In Their Own Words

Class of 1999
In Their Own Words

Class of 2000
Living Life at Concordia

More from Alumni

Alumni tell us what they value most about a Concordia education and how that education supports their personal growth.

I learn for myself. My new classmates learn because the teacher tells them to.
At Concordia, I had the opportunity to work with my friends. This made learning more fun and taught me how to be a leader in my class.
Concordia not only taught me a lot of very interesting things about the world, it gave me the tools to evaluate what I learned. Just getting an "A" on a paper doesn't tell me what I can do to make my report better next time. Concordia taught me how to see beyond the grade.
Our son was Student of the Year at his Middle School and we have you to thank for it!
Words used by Middle School and High School teachers to describe Concordia School graduates: "competent," "loves to learn," "honest," "productive," "asks good questions in class," "takes personal responsibility," "helps others," "a leader in her class," "goes the extra mile!"

More from Concordia Teachers

Why leave your child through the sixth grade? What is it your kids most need to be successful and to enjoy learning? Perseverance, drive, integrity, courage, responsibility and leadership. These are the reasons to complete a Montessori education!"

--Jerry Ulmer, past Montessori teacher and family therapist

It is a blessing to have been a member of the Concordia staff and to have met such caring and wonderful people. I wish I could stay longer. A one-year internship is not enough!

I want to thank you for always making me a part of the Concordia family; the atmosphere that exists among the staff feels like a family with good communication skills and with caring and concern for all. I know from experience that such is not always the case in other institutions.

Your words of wisdom will always be with me and I am looking forward to sharing them with others.

--Joanna Maloles, a Montessori Intern

Here is my official notice. The only reason I am leaving is because of my pregnancy... Your choice of staff is great, you seem to choose very open, caring people. I have had fun working with these people and have made some special friends I will remember through the years.

Concordia's staff training provided so many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. These opportunities have caused the passing of years to feel like time travels in an outward expanding spiral, as opposed to the stagnant circular pattern I was used to at other schools.

Most of the times I have left a job, I could not wait for the last day to come. This time is different; it is sad to see the end of the school year approaching so fast. If and when the time to go back to work comes, the first place I will try will be here. Who knows I may even come back as a parent first!

--Patricia Padilla, support teacher in the Children's House

A 25th Anniversary Congratulations:

I feel a measure of awe at Concordia's 25 years. To build something new and have it last: that represents a ton of hard work, commitment, tradition and innovation. It is an achievement for... all who have been connected to the school. Congratulations!

--Ted Fish, Co-director of Philos Learning Center

More from Concordia Parents

After attending The Child's Journey, a recent parent seminar, I feel compelled to write a very heartfelt note of thanks to all of you at Concordia who are creating such a positive, loving and stimulating environment for our children.

What an incredible experience the Journey was! I felt all of the excitement and curiosity that our children must feel on a daily basis. I discovered that there are no limits to our world of knowledge and that our children are only bound by the limits that we place on them.

Maria Montessori and the teachers that expand on her concepts are providing such a unique experience, not only for our children, but for we adults as well. I am certain, after this weekend, that I will be able to relate to my children on a much deeper level and that I will appreciate their own uniqueness and honor that in a very special way.

Thanks again to all of you and also to Barbara Gordon who put so much time and effort into this invaluable experience. I would highly recommend that every parent of a Montessori child experience this seminar.

A special thanks to the graduating class that prepared a most delicious buffet. We all appreciate the thoughtfulness and effort that you put into the preparation.

--Mindy Tallmadge, Concordia School parent