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Hear What CountrySide Montessori Parents Have to Say…
Our email is: [email protected]
***Shannon Rupp and Katie Cofer-Rupp
I want to put in a good word for Ms. Hanne Gottschalk and Ms. Rodica Stulenac at CountrySide Montessori School in Dacula. We have had the pleasure of sending our only son there since he turned two-and-a-half during the first year of the pandemic when many of the other schools in the area were closed. CountrySide stayed open. At the time, I knew about the Montessori method as an alternative approach to education but had not witnessed how it benefits a child during the critical formative years before age six. Our son will be five in January and we could not be happier with the instruction and individualized attention he has received in the past two years. He is fiercely independent, curious, inquisitive, generous, polite, and mannerly - all attributes of his personality which we believe are being nurtured daily by Ms. Hanne and Ms. Rodica and the Montessori curriculum taught at CountrySide. He has a keen interest in his own education - and loves to learn. I would recommend this school to anyone with a child over two who wants to be amazed at what their child can do.
***Stephanie Martin Llanes
Dropping off your child at school for the first time can be both so exciting and also terrifying. I remember reading as many reviews as I could find for the schools I was looking into and it was without a doubt the way in which parents talked about their experience with Countryside (“CSMS”) that made me feel confident about my choice to enroll my then 3 year old. Here I am a whole year into my daughter attending CSMS and being a part of the community sharing enthusiastically about our experience and encouraging other parents to choose CSMS for their little one(s) and family. Our experience has gone far above and beyond all the great expectations I/my family had when we joined CSMS.
First, the Montessori curriculum is excellent. Countryside is an accredited school with small class sizes (which I value as I wanted to feel like each student, including my daughter, would get the 1:1 support and attention they need to thrive). CSMS is accredited by the most prestigious and longest-standing accrediting organization for Montessori schools; the Association of Montessori International (“AMI”). From the practical life skills, attunement to sensory periods, mindfulness practices, reading, math, history, gardening, and more everything is to the highest standards of excellence in a way that both respects the child and the child's development.
Second, Countryside fosters and values community--amongst the children, staff, and families. The children learn to be polite and respectful to their teachers and peers and learn why that’s important. They eat together peacefully and make it a practice to involve each other in learning about different things happening with the children's lives (e.g., a student learned a new sport skill, reflections from a recent trip, birthday celebration, etc.). Families are strongly encouraged and welcomed to help with things around the school like gardening days, given tips and guides as to how to continue the learnings at home, help with presenting lessons (e.g., about where families are from, holiday traditions, etc.), and more. And not just the parents but siblings, grandparents, and others too!
Third, Ms. Hanne, Ms. Rodica and the other teachers are truly incredible educators and humans. From being personally greeted every single morning at drop off and pick up, to the love and care they show the children, their love for learning and helping to nourish the hunger to learn in each child, the level of detail in how they plan each month's work, special events and holidays, and beyond, their expertise in child development and the Montessori curriculum is undeniable.
Fourth, the school itself is stunning. From the beautiful montessori set up throughout the school, to the large windows that bring in natural sunlight, the consistent cleanliness and tidiness, to the large garden and playground in the back, the trees that surround the school, it's just a gorgeous facility that emanates peacefulness, joy, and care.
Most importantly, my daughter loves attending Countryside (she constantly says it!). She’s made many friends, has learned a great deal (everything from learning how to take care of herself, how to prepare food, math and reading, about different countries and cultures, and more), is confident and kind, has a curious spirit and deeper desire to learn, and overall is flourishing. I’ve also made some friends myself with other parents which has been lovely. So, dear reader, if you are a parent or caregiver and looking for an excellent educational experience, I highly recommend Countryside Montessori School. We love it and really believe you will too!
Thank you so much, Stephanie, for your glowing recommendation of CountrySide Montessori School! We are humbled by your generous and eloquent words of praise! It is a genuine pleasure
of ours to enjoy your daughter as one of our eager students! She is a joy and we deeply appreciate your family's trust and confidence in us. Thank you, Stephanie!
*** Ann Morris
As our family was preparing to move to Georgia in the summer of 2022, a friend of mine shared about her personal, wonderful experiences with Countryside Montessori. As a Montessorian myself, it was incredibly important for me to find a school that was accredited and had small class sizes and student/teacher ratios for my 4 year old son. CSMS holds accreditation with the Association of Montessori International, or AMI, which is the most prestigious and longest-standing accrediting organization for Montessori schools.
Upon hearing about the wonderful first-hand experiences that my friend had shared with me, I reached out to Ms. Hanne about the possibility of there being an available spot for our son in the Fall. After some back and forth communication over the summer and an in-person visit to the school, we just knew that this was where our son should be for the 2022-2023 school year. He started in August and this review is a reflection of our positive experiences as parents.
