Ixora Montessori

"We LOVE Ixora Montessori and Ms. Beverlee, the school’s founder and teacher-leader. She truly has a heart for children and for building community. We made the choice that Montessori education would be best for our family because of the principles and values on which it is based. However, we were disappointed in the lack of options available in Williamsburg. Ms. Beverlee and her staff are doing the hard work of building a school that is intentional about fostering racial/ethnic and economic diversity while ensuring children are growing academically, socially, and emotionally. Because of the small class sizes, we have the opportunity to really get to know the teachers and the other families, which gives me added peace of mind in dropping my child off each day. I can go on and on about what I love about Ixora. In short, it’s a great school led by an even greater person. My child is confident, independent, and loves her teachers and school friends. I believe her being in the Ixora community is a big part of that. I highly recommend Ixora for any parent who values what the Montessori Method can do for their child and family."

"We were drawn to the Montessori approach because it is an approach to classroom learning that emphasizes independence and choice. We researched our options and found Williamsburg Montessori School, at the time however everyone had to be quarantined so we deferred our start date a year later. At the time our son had just turned 3 and it was his first time in an environment with so many other kids, teachers etc. We spoke to his teacher about this who said it is the same with all the kids and not to worry, baby steps. Within 3 months we left WMS as the experience was truly traumatic and disappointing. WMS says they are willing to support parents and the kids however any slight outlier or if a child doesn't immediately fit in right away that goes out the window and your child can either be left behind or isolated. Be that as it may we began to research other Montessori programs and found a new school; at the time it was Montessori on the Move and they had just moved to their location. I was hesitant at first until I got to the school, and I met Ms. Beverlee, we spoke about her philosophy and the core values of her new school. My son took to the new environment immediately and he responded to Ms. Beverlee who spoke to him as a person not as a baby, he followed her instructions and did not want to leave we had to literally leave that day with him kicking and screaming. This is a synopsis of our experience at Ixora: -smaller class size -Ms. Beverlee believes being outside play a key role in the learning process as connecting with nature and our surroundings provides the child with many developmental opportunities that staying indoors cannot (my 3-year-old was telling me about chlorophyll) -I have found at Ixora the teachers encourage students to engage in self-directed play and utilizes a learning environment that invites collaborative play. Teachers offer activities that guide students to discover and develop their maximum potential within a supportive environment. -At Ixora the school is small but filled with diversity, parents are welcome to participate and can share a piece of their culture to the kids in a fun and meaningful way, for instance Divali and Hispanic Month. -At Ixora parents are provided daily with what was covered that day or what your child did (at WMS I only heard from the teacher when it was bad news). - At Ixora transparency are vital, you are able to talk with the teachers and receive support when needed and not feel like your concerns are not acknowledged. - At Ixora it is a smaller community, so you are able to connect with other parents easily. - At Ixora school outings are scheduled to the farm, the botanical gardens, backstage of a play to see the cast/costumes or even a weekend hike in the park that are all great learning experiences that are fun and provides the kids and parents to socialize. - At Ixora parents can volunteer to read to the kids or participate in any other activities that may be needed. -At Ixora as a parent who was told at the other school that my child may have developmental delays or was autistic or possibly had adhd etc...my child was not turned away, he was not ignored, he was not placed in a corner by himself or in another room alone, he was not scream at by his teacher or send home every day within an hour of drop off. Instead, he was taught to self-regulate, use his 'inside voice', he was taught to use 'gentle hands' and he learning to build new skills to manage his thoughts, behaviors and feelings. - At Ixora as parents we also have learned ways to help with behaviors by creating the foundation through modeling good skills that would allow our child to mirror and encourage his growth. If you are looking for a school that is based in your community and would support your child on a whole as well as help provide you as a parent, the tools to help you reinforce their child's growth Ixora is for you."

"We were blessed to have found Ixora Montessori. It has been an wonderful experience for our daughter and everyday she lets us know that school is "Amazing"! She has grown tremendously since starting school this year, with her growing vocabulary and independence. We appreciate the small classroom sizes at Ixora and the compassionate teachers who genuinely care about the children. Our daughter enjoys all the daily indoor/outdoor activities and loves meeting up with her classmates after school. We are very appreciative to have found such a wonderful school, knowing that our daughter spends the day learning in a caring and loving environment. I highly recommend Ixora Montessori!"

"Ixora Montessori School is one of the best kept secrets in Williamsburg. Their experienced teachers genuinely love their profession and the children they work with, and it shows through their positive view of each child, their dedication to enriching academic experiences, and the extra care they show when engaging with families. Our daughter has thrived since joining this school. She is a confident and independent toddler that is capable of dressing herself, setting a table, cleaning up after herself, and communicating in complete sentences. She is excited to go to school each day to see her teachers and classmates. It is a tremendous relief as a parent to know your child is safe, happy, and developing exponentially in all areas."