We were lucky to have had an opportunity to send our kids to a Montessori School for about 6 years. These early years of education I feel were of the utmost importance because children are molded and their cores formed in these early years.

The public school system in which we lived was extremely sub par. This school was a charter school in it’s infancy, only opening one year earlier. We weighed the pros and cons and took the leap. This was one of the most important decisions we ever made. They stayed in that school through Middle School, even when we moved out of the city. Since it was a charter school, there was no real tuition to speak of, and certainly much less than you would have to pay for traditional Montessori.

Our kids not only learned their required by law academic stuff, but they learned how to be part of the community (very Montessori) and how to be their own person, how to care for and work with others whether they are disabled, a different race, religion or economic situation. All the things we instilled in our home life was reinforced through daily education as well.

One of the most interesting programs they offered was called “The Heroic Journey”.  It’s like a Rite of Passage program with your peers. Stressing the importance of self and knowing one’s self enough to make good decisions rather than taking a destructive path. (We were fortunate at the time to have a teacher that not only suggested the program but made it her mission to implement it and make it successful).

It’s a seven step journey in which they learn about themselves and how to equip their minds for adolescence and adulthood. How to actually deal with peer pressure and confidently make a good decision. At the end they presented what they learned in front of a ‘council of elders’ (members of the community such as parents, councilmen, businessmen/woman, etc. – respected people).

They also volunteered at soup kitchens and shelters, had food drives and sorted clothes at shelters. They spent time and spoke with people at these places and got to know those in need. Things that are important for both the giver and recipient.

I’m very proud of how my kids turned out. I don’t think I could have asked for any better outcome. You know, the tattoo doesn’t even matter to me. If the worst they ask for is in the form of expression in a tattoo, that’s alright.

I hope though, that my children continue to develop their senses, form of expression, sense of self and others as they continue to age. I’m confident they have a solid foundation. As my children grow, I grow. I swear I’m learning new things every day and watching them grow into young adults is one of the most fascinating experiences we can have as parents.

To watch the ‘light bulb’ go off in their heads and watch them handle situations that I had trouble dealing with when I was their age is simply astonishing. It warms my heart to see my daughters come home and announce they are joining SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) or The Mission Club (helping the needy, going on outings with the mentally challenged, etc.)

Yeah, I’ve blogged on their attitudes and eye rolling and smart mouth, but that’s part of adolescence in general. It keeps me grounded in reality and makes all the good parts even that much more special.

I adore the fact that my kids, all now in high school, can think on their feet, think for themselves, exude confidence, empathy and respect. (Well, we’re still working on the respect thing sometimes here at home….)

I admire their love and appreciation of nature and the earth.

I’m thankful that they are in tune enough with society to recognize that differences in people are something to be celebrated rather than frowned upon, and that they want to take in every stray that comes along or nurse a sick animal back to health.

I believe that a good education is key in raising a child.  Whether a child is home schooled, Montessori, public or privately educated, the values taught and surroundings they are a part of daily help form their very being. Of course I’m not suggesting that children be parented BY going to school, but I am saying that I’m grateful that our parenting was reinforced at school.