Since 2002, Quest has welcomed countless families and has celebrated over ten years of graduates. Below are reflections on the Quest experience from parents and students, past and present.
“A Montessori education allowed me to explore who I was as an individual through learning, which sounds a little corny, but it meant I was provided the opportunity to look at myself introspectively as a student and a person at the same time. I think it was really beneficial, not only to an understanding of my future academic strengths and weaknesses, but also in developing the skills needed to make transitions like the one between private and public schools. The transition to new forms of higher education is challenging for kids from both public & private schools for many reasons, but Quest gives you the room to develop the tools to make that transition go more smoothly, like self-confidence and academic responsibility. The new customs (hallways, lockers, different teachers and class periods) all come naturally with time, but the Montessori advantage of knowing yourself as a learner helps to ease the stress that is inevitable with change. I reflect on my time in Montessori so positively and truly cherish the experience.” — Mallory D., Quest Graduate
“Our son goes to Quest and we absolutely love it! The teachers and staff (most important and valuable part of the school) are AMAZING! They truly work there because they love it and care. It is such a healthy environment that fosters learning and education in all the right ways. Such valuable and practical life lessons! We highly recommend Quest!” — Ross N
“Our family is new to Montessori Education and Quest, and we could not be happier with our experience thus far. In the short time we have been there, we have watched our daughter’s innate love of learning return, and her confidence blossom. The Montessori approach combined with competent, caring teachers and administrators make for a great school.” — Quest Parent
“Quest has reignited a love of learning in our daughter in a few short months. We are thrilled with the Montessori approach and admire the competent staff that complete this great school.” – Flyon
“My daughter has attended Quest for two years and our family couldn’t be more pleased with the dedication of the teachers and staff at providing an individualized education. She is allowed to move at her own pace academically and is nurtured and appreciated by the staff and her classmates. It is a great school that focuses on the whole student to develop a love of learning in a cooperative environment.” – Brandon
“We are a new family to the Quest Primary Program. We are 4-weeks into the school year and the experience has been nothing short of fantastic. From the onset, the Quest community has been not only warm and welcoming, but also open to answer all of our questions as we transitioned into the Montessori philosophy for our daughter s education. The (staff and Primary teachers) are kind, welcoming and calming which has made the transition for our daughter seamless and rewarding. We envision a long future with the Quest Community and we are thrilled to now be part of this community. In closing, one of the highlights for us and our daughter is starting the morning being greeted by the staff. There is nothing more authentic and welcoming then being greeted at the start of your day by the Quest family!” — Quest Parent
“Hello! My name is Lauren and I graduated from Quest five years ago. I am currently attending the University of Rhode Island where I am studying Biomedical Engineering and Music Performance.
My time at Quest really shaped who I have become as a person. Quest challenged me academically, and all my teachers encouraged me to reach my highest potential and to never accept failure.
Transitioning into high school from Quest, I was placed in the honors level classes where I had to be dedicated and work hard to receive good grades. My work ethic and “never give up” mentality that I learned while at Quest helped me to excel in my schoolwork and manage my time.
My teachers while I was at Quest also encouraged me to pursue and invest in my passions and interests. During my time in middle school, I was very involved with competitive skiing as well as with music. My teachers encouraged me to work hard at my extracurriculars, and invested in my development as a person as a whole.
Today in college, I spend a lot of my time investing in organizations that share the same values and goals that I do. Quest encouraged me to get involved in more than just my schoolwork, and that is a life lesson that has impacted my educational experience since.
Quest also created life long memories and friendships for me. I will never forget the trips that we went on, or the experience I had building a shed for my 8th grade occupations class. I still keep in touch with a few of my Quest friends, even though our lives have gone separate ways.
I look forward to the alumni reunion!
– Lauren McDonough”
“My son has been in a Montessori setting since pre-school. Now a second-year student at Quest, he is enjoying a full curriculum of outstanding academics, PE, art, Spanish and music. While he thrives in his many self-directed choices, he is also subtly guided to round out his lessons throughout the classroom. Quest builds confidence, competence and community. We envision continuing our son’s Montessori education through Middle School at Quest.” — Quest Parent
“My daughter started at Quest 5 years ago as a 2nd year and is now a 6th year student. The transformation that has taken place in her ability and confidence of her work is truly amazing. She has always had a love for learning even when things don’t come easy to her but the teachers and staff always go above and beyond to provide her with the tools to be as successful as she can be. The teachers and staff take great pride in their roles at the school and in their relationships with each and every child. Quest is a warm and loving community and the children love being there. When my daughter is at Quest not only am I confident that she is safe and cared for but that she is also loved and respected as a person who is going to make a difference in this world. Maria Montessori was a genius for her approach to education. Quest Montessori as a whole is genius in how they deliver it!” Bev F.
“Both of our children have attended Quest after both public and parochial school experiences. We only wish that we had found it earlier. The primary thing that drew us to Quest was the Montessori approach, specifically, teachers as partners in learning, not as adversaries and task masters. This part of the philosophy allows each child to move at their own rate, and even at different rates in different parts of the curriculum. In direct opposition to conventional education, our children now enjoy learning, enjoy school, and push themselves rather than being pushed. The results are happier, more aware, and in the end, better prepared children. Also, the peer-based approach to learning builds a cohesive classroom, and our experience is that the social environment is more positive and less divided than at the other schools. Quest puts an emphasis on team-building within the class room, and this pays dividends throughout the year. In short, it’s a great school and a great environment. The teachers are dedicated and talented, and the learning environment first rate.” – MKGE
“High Quality Education, Relatively Affordable Price My children have gone to this school for 2 years. Never expected to find myself involved with a private school but I have to say the education is superb. Great education and a fun environment for the kids. It’s like going to camp every day. They don’t know how good they got it! … Montessori is the only way to go.” – Aaron
“I take pride on the fact that I am a very involved and educated parent, when it comes to my 5 year old son’s education. After coming across with Maria Montessori’s outstanding theory on human evolution and how children’s education can be adopted to bring forth the talents and wonderful capabilities of each individual I became a committed Montessori follower. This path lead us to Quest, which meets no rival in its exemplary execution of Montessori’s standards of education, I would dare to say that they take it a step forward and complement the school’s holistic approach towards learning with a multitude of activities and curricula that benefit both the child and the family enormously. Our morning ritual traveling to school involves singing, as my son is so excited and delighted to go to school every morning, at the end of the day when I pick him up he comes home full of stories about exciting discoveries, stories, playground thrills, it’s so rewarding to see him growing in the environment that Quest community painstakingly and with great passion and commitment delivers.” Anna A.