| What Others Say About Khalsa Montessori School |
What Khalsa Parents And Students Have Said
"We are very pleased with the Khalsa School's approach to education; social and spiritual as well as academic. During the year Damian has attended Khalsa, we have noticed a great difference in his enthusiasm for learning, his respect for others and the environment. We are positive that the social environment in school has resulted in a child who is much more patient, understanding, considerate and able to take and follow directions pleasantly.
Congratulations Khalsa Montessori School! Thank you for offering such a wonderful complete learning environment for the children."
— Joy Ann Newton, Khalsa School parent"My Montessori education taught me the importance of being self-motivated and truly wanting to learn. I knew that gaining more knowledge and slowly expanding my mind was a fun and enlightening experience even at a young age, not a long and tedious one like those described by some of my peers the last four years at North High. Some say that knowledge is power, but I say it is much more than that. Wanting to learn is the will to thrive. "
— Hanna Love, Khalsa School Graduate"It wasn't until I got to high school that I saw what Khalsa had done for me. I left Khalsa to attend Brophy College Prep, the best, and one of the most challenging high schools in the state. As a freshman, while my peers were struggling to adjust, I found the course load quite manageable, thanks to Montessori. Khalsa didn't just prepare me academically; it gave me a skill set that is invaluable whether you are a high school student or the president of the United States. I was self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work efficiently by myself or with others, all skills that Montessori structures its curriculum around. A Montessori education is incredibly unique because of its structure, or rather lack of structure. There is so much freedom and opportunity for each student to grow and learn as he or she wants to, and that self-directed learning is key to success."
— Riley Carpenter, Khalsa School Graduate"I have been extremely pleased with the staff and educational opportunities here at Khalsa School. My daughter comes home each day feeling happy and accomplished. I believe that Khalsa School far excels other Montessori Schools in cultural areas. I only hope that we will be as fortunate in our search for another Montessori School (in San Jose) as we were when we discovered Khalsa."
— Catherine Conrad, Khalsa School ParentI had many fabulous teachers [at Khalsa] . . . I have so many great memories of Khalsa School: running around in the soccer field, planting, class pets, reading in the quiet corner, writing poetry, talking when we should have been working, playing tether ball, going on fieldtrips, art, playing with microscopes, holiday shows, Valentine parties, SRAs, math, biweeklies, and so much more. . . .This [Khalsa Montessori] is one type of education that you will never have anywhere else. (Trust me, I have looked.) I loved this fun, independent, and hands-on method of learning so much that I have decided to become a Montessori teacher for elementary level kids. I am going to attend Northern Arizona University this fall, get an Elementary Education degree, and then I will learn the Montessori Method."
— Hanna Behun, Khalsa School Graduate"Thank you Khalsa School and Satwant Singh. We were here, one at a time for ten years. We, and our whole family, thank you for the love and the learning you shared with us."
— Diana and Mike Noyes, Khalsa School studentsIt was through my years at North High School that I was able to discern the gifts Khalsa had given me. I approached my studies in a refreshing way, with an aptitude for learning more. I reached out to not only my peers, but my teachers and established strong friendships with ease. I fell back into the rhythm of having a supportive family by my side in school, and I thrived off it. . . . But I could never quite leave Khalsa, not altogether. . . . I realized that Khalsa would always be there with me. That as long as I remembered the lessons I learned, the achievements I had accomplished, and the relationships I held dear, I could develop as a human being, and become the greatest version of myself possible. "
— Janessa Hillard, Khalsa School Graduate"As I go off to Swarthmore College, I cannot help but think that subliminally I am looking for a Khalsa Montessori experience at a different level. It is worth it. The new world order is being fabricated in young minds right as we speak. It is shifting and changing and the status quo and "business as usual" is not sufficient. Luckily, I and all these other students are familiar with this type of "out of the box" thought the world thirsts for, since we were young playing with golden beads. We have sampled the beauty of flexibility, ownership, and individuality within the Montessori classroom. We, even though it sometimes required arduous work, have developed the beginnings of eloquence of thought and philosophy that will satiate the appetite of the hungry opportunities out there that are created out of hard times."
