When asked about my experiences at a Montessori school, people almost think it’s untrue. I attended the Hampton Roads International Montessori School from pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade and I can unequivocally say the practices of a Montessori school were perfect for me. The ability to allow students to creatively and actively pursue subjects as opposed to direct instruction is something that I will never forget.

I remember researching and writing papers at the age of 8 about dinosaurs and tigers because that was what I wanted to learn about. To me, that was fun! However, at the time I had no idea the skill set I was absorbing. Learning to intelligently interact in my own environment with a skilled instructor helping me along the way has allowed me throughout my high school and college years to creatively think on my own without the need of direct instruction. You truly become self-sufficient.

I see the results of this type of education in my everyday life. Most individuals probably do not remember what they learned when they were 6 years old, but I distinctly do. The more important thing is that I remember how I learned. As a manager of a bank, this has undoubtedly helped me effectively train a sales force. My ability to adapt and change to evolving conditions in the banking market is indicative of successful foundations in learning. Hampton Roads International Montessori is an incredible example of the benefits one receives from a creative, stimulating learning environment which rewards children in ways traditional classroom instruction cannot.

- Jay Patel

What a wonderful and amazing opportunity this has been for my daughter! Hampton Roads International Montessori School is truly responsible for the blossoming of my child into a culturally-aware, intelligent, happy and gracious child. She has looked forward to learning and interacting with her classmates and teachers each day for the last three years. We feel so blessed to be a part of the HRIMS family and experience! I know the foundation HRIMS has given her will impact her love for learning for the rest of her life! Thank you, HRIMS!

- Janna Matherly

When I think about my earliest memories, it involved Montessori. From the time I was in Montessori through my secondary school years, geography, history, social studies, and government were my favorite subjects. I think it came from those Montessori map puzzles, because from that time I was fascinated with the world and its peoples. That intense love for the social sciences formed the background to my decision to pursue the intensive International Baccalaureate (IB) program as part of the class of 1998. My peers and I were subject to an amazing amount of academic rigor, mostly because the school system wanted to prove that it was capable of harboring a world-standard secondary school program. I'm certain it was that early Montessori discipline that helped me get through those IB classes and the subsequent International Baccalaureate and AP (Advanced Placement) exams. Thankfully, that hard work in high school paid of beautifully when I entered The George Washington University with sophomore standing in September 1998 at its' Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington, DC.

As I write this testimonial to the influence of Montessori in my life, I can count a number of blessings. Montessori and the path it eventually carved for me spurred me to pursue a career that seeks to better the lives of people not only in my own country but throughout the world. It influenced me to think about my purpose and to conscientiously work towards not only self-fulfillment but to find ways to fill existing gaps in the quality of life of others. I wish your children every success that is assured with a Montessori foundation.

- Natasha Udu-gama

Both of my children started their education with an incredibly strong foundation at Hampton Roads International Montessori School. From my first visit to observe a Montessori classroom, when I was impressed by the respect that everyone showed one another, the innovative and challenging teaching materials, and the positive interactions between older and younger children, to their graduation from the pre-school program, HRIMS provided my children an enriching cultural and educational experience. This experience led the way to Billy and Megan's exceptional performance in a private elementary school, and instilled in them a love of learning, the drive to challenge themselves academically, and a respect for other cultures. My children and I attribute a great deal of their academic success to their start at HRIMS. We're thrilled that my nephews are now thriving at HRIMS.

- Patty Roberts

My daughter, Ida, graduated from HRIMS in 2007. During her Children’s House years at HRIMS, Ida learned many skills and enhanced many of her gifts… but the greatest gift she brought to first grade was her love of learning and her independent spirit to explore the world… gifts her new first grade teacher immediately found and has continued to nurture.

Ida has had a tremendously successful transition to the first grade. She has been an honor roll student throughout the year at her new school. She has particularly excelled in the areas of Math and Reading. Ida was quickly identified as one of the strongest readers in the class and has been serving as a reading tutor/mentor to other students in her class including those who have special needs in the areas of reading. Ida has taken to this role naturally given her strong Montessori background. She often talks about learning these skills in her lessons and experiences at HRIMS.

Thanks again to HRIMS for all they offered Ida and in her life long journey of learning!

- Allison Sampson