The Brinker Family’s Journey to Finding the Perfect Educational Fit

As the Brinker family searched for the perfect educational environment for their three children, mom Tammy reflected on her own Montessori school experience. “My brother and I both had a brief time with Montessori education when we were young,” says Tammy. “But, although brief, we’ve carried the experience with us our entire lives. We both love to learn, we love to do new things and we always are looking for an adventure. I credit that to our Montessori experience. I went to Johns Hopkins University and I always laugh that the friends I got along with best in college were also Montessori students.” Understandably, the Brinker family ultimately decided they wanted a similar experience for their children.  

Inside The Montessori School: 50+ Years of Excellence in Montgomery County

When Tammy and her husband visited The Montessori School in Dresher, Montgomery County they knew they found the perfect fit. In 1970, parents founded The Montessori School to provide an authentic Montessori education for children through the sixth grade. More than fifty years later that mission is still going strong. The school consists of a Toddler Community (18 months-3 years), Children’s Houses (ages 3-6), Lower Elementary (grades 1-3) and Upper Elementary (grades 4-6). The Montessori program has teachers also known as “guides” who provide a supportive role in the student’s learning.

The Brinker family has a daughter, Lucy, in Lower Elementary and a son, Miles, in Upper Elementary. Their daughter, Molly, graduated from TMS and is now an 8th grader in middle school. “All of our kids started in the Toddler Community and even at that young age they are learning in a calm and organized environment,” says Tammy. “Montessori education fosters independence and a love of learning. All three of my children want to keep learning, reading and being curious. I think that will take them very far in life.”

From Montessori to Middle School: A Success Story

The Montessori education background had certainly aided Tammy’s daughter, Molly, with her transition from TMS to middle school. “My daughter is very driven and so inquisitive,” says Tammy. “She wants to be so involved at her school. She’d join every club and activity if we let her.” Molly’s enthusiasm for learning was something that her middle school teachers took notice of immediately. During Molly’s first year in middle school two of her teachers sent a handwritten note home for her parents expressing similar sentiments of what a joy it was to have Molly in their class and how much they enjoyed her inquisitive nature and her willingness to ask questions. Another teacher already has offered to write Molly a recommendation for college when the time comes.

“Her Montessori guides still check in with Molly to see how she is doing and they encourage former students to reach out to them if they ever need help with anything,” says Tammy. “Former students will always be a part of The Montessori School community.” 

The Montessori method instills a love for learning in students and guides are instrumental in having them take ownership of their learning and also how to be advocates for their learning in the classroom. “My children have loved hands-on learning,” says Tammy. “As young as toddlers, for example, they’re outside taking nature walks collecting pine cones and leaves for projects. It’s a wonderful way to learn.”

In the Montessori classroom, guides actively encourage students to ask questions to learn more. “If a student doesn’t understand something, they are encouraged to ask and the guide tells them they are interested enough to want to learn more about it,” says Tammy. “I am just blown away by the dedication that the guides have to the children. My three children are drastically different, but all their interests are encouraged in their own way and the guides know how to push them to reach their academic potential.” 

Multi-age Learning Benefits

The Montessori method incorporates multi-age groupings where students help one another learn. Younger students look up to older students as mentors, seeking their help and clarification on lessons. With guidance, older students present lessons to the younger students. “The older students are really proud of being able to help out the younger students,” says Tammy. “It really builds up their self-confidence. The children encourage one another to learn.” The multiple grade ages fosters respect among students to be tolerant of one another, as well as how to collaborate to work and learn together. 

The Montessori School has a tight-knit community of students and families. FAM (Family Association of Montessori) is the official school parent and family organization that supports the school and families with various events throughout the academic year beyond the classroom. One such event is the Global Celebration, families are invited to share food, activities and cultural items that represent their heritage while celebrating the rich diversity of the TMS Community. “We’ve benefited so much as a family from The Montessori School community,” says Tammy. “It’s such a great group of people. We know this is the best possible environment for our children to learn.”