nurturing independence, self-confidence,
self-respect and creativity

Parent Testimonials

Celebrating Their Child's Development

Following are a few of the testimonials we have received from happy and enthusiastic parents.

Dear Em & Cathy,
Thank you for creating such a wonderful place for our children to learn, grow, blossom and see the world in a more meaningful way. You have set them on a marvelous path and we are forever grateful. With Love and Appreciation,
Marisa, Glenn, Cryin, Liam, & Ari

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Dear Miss Em & Miss Cathy,
Thank you both for all your support these past years. Both of my children treasure their Hands-On School memories. We’re sad to have to move on, but will keep in touch. Thank you for everything.
Julie & Mark Atwood

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Dear Emily & Cathy,
Liam and I want to thank you and the other teachers for taking the time to meet with us all last night. As you know, we had already made the decision to enroll Alyssa in the extended day kindergarten program. That was a “given” for us. We attended the information session to learn more details and logistics of the program. We never expected to walk away with such immense feelings of awe and gratitude.

Two years ago, as we began researching preschool options, we learned about Montessori education. That journey culminated in finding HOMS and we knew with the utmost certainly that we had found the right environment for Alyssa. Since then, we have continued on this track, but hadn’t stopped to re-evaluate it. Last night’s meeting allowed us the opportunity to reflect on our decisions, and it was so wonderful to feel even more confident than we did two years ago. Our certainly that HOMS is giving Alyssa the best possible academic foundation is of immense importance. But, as a mother, I feel truly blessed to have found that academic strength within a group of such devoted, loving people.

It is amazing- as a parent, you spend every moment of your children’s lives putting everything you have and everything you are into helping them become the best people they can be and then the day arrives when you have to allow them into the care and trust of an environment you cannot control. I was petrified of that day until we found you. There are no words to express how amazed and truly grateful we are.
Sincerely,
Nicole Colleran

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Dear Emily,
I just wanted to write to you to let you and your staff know how grateful my husband and I are for the experiences our children had while attending your school. As you know, Michael attended the first year you opened, back in 2003-2004 and then again in 2004-2005. Julianne attended from 2004 to 2007. Then environment and the teachers were all the best we could have hoped for. Both of my children grew more confident not only in their ability and intellect, but in that loving and nurturing environment their personalities blossomed.

Michael has gone on to public school and is currently in first grade. He has had amazing report cards and is reading books at a fourth grade level. He still appreciated the time he spent there and on many a day misses it. Julianne will start kindergarten this fall and is definitely prepared for it as she has begun to read herself. More than that both have learned to love learning and are confident people. I believe that Hands-On had a lot to do with that. I would highly recommend your school to anyone searching for a preschool/elementary school for their children (although I could not enroll them further for kindergarten and elementary, I wish I could have). Anyone who wants a school that provides not only a superior learning environment but also a truly caring and loving place for the children should look no further.

My best regards for you…and everyone at Hands-On. My family will miss your school very much. I wish you all much success in the future and many thanks for all of you r care and concern over the past four years for Michael and Julianne. They will never forget you And I will always appreciate the feeling like of being a great mother for choosing the perfect preschool.
Sincerely,
Sherry Aviles
North Easton

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Dear Em and Cathy,
Here we are at the last day of school in 2007. This year has really flown by. It’s hard to believe that McKenzie is already old enough to be leaving HOMS. I feel like it was just yesterday that she started, but that was 3.5 years ago!!! I have very missed feelings about her moving on – excited for her to expand her social circle and experiences, but sad that she is leaving the place she feels most comfortable, aside from her home.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you both for everything. I cannot say enough about the experience that she has had with all of you. It has been more than I ever could have imagined when we brought her to meet Em for the first time at the age of 2! Little did I know that I would have a 3 year old, who knows where Madagascar is on the map, or a 4 year old who could locate most of the 50 states, or a kindergartener who is reading chapter books to herself when she goes to bed each night. And, of course, I am seeing the same wonderful things from Ben and Meghan now too.

This year has been an amazing year for McKenzie’s development. I’m sure you have seen it too. She has grown into a very bright, happy, self confident little girl. Her experience in the extended day program as well as the drama program after school has been nothing short of spectacular. Thank you both for your dedication to all of the children academically, socially, and developmentally.

McKenzie thinks the world of everyone at Montessori. I know she will miss you all terribly next year (and even next week!), but she is already excited about visiting when she can next year with Ben and Meghan.

