My son has attended Hope Montessori for the last three years, and my daughter for the last 18 months. We could not think more highly of the administrator, Ms. Traci, and her vision for the school, and the teachers who make the vision reality each and every day. Hope Montessori is truly based in the principles of Montessori theory. It feels different. Below is my observation of the classroom.As I observe the Hope Montessori classroom the first thing I notice is the serene and beautiful environment – the activities are made of wood and other natural materials and they each have their place on the shelves, just the right height for little eyes and hands. The room is humming, the children are happy and busy like bees! Each child is focused on their “work,” manipulating materials, and in the process learning how to multiply, or learning about the continents, or completing a word building exercise. This is not the boisterous and hectic preschool scene I expected. The children are working side by side, they are gentle and respectful of each other, the teachers and the classroom. There is a small vase with fresh flowers on the table where the children serve themselves a snack. They pour the juice from a glass pitcher and then sit and converse with the other children at the table. They place their dish and cup next to the sink when they have finished. I see the pride the children take in the independence they are given. When it is time to come together for time on the line, children roll up their rug, put their work away and find a place on the line. The teacher is engaging and tells a story, then the children sing and move around. They are a wonderful little community of friends.As I walk out the door I know I am leaving them in a loving environment, in the best care and in a place where they will learn and grow each and every day. I know this age is a critical time for their development, laying the foundation for how they learn throughout their lives. I love what I see and this gives me a peace of mind – and for me that is priceless. Thank you Hope Montessori!