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December 2022 by Sebastian Lueders
As a student at Forest Bluff I overlooked the value that (guided) independent study provided me and shrugged it off as an insignificant difference from the "block" scheduling used at traditional schools.More than a decade later, I can easily identify the Montessori alumni from my other peers: they're the colleague that improve existing protocols, take initiative wholeheartedly and lead others with passion and empathy.Forest Bluff allowed for me to see my career as an opportunity for growth rather than an unceasing "to-do" list. I'd recommend this school to anyone that wants to provide their children with an educational experience that fosters creativity and character.Go take a tour and find out how the Forest Bluff curriculum continues to guide students to impactful futures! You won't be disappointed.
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October 2022 by Andrew Duckworth
As an alumna Forest Bluff, I would highly recommend the school to prospective parents. I attended from age 3 through graduation from the Secondary Level at age 14 and could not have had a better experience as a student. Forest Bluff is a truly special place that is led by some of the world's leading experts in the Montessori education field. From a young age, all the way through graduation, students are taught how to think creatively, how to manage their time as efficiently as possible, how to collaborate well with others, and how to solve difficult problems. The teachers are an incredible group of educators and their hands-on teaching approach in the classroom serves to instill a lifelong love of learning across the student base. Simply put, the Forest Bluff approach made learning fun! I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a wonderful institution and I will continue to use the skills that I developed during my time at Forest Bluff for the rest of my life.
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October 2022 by Ford Johnstone
I went to Forest Bluff and have nothing but incredible things to say. Kids learn from a young age to be independent and resourceful which an invaluable life skill.
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March 2022 by Margaret Kelley
We have been parents at Forest Bluff for a decade now. It has been the most amazing place for our children to learn and grow - and for us as parents! We are so grateful for this school and everything it has done for our family.
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January 2022 by Liam Hubbard
Forest Bluff has had an unparalleled impact on my life—from my interactions, to my self-motivated learning, to the connection I feel toward the outdoors. I just finished my first freshman quarter at Northwestern University and was reflecting only days ago on how my time at FBS not only enhanced my education and social skills, but also gave me lasting and, hopefully, lifelong friendships. Something about growing up and attending school in a close-knit environment free of technology, substance-abuse, and other common but degrading elements of middle school fostered an invaluable sense of friendship and camaraderie in its purest form. Forest Bluff has given me so many life-changing experiences, like a night sleeping outside with no tent, gazing up at a star-filled sky on a frigid Minnesota night, or the chance to pursue academic topics of my choosing—The Fall of Rome and Great Lakes Contamination to name a few. I’m truly grateful for the experiences I’ve had at Forest Bluff School.
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February 2020 by Kristina Torres
Forest Bluff School has been an incredibly positive and supportive educational community for families. It has exceeded our expectations. Forest Bluff is a clear model of education - intention, love, and a deep understanding of how best to support the developmental characteristics and needs of children throughout their growth and maturation is practiced in every aspect of the school community. We see the benefits to our child and family every day, and this praise is echoed by generations of alumni. Our child is engaged intellectually, socially, and emotionally, provided a balance of structure and space to challenge himself, and a community of students who respect one another and spark creativity. Forest Bluff instills a lifelong love of learning. The dedicated, skilled teachers support our child in developing self-motivation, resilience, respect for hard work and the contributions of others, problem-solving skills, empathy, and curiosity - in short, life skills for a productive, rewarding future! Our family is grateful for the experiences and knowledge we have gained through joining Forest Bluff.
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December 2019 by Roz J.
As a parent I cherish those moments when my children express joy in learning, when intrinsically they want to learn more and when they finally reach a desired goal on their own. Being part of an authentic Montessori school has created an environment where these moments happen so much more than when we were part of a traditional school environment. The focus on positive social relationships, working with others, and personal responsibility are also critical components of this unique learning environment. My first child went to a traditional school through Kindergarten but at the recommendation of a friend I enrolled my second child in a certified Montessori program at the age of two. The difference between the two approaches was readily apparent and the more I learned about Montessori it was crystal clear this was the best choice for both my children. When we moved our family to IL from another state we searched for an authentic Montessori program for our children to attend and we were very pleased to find Forest Bluff. Our experience at this school has been excellent. The teachers and staff are supportive, knowledgeable and kind. Outreach to the parent community through continuing education is a special benefit of this particular program. Our children are thriving. I am thankful for that recommendation I received years ago from a friend and I highly recommend that you too as a parent consider Forest Bluff School.