— Taylor Tucker, Khalsa School Graduate
What Khalsa Montessori parents have written in yearly Parent Questionnaires:
"This year has been a total blossoming for [her]. She has really enjoyed learning, reading and opening her mind to new things … "
"I appreciate the respectful and real way that teachers speak with the children. It was exciting to see the things [she] could do independently and seeing her enthusiasm for Spanish and songs…"
"We have seen [them] really flourished this year and talk about the materials in the classroom….The boys love going to school – that is all we could ask for."
"I appreciate that whenever I had a question or concern, my calls were returned quickly."
"Thanks you for a wonderful three years in a loving, nurturing environment. She has grown so much and really enjoys school. We've loved having her in such an open, tolerant, diverse, special place. It is a wonderful community!"
"We worked through completion of work and homework. Was not a fun process but we all learned a lot….We love [her teacher]."
"He has made many friends –truly enjoyed school AND learned to read. Hats off to [his teacher]!"
"My child showed tremendous growth, both academically and socially. Her problem-solving and communication skills were two areas of great progress."
" … He loved his teacher and felt he was a successful part of the class….For the first time he talked each evening about school, his classmates and their activities … ."
"[She] felt she had many opportunities to be a classroom leader and this was great for her confidence and self-esteem."
"[Her teacher] does a wonderful job with my child. She is very patient and I appreciate her."
"He learned very quickly. We are proud of his progress and happy with [his teacher]. Thanks!"
"[She] was encouraged to work hard, do a good job… Her confidence improved greatly."
"We love her classroom, staff at the school and the expectations for her learning. "
"My daughter has really come into her own this year with [her teacher's] and her assistant's help. She really made great progress socially".
"Our son really enjoys yoga and Spanish class."
"[Her teacher] seems to have a firm but fair hand – happy she has high expectations of [my daughter's] work."
"She is happy at Khalsa and she feels very much accepted by her peers…The variety in her day is making her more well rounded."
"[She] made amazing progress academically and socially. Her successes have given her self-confidence a major boost."
"The education in class was exceptional. Really taught academics plus great self-discipline."
Khalsa parents rated the following as the best aspects of their child's Khalsa experience:
" … The opportunity to learn a wide variety of subjects, at her own pace in a multi-age level class … She made incredible progress this year and was not held back, as she might have been in a typical elementary school."
"He has really flourished at Khalsa Primary…everything from learning the solar system, the golden beads to sewing a pillow for his doll….I would like to thank all the staff at Khalsa for entering {his} life. He wakes up every morning and wants to go to school."
"The continual social aspects of holding our child responsible for his actions".
"The effect her experience has had on her self-confidence and her social skills".
"Increased responsibility – greater challenge – sense of accomplishment."
"Caring staff reinforcement of social graces and responsibility of self. Her pride and sense of accomplishment"
" … Freedom to pursue her personal interests of writing and reading … learning at her pace … teacher dedication and respect for children … teaching of communication skills … "
"Gaining acceptance by older peers, learning that she loves fractions. [She] loved most of all the "Discussions" that would happen in class that stimulated so much thought and conversation."
"Continued academic and social growth in a safe, nurturing environment."
"The open-ended and individualized learning experience was exactly what we desired for [him].
" … Social interaction with others … developing a sense of fairness … "
" … [Her] rapid rise in reading … and enthusiasm for learning … "
"The fact that she loved going to school everyday."
"Feeling safe and happy, making friends and learning social responsibility. Learning to read."
"Academic progress, creative/cultural experiences, working with {her teachers]."
"The sense of community, yoga [and] the birthday tradition."
"New experiences- field trips, reading, excitement for school!"
"He loves to go to school. He loves to learn and sings all the time."
"[He] has had a great year! We couldn't be happier."