The grounds and school building are what drew us in. The school building is essentially made up of 2 large classrooms, with a working kitchen in the middle. There are large windows all throughout, which allow for lots of beautiful natural light. If you have ever been inside a Montessori school, they are all uniquely beautiful in their own ways, but, in my opinion, Countryside cannot be beat. Everywhere you look inside, it is obvious that so much love, thought, and careful planning went into the design and layout of the materials, decor, and details. Step outside, and you encounter a lovely playground, picnic table area, and a fully-functioning garden that is tended to seasonally by the teachers, students, and even parents and grandparents.
Our son has absolutely flourished since starting at Countryside. He is very interested in math, writing, and reading, and is also developing close friendships with the other children. He looks forward to school and is disappointed when school is not in session. Ms. Hanne, Ms Rodica, Ms. Ashley, and Ms. Maria have each been wonderful and so welcoming to our family, each extremely nurturing, kind, and lovers of their craft as teachers.
We didn't find Countryside Montessori, Countryside Montessori literally found us! And for that we are so grateful. If you are a parent of a preschooler and are searching for an exceptional early childhood education experience, look no further.
***Kim Tran
My husband and I toured a few schools before choosing CSMS as the school for our son. We were blown away at the first meeting. It is definitely the school we were looking for. Both the school and the teacher are AMI certified, which fits one of our criteria. The school environment is clean and organized, and the learning materials are beautifully displayed. The most important thing we noticed was how calm and engaged the children were in their work. All the children were working on something, but it was not chaotic. Ms. Hanne graciously answered all of our questions, and by the end of the meeting, we knew this was our best choice. Our son, who has never been in any other setting besides home, settled quickly into the school. He didn’t even want to leave after the first day! We’re thrilled to have a great school near us, dedicated and kind teachers, and our son looks forward to going to school every day!
***Amra Hodzig
We love Countryside- the short story! The long story is that I waited till a full school year to really give an honest review of the teachers and the learning, as it’s my first time diving into Montessori style. I’ve seen so many improvements academically and confidence wise in my girl! I am in awe with some of the things she says and does and whenever I ask her how she knew that, my favorite line comes, “mama I learned it in school!” Ms. Hanne is wonderful! She’s the perfect mix of kindness but firm which I think works very well. Not only that but I can’t thank her enough for all our little pick up chats where she’s given me tips and informed me about my daughter’s days. Ms. Rodica is also the best! She’s so gentle and my girl took a liking to her right away. She’s been super helpful and available for any concern I have! The curriculum nights were awesome too and my favorite thing of it all is the manners she’s taught. Overall I could go on and on about my satisfaction with all things CountrySide.
***Kiva Champagnie
My son loves going to school every day. The family like environment makes him feel right at home. He has made so many friends and has learned to be an independent and responsible big boy. 10/10 would recommend countryside Montessori school.
***Christina Taylor
As a parent there’s nothing you want more than to know that your child is being cared for and loved when they are away from you. My husband and I know that our son is at CountrySide! We love that he is so excited for school every day and always has something new to share with us at the end of each day. He has developed many new skills and continues to become so independent, meticulous and curious to learn more. We could not be more satisfied with the staff and curriculum at CountrySide! Thank you so much for the daily investments in our children.
*** Rosemary & Wesley Harris (parents of Kingston).
Ms. Hanne, Ms. Rodica & Mr. Bill,
Please accept our highest recommendation of CountrySide Montessori School. This past summer we began touring potential schools for our son entering Kindergarten. During the short list process I reached out to a friend, whose child attended Country Side a few years prior, to talk about her experience. Quite a few things resonated with me during that conversation. Ms. Hanne (Directress) was described as having an exceptional gift to teach young children in a manner that not only allows children to grasp curriculum but also piques their curiosity and interest in the world around them. Ms. Hanne’s ability to teach children in a serene, calm, peaceful environment was noted. Additionally, she credited her son’s success and interest in school thereafter on the foundation established at Country Side. Over the course of the last six months, all of the aforementioned and more, we have experienced while our son has attended Country Side.
Country Side is the ideal setting for learning, set back from the road in a cozy cottage on grounds that are beautifully maintained. On the day of our tour, we met with Ms. Hanne for over two hours, as she took her time with us allowing us to ask questions and also provided us with a lesson in math using the Montessori approach. Country Side is impeccably clean, tidy and organized. The classrooms have many windows allowing children to learn in a setting filled with natural light surrounded by blooming flowers, gardens and woods. An abundance of materials are available to students which cover any possible area of interest such as geology, geography, space, arts, music, anatomy etc. We knew immediately, during that tour, that this would be an exceptional place for our son to complete Kindergarten.