Have a wonderful summer and thank you again for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Christine

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To Everyone at Hands-On Montessori,
I can’t thank you enough for such a wonderful experience my kids had at your school. The last six years have just flown by. Because of HOMS my kids all love going to school and continue to do well. They made great friends and learned so much. I wish I had 3 more kids to send to HOMS.
Lisa McKinley

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Dear Hands-On Montessori,
I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to come and observe your school and commend you on your program. Even though I observed a “snapshot” of your daily routine/program, I really enjoyed it. During my ole’ days of being a classroom teacher I had the opportunity to visit and observe many preschool classrooms in NYC and just by watching your classrooms in action for a few moments, I could tell that your child-centered school is really first rate!

I would love Trevor to attend your program next fall if possible. I know we would both love it. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Ariana Illson

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Dear Cathy,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all you’ve done to make Daniel’s year at Montessori a success. As I look back, I know that a strong foundation was built at HOMS that will pave the road for his success and happiness in life. I just recently came to realize how often you took notice and responded to Daniel’s personality and abilities. May times in situations that warranted some intervention, it was due to your involvement that these situations ended on a positive note. I am certain there were many times that your involvement went unnoticed yet it had an important impact on a child or the School.

I appreciate all you’ve done for Daniel and the HOMS. You are an outstanding teacher, professional, and inspiration to all in the education field. I wish you continued success. Should you even need a compliment or a reference, do not hesitate to call! You are the “Unsung Hero” at Montessori and they are lucky to have you!
Sincerely,
Carol Shachat

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Dear Emily and Staff,
Thank you all for making this such a wonderful first experience in a Montessori School for our family. Our boys mean the world to us and it meant so much to know that each day when we dropped them off they were loved and nurtured by you and your special teachers. You opened an amazing school and we feel so blessed to be a HOMS family. You all did such a wonderful job! Thank you all again and we wish you a happy summer!!!
Sincerely,
The Porter Family

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Dear Ladies, (This was from a woman who was going back to school for teaching)
Cathy, please apologize for me as I have forgotten the Director’s name who actually filled in as the teacher the day that I observed.

Just a short note to say how much I appreciated the experience at your school. I attached the birthday form, the song & floor plan. Then my presentation was the actual comparison of the two philosophies. The greatest similarity being your conflict resolutions and I felt the biggest difference was the equipment and classroom settings.

By the way, I received 100% for the presentation & 100% on my written project. Both of which are sincere. Thank you again for your time & I highly recommend your school.
Sincerely,
Bonnie H Conti

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Hello Senorita Emily:
Thanks for your speedy return phone call, first of all! Sometimes I talk so quickly I tie my tongue…I feel like I may have done that when I said that it’s not what you say – or what any of the women we treasure at HOMS say – it’s how you say it that has us coming back for more. Of course, if you told us that part of the Montessori Method, maybe not that widely discussed, is that they set the school on fire, we might have to rethink our decision. (And while that would give us pause, even that might not deter us!) To your point, among the other well made points made last night, anyone can hang a Montessori shingle, but it’s your obvious caring couples with your experience that makes all the difference.

While I know that it can be hard for us really big kids to look at things from our kid’s perspective, I am glad that doing so is the expertise of all of you as Montessori educators. In the meantime, my hat’s off to yet another “real world” simulation that you have designed for our kids! You can tell that it boggles my mind that while not one of us “big kids” would believe for one second that we – or even the company (read school) would have the same chance for growth at a company – or being a company – where we were ALL the newbies or where every last one of us was two years from retirement, we would hesitate to believe that our kids wouldn’t get the same benefit. (the multi age makes sense!)

Such challenging work! But its worth repeating that we are glad all of you chose it.
Take care,
KP

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Miss Em & Miss Cathy,
I want to thank you for the work you have all done with William and Nathan. They will always remember this experience. Take care and enjoy the summer.

See you next year!
Gregg & Kristina Fernandes

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Dear Emily,
I wanted to thank you for letting me visit your school. Your classroom is beautiful and I saw amazing work being done. Thank you again and good luck with your future plans for the school.

Claire O’Neill
(Montessori Teacher)

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Where would we be without you Miss Em. You must know that you have made such a positive influence on the many lives you have touched, especially Meagan’s. Thank you for all of your love, support and drive that reflects the work that you do. The Lowery Family greatly appreciates it!

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Dear Emily & HOMS Staff,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my visit to your beautiful school. You’ve made such a warm and peaceful environment for the children. Thank you for having me.

Sincerely,
Tyra Sherry
Owls Head Montessori, W. Roxbury

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Hi Em & Cathy,
Just wanted to say thank you for all your efforts and support this year. We love HOMS and are so glad Jack is part of the HOMS family. It has been a fantastic experience! Miss Cindi and Miss K have done an excellent job and work so well together in the classroom just from my time that I was in the room with them. They are and excellent compliment to each other.

I appreciate all of your time and patience with the kids (and parents).

Thanks again.
The Gill Family