The Growing Place Montessori

Catching Up with TGPM Alumni: Maxi Fujiwara

October 31, 2019 ashunter212

We would like to introduce you to a special TGPM alumna: Maxi Fujiwara! Maxi attended our program from 2003-2007, before moving out of state with her family.

“My name is Maxi Fujiwara and I’m a nineteen year old college student pursuing an English major at Arizona State University.”

What did going to The Growing Place Montessori feel like?

“Attending TGPM was a new learning experience every day that aggrandized my pursuit for knowledge.”

What did you enjoy about coming to school?

“Coming to school wasn’t a chore, it was a fun-filled experience from morning to afternoon. I loved how caring all my teachers and peers were.”

In what ways do you consider yourself to be a well-rounded individual?

“High school and college academics force you to be a punctual and hardworking individual, and without the foundation of TGPM I would not have those traits. I have respect for myself as a student to always try my best and give my best effort. Growing in an environment that fostered my interest for learning prepared me greatly for life.”

What is your opinion of Montessori now that you’ve had experience in other learning environments?

“I truly believe that because I attended TGPM I was far better prepared for life and higher academics than my peers. Going from Montessori to a more rigid learning style that involved sitting in desks for 6+ hours, I can say TGPM fostered my learning far superior than other elementary schools.”

Catching Up with TGPM Alumni : Alexandria Hunter

June 8, 2019February 11, 2020 ashunter212

“My name is Alexandria Hunter and I’m a twenty year old college student studying Theatre Arts and Business Management at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon.“

How did you feel about hands on learning?

“Montessori education was my foundation, I didn’t know anything else until I was in 7th grade. Hands on learning was my norm, and it wasn’t until I entered a public school halfway through middle school that I realized how effective hands-on learning had been for me. Using materials like golden beads in the Montessori classroom assisted me in building my math skills, especially because I have a hard time visualizing numbers in my head. I needed to see evidence in front of me in order to make connections. I’m also aware that this method doesn’t work for everyone, but I think as a foundation for young minds, it’s helpful in making those connections between what’s in your head and what’s in your hands, especially since what’s in our hands is our main focus when we’re younger.“

What is your opinion of Montessori now that you’ve had experience in other learning environments since?

“I’ve attended multiple schools, all with different learning styles: Public, Montessori, Project-Based, and Homeschool. I was exposed to many different approaches to education. I think all of these styles hold their own strengths, but none of them can supply a child with as strong of a foundation as Montessori. Montessori solidifies the essential skills and habits that young minds need in order to grow and fall in love with learning.”

Protected: 2018 Spring Showcase

June 29, 2018June 29, 2018 thegrowingplace132

Have You Seen Our Infant Program?

April 27, 2018April 27, 2018 thegrowingplace132

If you haven’t had a chance to take a peek at our Infant Program in Rooms 3 & 4, you’re in for a treat! This lovely, peaceful classroom is adorned with natural materials, infant-sized furniture, inviting textures, and an unmistakeable home-like feel. Opportunities abound for students to practice new skills (like stair climbing!) and to foster curiosity in the world around them (through activities like bird watching!).

Ms. Meaghan Nichols, Infant Head Teacher, brings several years of Montessori leadership experience to our newest age group, along with her trademark humor, warmth and enthusiasm. We can’t think of anyone better suited to build a foundation of Montessori learning with students as young as 6 weeks of age. Our students and their families seem to agree!

I have been very pleased with The Growing Place Montessori so far. My daughter recently started in the infant program and my wife and I couldn’t be happier. My wife and I both work full-time so finding a preschool with a great infant program was a must. When I toured TGPM I was almost instantly sold. The room was very clean but didn’t look plain and sterile like most other classrooms. The room was filled with learning tools and structures for playing, and when the Montessori method was explained to me by the owner, Dilip, it made complete sense and I wished I had been brought up like that. My daughter was immediately taken with the teacher Ms. Meaghan, who has been great to work with. I’m amazed at how much my daughter has learned and how fast she is learning. She’s excited to go to school each day and is even sad when it’s time to leave for the day! I would highly recommend The Growing Place Montessori to any parent. It’s a great place for children to grow and become independent.

-Ryan R., 3/28/18

Our youngest students are busy, busy, busy! They may be small, but our infant students are learning to control their body movements, to communicate with others, to take care of their personal needs, and to express their feelings. There’s no better place to grow these skills than in a loving, prepared environment full of enticing materials just their size.

It’s nothing short of amazing to see how quickly our infant students move from being helpless and dependent to moving freely and mastering the challenges placed before them! To learn more about our infant program, plan a visit or read on.