Stories

By Natalie Van der Veen

Not so long ago, I was trying to make the right decision for my little girl's education.

I knew I wanted a space that offered both safety and stretch - two core ingredients, I believe, for meaningful learning.

AND I felt that she was still so little. Only four, with big ideas, boundless curiosity, and creative expression. I wanted to preserve this unfiltered, unjaded view of the world. Not simply preserve it, but give it room to flourish.

We had just moved to Charlotte from Los Angeles, and I was both excited about the school options in our new city and, also, totally overwhelmed.

But something shifted when I came to Prep. Immediately, I got the sense that this is a place that truly understands children.

The philosophy is centered on this fleeting, magical, and sacred time we call childhood. And in no way does this school underestimate children either.

From day one, children are treated as capable individuals and future leaders, given responsibility and made to feel part of a community. The "community" language used in the classroom is something we have adopted at home too, understanding that our children are part of a bigger ecosystem. That their contributions matter. That even at four or five years old, they have a role to play and an impact to make.

In the Montessori environment, children are met where they are - there is safety to try new things, to be brave. And there is stretch - continued challenge to keep them engaged and curious.

What I find particularly beautiful about the Montessori philosophy is the trust placed in each child. Children are given the freedom to explore their interests, to work at their own pace, and to discover how they learn best. Learning is not simply something that happens to them. It is something they actively participate in, take ownership of and, importantly, find joy in.

Because where there is curiosity, interest and play, there is learning.

Because of the different ages and stages in the classroom, children flex between being learner and leader, and they are proud of their contributions as team players.

They learn to ask for help, to offer it, to persevere when something is difficult, and to celebrate when they finally figure it out. There is such dignity in that independence.

For us, the difference was palpable from day one.

Ariella, my untidy, vibrant, creative, and energetic child, was helping me make dinner and leading her baby sister in pretend play. Often, she will set up the playroom as her classroom, and we get magical glimpses into her world as she details lesson plans with thoughtful exercises.

It is wonderful to see her not simply absorbing knowledge, but developing a genuine love of learning - and a growing confidence in her own abilities.

As newbies to Charlotte, Prep has also given my husband and me the gift of community.

The school arranges many activities throughout the year, from new family social evenings to festivals, creating opportunities for families to meet and friendships to bloom.

Born and bred in South Africa, I appreciate the diversity and deep respect for cultures and differences at Prep. We have always felt a sense of belonging here, in a community where differences are celebrated and shared values bring us together.

Most recently, we enjoyed the Family Day of Service. This is a wonderful way to involve the whole family in school life, but more than that - it is time spent investing in the community beyond Prep and the fortunate bubble in which many of us live.

At Prep, my child has further developed empathy and compassion for people, animals, and the environment.

Her academics thrive, but I am probably most proud of this sense of compassion and gratitude.

When I think of our time so far at Prep, I think of JOY.

Joy in the children's faces as they meet their friends in carpool.

Joy on stage as each child is given an opportunity to shine.

Joy in mentorship - the mutual exchange of giving and receiving.

Joy in creating - art, friendships, ideas, and possibilities.

And perhaps most importantly, joy in discovering what they themselves are capable of.

We are raising our children in a world that can feel uncertain and, at times, unsettling. We cannot possibly prepare them for every challenge they will face. But we can give them a foundation of self-respect, self-trust, and curiosity. We can teach them to believe in their own abilities, to care for others and to approach the unfamiliar with courage rather than fear.

And I cannot think of a more meaningful foundation for an education - or for life.

My child is learning. She is thriving. She is nurtured, and she is nurturing others.

Above all, Ariella is happy. And what more can a parent hope for?