Q: How long were you at CMS?

A: I was at CMS for two years, in the adolescent classroom. Prior to that, I was homeschooled.

Q: Where are you now?

 A: I’m a dual enrollment student at Austin Community College. I finished my basic high school curriculum early.  I’m pursuing a major in musical theatre and a business major with a marketing concentration. I’m applying to colleges currently.

Q: Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.

A: We did a lot of field trips all the time, so every week we went out on a field trip, and that was always super fun. We also did a lot of hands-on work. I enjoyed working on jewelry-making. I would sit in my little Hobbit corner and string beads. 

Q: Describe your transition to traditional school.

A: I started at a private high school, but I found that the academics were not up to the standards I was used to. So I went back to homeschooling. I did really well in the classes, but I didn’t feel I was getting prepared for the real world like I did at Montessori. 

Q: How did CMS prepare you for high school?

A: It gave me a lot of social skills because I was homeschooled before, so I never really was around people my own age. And so I was used to talking to adults, but not necessarily kids my own age. That helped a lot going into the freshman year of high school. And CMS also gave me the capability to learn on my own.

Q: What interests did you pursue while you were at CMS? Are you still working on those passions?

A: I did jewelry-making at CMS, and now I already have a small business. I sell my own products. I learned a lot of my jewelry-making skills at CMS, and now I am also learning silversmithing. I also enjoy theatre and am involved in a theatre group. I started as a tech back in 8th grade while I was at CMS. I am currently taking classes in dance, acting, and singing. I don’t run tech anymore because I don’t have the time between classes. 

Q: How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?

A: It gave me the capability to learn well, not just memorize things. I now have the capability of having conversations with people about topics I've learned throughout my education, whereas many of my friends don't remember exactly what they learned in their freshman year.

Q: Do you have advice for CMS’ current students?

A: Take advantage of the education you're getting. Be aware that you're getting a really good education, and you have the privilege in that fact.