My two sons have attended CDB for almost 4 years. One is currently 5 years old in the Primary program, the other is 8 years old in the Lower Elementary program. I will comment on both experiences because they both started at very different levels academically but have ended up exceeding my expectations.

My 8 year old started at the primary level at the Riverstone location when he was 4 1/2. Prior to enrolling him, I had taught him at home where by age 3 he was reading Grade 1 books and skip counting (not sure how high but he could skip count by any interval ). By age 4 he had a vast knowledge of geography thanks to a combination of geography puzzles and apps. I looked at several Montessori schools in the area, but some I felt were using the Montessori name without truly executing the goals. When I visited the Riverstone location, Ms. Rozina pointed out the expectations she had for the staff and students and it was executed beautifully. The school was bright, clean and organized. The staff was respectful to students. But mostly, the students were challenged at every level while building a solid foundation across all subjects.

One thing Ms. Rozina was intent on was teaching all children cursive writing. I was apprehensive this could happen, as my son had poor fine motor skills and his print was all over the place. Miraculously within 3 months, he had basic cursive down, without pages and pages of worksheets. The Montessori method is based on building a solid foundation for learning, then building layer upon layer until the child has mastered the topic. My son’s confidence grew in all levels. His teacher was excited by what he already knew, and while she did go back and cover the basics on some subjects, she continued to challenge him to achieve his greatest potential.

When the Telfair location opened, we transferred to that school where he started at Grade 1 in the Lower Elementary program. Ms. Sowjanya was wonderful with working with me to make sure we could continue my son’s path to success. He had some setbacks, including an ADD diagnosis from our private physician. Ms. Sowjanya worked very closely with my son to help him overcome his focus issues. She knew how to keep him motivated and pushed him enough when he needed it. As he reaches the end of his second grade year, I am confident in his writing, math and science skills when we make the transition to public school next year (we are moving out of state this summer).

My younger son started at CDB Riverstone in the toddler program. Unlike his brother, I had not worked with him that much academically due to the exhaustion of raising two busy boys! I appreciated that the toddler program provided more than a basic daycare. Every activity the children did provided fine and gross motor skill development. The teachers set the foundation for character building, where the children learned to respect each other, their teachers and their work materials.

He started at the Primary program when we moved to Telfair when he was 3 1/2 years old. Under Ms. Consuelo’s firm but fun guidance, he has far exceeded my expectations. He is finishing his second year in the primary program (technically in pre-K). I am blown away by what Ms. Consuelo was able to achieve. He went from not being able to read at the beginning of this school year to reading books at his brother’s level. He has mastered addition and the full number chart. He loves writing descriptive sentences. She encourages the children’s curiosity by introducing them to all aspects of science and art. He asks questions that go far beyond any 5 year old I’ve ever known.

I love that the school celebrates and teaches the children about every major holiday throughout the year. This exposure sets the groundwork for my children to be open, loving and kind adults. The multi-age environment encourages the older children to teach the younger children, and gives the younger children role models to interact with daily.