Ms. Hanne and staff understand that the best results come from joint efforts of student, parents and teachers. Children are provided individualized learning and communication is consistent and frequent. Many other equally important lessons and principles are taught and reinforced at Country Side and everything Ms. Hanne does, is done thoroughly with every detail addressed. The structure of the classroom, with varying ages, allows the older students to take on leadership roles in the class and provides an opportunity for younger students to be mentored by the older students. This reciprocal relationship is beneficial to all of the students and fosters patience and relationship building amongst all students. The older students develop a sense of responsibility by helping the younger students. If you have an opportunity to assist in the class or observe the classroom, you will find a learning environment that is quiet and calm. Children are eager to learn, engaged and interact with each other and staff with courtesy and kindness. Ms. Hanne encourages appreciation of nature and aesthetics by engaging children in activities such as planting and tending to flowers and vegetables. Teachings at Country Side far surpass a standard curriculum. Ms. Hanne and staff’s profound sense of responsibility in the role they assume in a student's education is evident in every interaction. As parents of six children of varying ages, we can attest that this school is truly exceptional.
Sincerely, Rosemary & Wesley Harris (parents of Kingston).
*** Cecilia Fernandez
Countryside Is an exemplary Montessori school. It is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale as a school that adheres to the principles set forth by Dr.Maria Montessori.
The love, dedication and attention to detail that were poured into the founding of the school are evident the moment one drives unto the school property.
The immaculate gardens, the natural playground surrounded by woods....and once you step inside the cozy "children's house", you will probably think as I did: "Every child deserves to learn in an environment like this".
Mrs Hannelore Gottschalk is an experienced teacher whose warm and loving personality reflects on the children's faces and demeanor. They clearly adore her and that is the first step in learning!
The nicely diverse group of multi-aged children I observed were just delightful to watch. They moved around their little cottage-style school room as if it were truly their second home.
While observing this class of 3-6 year old children, I saw: older children lovingly assisting younger ones, children reading, writing, making maps, setting the tables for lunch independently, preparing their own snack and having lovely conversation while eating alongside a friend,working on all mathematical operations with multiple-digit equations, singing, sewing, gardening, all at their own will and ever so peacefully.
If you visit Countryside Montessori School, be ready to spend some time...it is hard to leave this magical place!
As an AMI Montessori Primary Teacher, AMI Consultant and Montessori mother of two, I highly recommend Countryside Montessori School wholeheartedly.
***Anna Wallace
CountrySide Montessori is a wonderful early childhood school. CountrySide is a nurturing, loving, calm, inviting, happy, and supportively inquisitive learning environment. Specifically for our family, the kindergarten experience has been exceptional and exactly what kindergarten *should* be. The Directress, Mrs. Hannelore Gottschalk, is an expert in her field and we will forever be thankful our youngest has had the opportunity to attend. The curriculum, beautiful setting, and incredibly knowledgeable and caring faculty of Mrs. Hanne and Mrs. Rodica has enriched the life of our youngest beyond measure. Academic foundations of reading, writing, mathematics, science and nature, as well social studies and the humanities are all expertly taught, as are manners, kindness in community, self reliance, art and artistic crafts. Had we lived here earlier, I like to think that we would have sought this very special school for our older children as well.
***Chris and Suzanne Caban
Both of our children LOVED this school. We have only great things to say about our family's experience here. Ms. Hanne, Ms. Rodica, and all of the staff at Countryside are amazing. They truly care and are passionate about helping your child learn and grow and succeed. We never had to worry that our children were receiving anything less than an excellent education. One of the most valuable features about this school for our family was the ability to see and speak in person with our children's teachers every day. The teachers at Countryside are always excited to share your children's wonderful moments and achievements that occurred during the day, and should an issue arise, they are always proactive and willing to discuss how they can help your child improve. In addition to the dedicated and passionate staff, the school itself is incredible, inside and out. The gardens and playgrounds are always beautiful and immaculately tended, and the classrooms are charming and cozy, so that learning occurs in a lovely, ideal setting. Our children have grown both as confident students excited to learn and as responsible and respectful young individuals, thanks to their time at Countryside. If you are looking for a place to send your child, I cannot recommend the team at Countryside enough.
***Amanda Adams
There are people and places in life that you find and then treasure them for many years to follow. My husband and I will always be grateful for the foundation the Countryside Montessori school gave our daughter. This place is a true gem and will always have a special place in my heart. Ms. Hanne and her staff (more like family) really bring you in as part of their world and let me just say what a wonderful little world it is.
