REVIEW OF Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) BY parent, Melicia Roberts

(4.5) Student Experience

Rowntree Montessori School (RMS) has become my child's second home. The academic and intellectual development I have seen so far in him is exhilarating. My child has always been outspoken; however, his teachers at RMS has been doing a formidable task honing his social and emotional skills. The numerous activities my child participates in due to RMS' ongoing participation to train the students to be socially responsible citizens is one to laud the teaching and administrative staff for. My child's growth and refinement of cultural, sporting and artistic interests are way beyond his years. I am impressed with my child's overall experience thus far at RMS. It is always an interesting time as I listen to my child unpack his daily activities each night at the dinner table.

(5) School Leadership

I can attest to the fact that RMS cultivates and continuously develops a high-quality cohort of teaching professionals with strong leadership skills. The school leadership and administration do an excellent job to ensure the needs of the students and parents alike are met. RMS has been engaging both students and parents in innovative ways with the implementation of the 'myRMS' platform, a teaching, learning and communication system. The implementation of this system as a central hub of communication proves that the institution invests in innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Moreover, parents are kept informed and effectively reminded when a task should be accomplished. In terms of discipline at RMS, parents are required to sign a code of conduct annually. Plus, I would categorize discipline instilled at the institution as fair yet flexible. At RMS, positive reinforcement and praise are supported as students are recognized monthly by their teachers for outstanding values they demonstrate.

(4.5) Teaching

I did my research prior to enrolling my child at RMS. I unearthed that the curriculum was very academic based with technology embedded in most areas. I knew from the onset that I wanted my child to be in an academically challenging space and my expectations are being consistently met or surpassed. So far, I can boldly state that I am impressed and appreciative of the quality of instruction my child receives. His teachers are passionate and knowledgeable about the various subjects they cover. I can always check in with my child's teachers to ask them about his performance and any area of concern on my part. The candid and constructive feedback I receive always afford me the opportunity to apply the recommendations at home. My child is challenged to be a better version of himself daily. I believe that I am entrusting my child to the best teachers in the best private schools in Brampton.

(5) Academics

RMS' philosophy is to promote an atmosphere that fosters children to build an awareness of the world around them and the needs of others. Based on the grade level of my child, I would state that the academic program at RMS is very student-centered, structured, relevant, challenging and incorporates innovative technologies along with core Montessori activities. I can see how my child is thriving as he exudes attributes of a critical thinker and leader. Additionally, I appreciate that my child is able to enjoy learning while being challenged in an academic environment. Just experiencing directly how my child is developing academically and socially with the hands on teaching styles from his teachers brings an overwhelming joy. Moreover, the safe and nurturing environment at RMS instills values and courtesy in my child.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) offers a lot of extracurricular opportunities for students to participate in before and after school. I am a firm believer in striking a balance and I feel RMS has provided a decent offering of extracurricular activities for students to participate in their desired extracurricular activities from Kindergarten to Grade 8. This does not not only promote collaboration or sportsmanship, but it helps to conjure well-rounded students, in general.

(4.5) Students

The diversity in the student body at RMS is a great representation of various ethnicity, which makes this institution a great place for students to thrive. The interesting mix of students also fosters an extremely accepting and open environment for my child to remain himself as he is challenged and encouraged to do his best. I can’t really picture any student that doesn't fit in at RMS. I love the friendly House League competitions that helps all the students to collaborate and build comradery to achieve a desired goal. I think the students are given the opportunities to build lasting relationships with their peers as they traverse this particular season of their lives. My child fits in perfectly and find his own niche of friends with common likes as he grows in his own. As an institution, I believe the student body stands out with their common passions and growing intellectualism.

(4.5) School Life

Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) is not just any community based educational institution. This institution promotes well-being of all students that develop enhanced mental and physical health, a positive sense of self and belonging while nurturing the skills required by students to make positive choices. If your child is unhappy to miss school on a snow day, then you know he loves being at school. This is only possible due to the ongoing nurturing and development received daily. RMS prides itself on being an institution offering the best of 21st century learning practices. I know it must be difficult to maintain a unique, innovative, challenging yet fun environment for each student to reach their full potential and more. I had first hand experience witnessing students of the RMS working together to execute a reenactment of Disney's Lion King and the execution was impeccable. This demonstrates the level of work the teachers put in to help these students to realize their creative potential.

(4.5) Community

The broader Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) community is very inclusive and diverse. The school, in particular, offers a broad range of services to the children, families and wider communities in addition to the core business of teaching and learning for the students. Parent involvement at RMS ranges from an active Parent Association that consistently engage in fundraising activities for the development of the institution to the opening of parent volunteers to participate in school trips, chaperoning students. Additionally, RMS opens its doors to host parents and grandparents to a designated International Day were diverse cultures intertwine. This results in the strengthening of families, building community support, and increasing student achievement and success. The administration of RMS has developed positive relationships with community leaders and had built a network of links to other organisations and individuals. This is evident with Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS) being nominated twice for the 2018 & 2019 Brampton Board of Trade Business Excellence Award.

(4) School Location

Rowntree Montessori Schools serve the Brampton region well. Based on conversations with other parents, I found out that all the locations have suited them well. I am a parent with my child attending the Academy which I believe stands out and uplifts the surrounding neighbourhood. Though it is close to the main road, I do not find it to be an impediment to the holistic offering of academics, sports & arts the school offers. Moreover, students do not need venture beyond the school grounds unless it is for an externally hosted event where parents or teachers supervision are mandatory.