About Us
Located in the buildings of a Heritage Church in the historic Hammond area of Maple Ridge we are non-profit society run by an elected parent board and guided by our Principal. The society was established in 1985 and we offer a high quality traditional Montessori education for Preschool and Elementary (K-5). Our directresses are widely educated, combining Montessori training, E.C.E. certification, first aid, and in the elementary classroom, Independent School teacher certification.
WHO WE ARE:
Bonnie Nussbaumer - Bonnie, our principal and current kindergarten teacher, comes to Meadow Montessori School with many years of teaching experience in the public system.She has her Bachelor of Education Degree and her teaching certificate from the BC College of Teachers; as well, she is a trained Elementary level Montessori educator. She started with Meadow Montessori School in the fall of 2005 in the preschool/kindergarten and then moved to the elementary classroom in the fall of 2006. Bonnie has taught all levels in the elementary program from kindergarten to grade five.
Colleen Newman – “I have been teaching in the Early Childhood Education field for 14 years as a preschool teacher and have had my ECE certification since 1999. A few years ago I decided to further my education and took my Montessori training through Western Montessori Teacher’s College, graduating in 2008. I love teaching Montessori as I have the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life by fostering their love of learning. This is done through developing their self-awareness, building relationships and respect for each other, independence by building their confidence through success in the classroom, and helping them make sense of their world. I look forward to an exciting year teaching your children and getting to know the families of Meadow Montessori.”
Testimonials:
“This is just a quick note to tell you how happy our family is being a part of Meadow Montessori. Both kids look so forward to coming to school that they actually groaned when I told them it was Winter Break and they were off for a few weeks! Our daughter is thriving in her first year of preschool and is absorbing so much. The “work” she brings home is so far advanced for her age and the projects and themes done are so extraordinary and important. It still amazes me that at any given time you can walk into that preschool classroom and see a room full of kids, 4 & under, sitting quietly at different stations and happily working away. Our son is in his third year at the school and I could not be happier than to be able to have him stay at the school for Kindergarten. I didn’t think we would be able to afford a “private” education for our kids, but your school makes it possible and is worth every penny and then some. The one on one attention the kids get is unheard of and the benefits of this show in how far advanced they are. I honestly feel that my child would get lost in the public school system and his true gifts and thirst for learning would not be what they are today. I did not know that much about the Montessori Method 3 years ago, but now I stand behind it 100% and couldn’t imagine a better way to learn.” ~Jennifer Philip
“We LOVE this school! We came across it when our son’s school was closing down and we’ve never looked back. The small intimate setting allows him to learn in a calm and nurturing environment. Furthermore, the Montessori method enables him to excel in his areas of strength while not losing focus on his weaknesses. Meadow Montessori has afforded him flexibility in his learning since they focus on the needs of every child individually!” ~Michelle & Gord Cooper
“When our daughter had to go to school we didn’t specifically go looking for Montessori we just knew that “good enough” was not the standard that we wanted to set for our child. I had a horrible experience in public school so I wanted private; Dad had a great experience in public school so he felt differently. I conceded and we visited several public schools. They seemed okay but it was what we heard over and over again from the parents that swayed us toward private school, that statement was, “it’s good enough”. Just by pure chance, and now extremely thankfully, we found ourselves in a Montessori school and, we will be staying. I can think of no reason why we would give less richness, care, competencies, and growth to our child both as a person and community kid, eventually community adult. We are grateful and forever thankful that Meadow Montessori offers a rewarding affordable learning environment even in these tough economic times. It’s a tremendous school.” ~ Izabella Roam
“I have found Meadow Montessori to be an asset in my child’s educational future. After utilizing the public school system for my two other children I’ve had a unique opportunity to witness concrete comparisons between the two. My third child has had a superior start to her education in so many ways compared to her siblings. Meadow Montessori offers engaging and linking knowledge and tools that make learning just what it should be. In my opinion, it’s been the most comprehensive method and has led to solid mathematical imprinting. Also, as we live in our present global communities, I find the cultural, and geographical understanding/insight components that are taught, empowering. I would highly recommend Meadow Montessori to anyone considering excellence and all who are aware that the first three elementary years are said to predetermine a child’s educational achievements in the years to come.” ~ Joanne Barry
“I shot a recycling video at Meadow Montessori and was thrilled with the creativity of the students. Their ability to improvise and follow direction was advanced beyond their years.” ~Daniel Mikolay, Communications Manager Ridge Meadows Recycling Society