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November 2019 by T Whel
We absolutely loved Forest Bluff. The approach to teaching and attention to our child’s growth stages and needs were fundamental to her early development. The school’s philosophy flowed from the head through to the teachers. It gave us confidence in consistency as our daughter moved up - the teachers were outstanding. The degree of care and thought was obvious. Nothing was left to chance.The books and parents events helped us incorporate the philosophies in our home and helped us become better parents. At two and a half, our daughter was folding her own laundry and setting the table. These and other tasks helped develop confidence in her own ability. Which parent doesn’t want that?The 3 - 6’s class also helped her develop a sense of community which transferred from caring within the school to the home and the outside world.Sadly, we had to move away. My family misses it terribly, but know that the foundation Forest Bluff helped our daughter develop will reap rewards for years to come.
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September 2019 by Ann Kasten
I am grateful to have the opportunity to share with others the results of our experience at Forest Bluff School. We have three children who attended Forest Bluff and are now college students, and one a junior in high school. They are remarkably productive people focused on making an impact in the world. Forest Bluff developed a foundation in them of genuine goodness and genuine interest in all people.At Forest Bluff the classroom was a place where learning was interesting and was the focal point. The relationships of the children were centered around solving a math problem together, researching a painter, or putting sentences together in the appropriate way. They bonded over the learning and the satisfaction in getting something right. There was no focus on one’s clothing, where one was coming from in the morning, or whether they would be included in a weekend event. They were equals in their own world of learning, and their bonds were deep. When our children left that beautiful world, they sought out other students who were curious learners and contributors. When one of my children was asked by her college counselor what type of college she wanted to attend, she thought for a moment and then said, “I really just want to go to a college where other students enjoy learning like me—a school that is the college version of my Montessori school.” In the graduates you will find so many interesting professions—researchers, doctors, authors, and bankers. They are happy, contributors, and wonderful to be around. Our children’s experience and education at Forest Bluff was a gift.
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September 2019 by Lenka V
Forest Bluff School is not just a school. It is a way of life where teachers are mentors, management is your guide and a beautiful environment even further supports the learning process. We, as parents of a small child, trusted his teacher from day one that he would be in good hands and we were right. Our son has been attending Forest Bluff School since he was 17 months old. Almost 2 years later, we have a confident, empathetic, patient, polite, self-sufficient and helpful young man who is not afraid to voice his opinion. If you want your child to be raised with the help of the finest, true Montessori leaders who have many years of experience, big hearts, are educated, helpful and love children, do not look anywhere else.
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September 2019 by Keri Godon
Forest Bluff Montessori school is defined by their fidelity to the Montessori method, a relationship based administration model, and family centered school culture. Our boys, ages 2, 6 & 9 are delighted to be attending school for the first time this year. Our transition from homeschooling for nearly a decade, to Montessori school, has been just the right fit. What a wonderful time they have had getting to know their classmates and teachers. We look forward to hearing stories about all they are learning and experiencing at Forest Bluff every evening. Our children’s hearts are full and their spirits fed! The wisdom and experience of their teachers in tandem with the Montessori approach, inspires daily investigations that sparks desire, creativity, and awe. Their capacity to wonder, followed by a desire to research and share their findings, has been a joy to witness. Our homeschooling years were a treasure for which I am grateful, but one big change has taken place since we started at Forest Bluff. Our middle son is smiling every day. He has a light in his eyes that I was yearning to help him share. I am so thankful that he has gained confidence and really started to let his light shine. The administration and staff at Forest Bluff recognize the importance of family time and create a school culture that support the parent & child relationship through Montessori From the Start classes, timely book discussions, and an invaluable series of parenting lectures. These opportunities help parents develop connected relationships with their children, with a multitude of resources and support built right into the school environment. Forest Bluff Montessori is AMAZING!
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July 2019 by Ann W.
Both my son and daughter went through FB from 18 months to eighth grade. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world and neither would they. Now 17 and 20, they express deep gratitude for the experience they had there and feel it strongly influenced who they are today. They are forever grateful they had the opportunity to attend this fine school that fostered a love of learning, allowed them to venture outside their comfort zone in a safe environment, and taught them how to thrive in a collaborative learning community. We are so lucky to have a school like Forest Bluff in our community!
