Testimonials
Parents are delighted with Bala House Montessori!
Dear Diane,
I hope all is well with you. I have some exciting news to share. Ryann Sterling (2009 Bala House Alum) was one of three young ladies chosen to appear on the Tamron Hall show yesterday morning with Michelle Obama. (See the attached YouTube video clip). She was also posted on Michelle Obama’s Instagram page. We are all so very proud of her that we just HAD to share the news with her Bala House family. She is also currently a sophmore, Dean’s List student at Rutgers University (main campus). Thank you and the Bala House staff for the nurturing foundation that you provided her with. She is still the kind, confident, conscientious, well-rounded, project-oriented young lady that Bala House nurtured her to be.
Eternally grateful, Sirita Sterling
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=
Letter to BH School Director Diane Force from Sirita Sterling, parent of 2009 graduate Ryann.
Not having attended a Montessori school myself, I had some initial concerns about “Montessori”. Why are the classrooms so quiet? Is there room for creativity when each work must be done a particular way? Now in our third year at Bala House, we are completely thrilled with our daughter’s experiences. We’ve been impressed by the Montessori concept of learning through manipulation of materials, allowing each child to learn at her own pace. Diane and the staff have helped us understand how carefully each Montessori classroom and work is thought out. Our daughter is thriving at Bala House — learning about other cultures, learning to read, learning math, learning kindness and other social graces. She has progressed beyond our wildest expectations and enjoyed every minute of it.
Heather Dixon, Former Bala House Parent
For the past thirty years it has been impossible for me to drive past Bala House and not think of the wonderful time I spent there as a child. The freedom to learn and explore, with the guidance of dedicated and caring teachers, made for a meaningful educational experience that still serves me well today. Now, as a Bala House board member, I have the privilege of giving back to this remarkable place.
Emily Weisgrau, Bala House Alum and Former Board Chair
As a product of a Montessori education, I really value the independent thinking and reasoning skills which were instilled in me. These skills were invaluable to me and fundamentally contributed to my ongoing academic success. As a parent, I wanted to provide the same for my child. I sought out the Montessori program at Bala House because I wanted my child to be open- minded, creative, and socially conscious and I wanted to make sure he had all the tools he needed for both academic and social success.
Raquel Rendon, Former Bala House Parent
What I value most about Bala House is the care and attention given to developing the inner and outer child. The Bala House is like the missing piece to the puzzle. Everyone fits together perfectly.
Lynn Nichols, Former Bala House Parent
2020 50th Anniversary “Reasons to Love” Bala House Comments
“My daughter’s self-confidence and empathetic nature have truly blossomed at Bala House. She is very strong-willed and the teachers see that as an asset, always, and use that characteristic to help her learn. My favorite memory is watching my daughter help the younger kids in her class zipper their jackets to go outside to play. She takes great pride in being helpful, and that is so important in today’s world.”
– Bala House Class of 2021 Parent
“I love that it is a community of families.”
– Bala House Class of 2021 Parent
“Our classroom is peaceful.”
– Bala House Kindergarten Class of 2020 Student
“Bala House is where my daughter learned to become a confident learner and leader.”
– Bala House Class of 2019 Parent
“We love Bala House. Our grandsons love going to school. The teachers are so loving and welcoming. The boys are learning so many important skills. We love the way they learn on an individual basis- no holding them back! They can and do learn at their own pace. Most importantly, we love Bala House because it is like family for our boys. Thanks for a loving, wonderful atmosphere.”
– Bala House Class of 2022 Grandparent