Our Old Scholars

I was searching for a great alternative school, different from main stream, and found it at The Hills Montessori School. Not knowing much about the Montessori philosophy, I was instantly impressed and enlightened with the different methodology and holistic approach to learning.  This school has provided a nurturing environment where my children were respected and allowed to be individuals.  My children, now 16 and 13 years old, started at The Hills Montessori school when they were 4 years old, and have built great character, independence, developed important life skills and enthusiasm toward learning.  This school has taught them responsibility of their own learning, even at such a young age, which has always been a great delight to watch in awe.  This has taught me as a parent, what my children are capable of, which has always exceeded my expectations.  I do not take full credibility for the progress of the young, mature, well-rounded people I have as children.  A large part of their life is spent at school, so I know that The Hills Montessori School has been a major contributor.  I can highly recommend The Hills Montessori School to parents who want the best for their children and who want to associate with like-minded parents.

Alison Teague Parent of Old Scholar

Montessori was the best decision that could have been made for me, as I made real friends with deep connections.  The school has made me a more confident person and has certainly helped me socially and academically when I moved onto a new school for Year 11.  I enjoyed the school being situated in the hills, which sparked my interest in nature as a child, not because it was forced upon me but because I could explore the bush myself.  Being one of the Middle School pioneer students was one of the best experiences of my life and having that opportunity made the school so enjoyable.

Jasmine Lanzilli Old Scholar 2002-2014

My daughter has recently completed first Semester in Year 11 at a senior college after attending The Hills Montessori School from preschool to year 10.  The self directed learning, organisational skills and love of knowledge that were nurtured throughout her Montessori years, coupled with a solid academic background have delivered a confident, motivated, hard working senior student.

Tracey Spokes Parent of Old Scholar

I started at the Montessori in Year 7 at the new middle school campus. I had not been through the primary school and ended up only staying for three years, however these years have had a great influence on my education. Being a brand new middle school, its first year was very interesting as I developed as a learner and the school developed as a learning environment. At Montessori I was able to experience many things I could never have experienced at other schools. These included adventurous camping trips, working outside making gardens or building, very small classes where I could really gain a deep understanding of learning through having more one on one time with teachers and having maths classes outside! My experience at the Montessori is one I won’t forget, having an education I couldn’t have experienced elsewhere and an impact on my learning that will greatly help me throughout the rest of my life.

Christopher Shaw Old Scholar 2011-2013

The Montessori Middle School gave my daughter so many “real life” educational opportunities, which she simply would not have had in a more traditional educational setting.  Wairoa is a great environment for adolescents to discover their strengths, as a student and as a person.

Isabel Fforde Parent of Old Scholar