Bristow Montessori School held its first kindergarten graduation on June 3, 2012 with 11 students graduating and one student recognized from the class of 2011.
The private Montessori school, which opened in 2010, educates children from ages six weeks through nine years (roughly through third grade.) But rather than matriculating through traditional grade-based classrooms, students are grouped in three-year age groups and encouraged to progress at their own speed.
This strategy tends to encourage a high level of achievement. For instance each kindergarten graduate was able to write and read a half page graduation speech aloud.
The speeches included what the children believe they will remember most about kindergarten, including the friends they made at Bristow Montessori, their favorite classroom activities, as well as what they want to be when they grow up.
Parents were charmed when children declared their desired professions.
Ebby Bejoy said he wanted to be a lacrosse player and a scientist. Ashlee James said that in addition to being a singer, she wanted to be a mom. Meanwhile professional athlete and ship captain were popular career choices.
The graduation hit the all the right notes, managing to be both inspirational and nostalgic. The administration personalized the ceremony by including a photo montage of each graduate, which appeared on the screen while children received their diploma scrolls.
The children, dressed in white caps and gowns, looked very scholarly, and parents quipped that it felt like a dress rehearsal for college.
Graduates sang patriot songs and the school Alma Mater “You’re a Brand New School” to the tune of “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” And the pop tune “I’m on My Way,” played as students received their official-looking diplomas, and school administrators moved their tassels.
After the ceremony children turned back into playful five and six-year-olds. They shed their caps and gowns to enjoy some potentially messy cake and cookies. Once recharged with sugar they proceeded to chase balloons around the multipurpose room.
But it was the parents who were most touched by the ceremony, watching their babies transform into grade school children right before their eyes.
Yet parents attributed the many positive changes they witnessed in their sons and daughter over the past year to their time at Bristow Montessori.
Ashlee James’s mom saw her daughter’s confidence rise tremendously. Her teacher agreed.
“She’s very independent. Her whole attitude has changed. She’s more spirited and social, and funny,” said teacher Jackie Johnson.
Mom Melissa Schmelzer was happy Bristow Montessori had helped her son Tyler to embrace learning.
“His teacher Ms. Anita was fabulous and created such a love of learning and a strong foundation for his future. He loves coming to school; he loves to read," Schmelzer said.
Thomas Bejoy was most impressed with Bristow Montessori’s progressive math program, which has kindergarten students adding and subtracting four digit numbers. He attributes it to his son’s profound interest in science.
School Founder Sameer Patel, whose son Rumi graduated with the class of 2012, thanked the families, many of whom signed on with the school before the building was even complete.
Principal Trisha Leathers explained that the school is growing along with the children, many who have come to the school at age three.
Encouraged by the swift progress their children are making at Bristow Montessori, Leathers said many parents are reluctant to enroll their children in traditional schools lest their progress is slowed. Thus the school continues to expand as its students ages, adding more grades and teachers as required.
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