Mrs. Bielik is the unifying thread that holds it all together. This is my third child to go through Montessori, but the first time with Mrs. Bielik. She is indescribable, an inspiration to us all! We are all blessed to have her a part of our lives.
MEG GILL — FORMER CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN
What a beautiful introduction into life and learning! The foundational qualities of a Montessori education will carry these children through their entire lives. I am so excited for [my son] to begin his Montessori journey.