“I appreciate how the Montessori classrooms provide for long uninterrupted work periods so the students can focus and extend their work.  The multi-age groupings have been wonderful for giving school more of a family feel, with younger ones benefiting from the more advanced students, who in return learn helping skills and develop leadership qualities.  They really teach to the whole child, meeting the individual’s needs at each stage of development.  I also love how the teachers have lunch with their students in the classroom, making it a natural social gathering, a time to relax together.  They are masters of teaching academics, but they clearly put the “two L’s” at the top of their list: Love of Learning and it shows in my kids’ attitudes.”
- Cindy Boesser,   parent of Juneau Public School Montessori students


“As an Alaska Native mother, I am passionate about finding all avenues in my children’s lives that embrace and uplift their cultural gifts.  Montessori does just that. Its strengths include its vision that world peace can be attained through the proper education of the child, the high value of respect in the classroom, and the peaceful communication being taught.  The fruit is children, from diverse cultures, who have discovered their noble selves and have been given their voice to speak.   I am thankful that my children have found such a loving, nurturing education that empowers them to express their diversity.”
-Kim Hope, Montessori Parent


“The Montessori technique of teaching has changed my way of learning and my way of looking
at everything!  I’m very happy to be in it.”
-Callie C., 14-yr-old in Juneau  Montessori Adolescent Program


“I’ve learned a lot from being in Montessori, like how to start and handle friendships.”
-Aaron C., Juneau Montessori Student


“For both of our girls, the Montessori program really helped them develop empathy and caring for their fellow students, and was very supportive of their personal social development.  Working with the same teachers over several years helped them develop a strong sense of themselves as learners, and built a good sense of themselves in relationship to adults.”
-Marlyn O. & Ann T., Montessori parents




“I think that Montessori is the best way to learn.  You have freedom. The freedom of choosing who you can work with, also you can choose what work you will do and at what time.  In this way, Montessori is amazing.”
-Adam E. 12-yrs-old, Juneau Montessori Student




















“I like being in Montessori because we have a unique way of learning, and it's like we're all one big family.”  
-Adrienne A., 9-yrs-old, Juneau Montessori Student



“The thing I like about Montessori is that you get to do any work that you want to do after you finish things you are required to do. When you walk into the classroom you don’t walk into a regular classroom, you walk into a family. That's what I like.” 
-Kenny Conneen,  Juneau Montessori Student, 11-yrs-old,



“I like Montessori because it has lots of math and writing.  I like it because almost everything they teach us I like.”
-Erin S, Juneau Montessori student, 7 years-old,



More what students have to say from outside links
What our students and families have to say...
Jamie started Montessori when she was 2 1/2 years old in Douglas, she learned so much and all of it was fun for her.  She excels in the classroom and enjoys learning.  Friends and teachers in her class helped her gain independence and self-confidence.  She looks forward to going to school. The Montessori program has been a positive experience for Jamie.”

-Shane Paddock, Jamie's Dad &Tom & Sarah Paddock, grandparents
“I have this insatiable desire to do something that will change the world for the better. I also care about traveling, experiencing new cultures, and peace and I recently discovered that these traits are not unique to me alone, but are shared by Montessorians across the globe.
A special bond still exists between the people I met at Montessori school, and many of them share similar ideals. For this and other reasons, I continue to ponder the lasting effects of my time in Montessori school.
I know my experiences helped shape my basic values about my place in the world, my ability to make it better, and my responsibility to keep it healthy. In this way I was taught to interact as a productive member of society. I have always believed that I can thank Montessori for my academic success as well.”
-Amelia M., Montessori Graduate

“Montessori has given me the skills to write and do math. I love math!  I gained lots of friends. I gained lots of skills, and lots and lots of joy!”
-Matthew S., Montessori Student. 12-years-old

“What I like about Montessori is that by the time you’re in sixth grade like I am, you really know everybody, back to front. It’s like everyone’s old friends, and going to school is a fun part of life.”
-Ben K., Montessori Student, 11 years old


“Montessori teaches to the wholeness of a person. Montessori has taught me to be a leader, peace maker, and a global thinker; I have learned the value of community and the importance of respect. Montessori encourages its students to dream and then provides the academic tools to make those dreams reality.”
-Shalom S, Montessori Graduate, 19 years old

“As a parent, I’ve always appreciated how Montessori classrooms allow the student to pursue a subject of interest as long as they want to.  Additionally, I think respect is the big thing in the classroom, respect for others and themselves as a front and center idea.” 
-Doug M, Montessori parent



“I think Montessori really helps you focus and put your priorities in order, so that you can really figure out what’s important.  Now that I’m in high school, I’ve used that knowledge to organize my approach to my work.”
-Phillip M. graduate of Juneau Public Montessori