Thank you so very much
***Max Bisschop
My daughter attended Countryside for 4 years and we are so grateful that she did. Ms Hanne and team provide a very enriching and challenging curriculum and the skills learned are ones that she'll be able to use forever. We miss being there!! If there is a family looking into a Montessori education, CountrySide is the first and only place you should consider.
***Krissant Howell
It has been a very wonderful experience sending our only daughter to Countryside Montessori School.
Ms. Hanne and Miss Rodica and all staff have been so amazingly pouring so much love and attention to each student. They really work on every single student. Not only they emphasize on academic education but manners as well. That is why the students are well mannered.
The classroom is very calm and neat (well organized).
The outdoor is very well maintained as well.
The Montessori materials are just so amazing.
My kid really enjoys learning in this school. Her inquisitive and curios mind has been very well nurtured in school. It is just amazing to see what she can do and she knows so much more than we can imagine. I believe it is all the hard work of all teachers.
It is such a blessing for us to find Countryside Montessori School. I recommend this school to anyone without any doubt.
*** Bianca Johnson
Countryside Montessori is by far the most amazing school I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Only a few minutes into our tour, my husband and I knew this was the place for our daughter. After studying early childhood education for years, I have been able to visit, work in, and volunteer in various schools for young children. Never before have a I seen such a wonderful, caring and clean environment. The classroom is always organized and inviting for students.
We are in our second year at Countryside and my daughter even asks to see her and go to school on the weekends!
We are beyond satisfied with the progress we have seen in our daughter over the past year. I can't wait to watch her continue to grow. Thank you to Ms. Hanne and her amazing staff for going above and beyond for our kids every day!
***Robby Ward
Our daughter is completing her first year at Countryside and we couldn't be happier with her progress. Ms. Hanne and her team are absolutely fantastic and do such a wonderful job. The advances our daughter has made with her comprehensive and cognitive development is remarkable.
*** Karen Suiter
Both of our children attended the full 3 year program at Countryside Montessori. The Montessori environment helped them develop a love of learning that has carried far beyond graduation day. Not only did they learn a great deal of the foundations for learning - math, reading, writing, science, and geography, they also learned a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, and a sincere appreciation for aesthetics - the beauty of flowers and the world around them. The added bonus of learning foreign languages has only encouraged them to want to learn more. My children have both easily transitioned into public schools for their elementary years. Countryside and Mrs. Hanne will always be special to our family.
***Brooke Wilburn
CountrySide Montessori has been a wonderful experience for our son. We are so excited and pleased with his intellectual and social growth since he has started. His level of confidence and independence has greatly increased at school as well as at home. I love that he comes home talking about the continents and that he wants to help me fold towels.
I honestly cannot say enough good things about Mrs. Hanne. She provides a very clean, safe, and engaging learning environment. I truly have a sense of peace when my son is at school, knowing that he is being well cared for and challenged to learn and grow to be the best that he can be. She is very diligent with communicating to the parents. We receive monthly newsletters and pictures as well as weekly updates (this never happened at my son’s previous school). I also always know what kind of day my son had. Many opportunities for family involvement are provided throughout the year, such as picnics, gardening days, parents/grandparents days and curriculum nights. We are truly blessed to have found this gem of a school. I very highly recommend CountrySide Montessori.
*** Jessica Cooney
Countryside Montessori has been the most amazing experience for our entire family. We have been in awe of the intellectual and social growth of our oldest child (age 5) since his enrollment and are thrilled that we have found such an amazing place for our other two children when they are old enough. It is clear that Ms. Hanne and her staff care very deeply for the children and their growth as independent, global thinkers. The children are surrounded by interesting and inviting learning opportunities each day including but not limited to traditional Montessori lessons (which is a fascinating learning ideology I encourage all to learn more about). There is an environment of mutual respect between teachers and students and to watch the benefits of that interaction come home each day, makes this mother very happy. I very highly recommend this school!
****Melissa and Zachary Johnston
We are absolutely loving our experience at CountrySide Montessori. Ms. Hanne and Ms. Rodica pour so much love into the school and the children. I feel safe having my son at this school and I can already tell he has grown so much these past few months. He is learning how to become more independent from the practical life skills they are teaching him. He comes home talking about school and how he loves the other children. Ms. Hanne cultivates a love for learning and praises students for their curiosity. The classroom environment is calm and a great place for my son to thrive. I appreciate the fact that they want the families to be involved through community gardening events, picnics and parent nights.
Additionally, my son is greeted at the car every morning and is taught communication skills. Ms. Hanne makes a point to always let us know what’s going on with our son. My son is genuinely happy to be at school and comes home with a great attitude.
We love CountrySide!
Update:
I truly can’t say enough good things about this school. Since we have started we have been involved in various parent nights and even had the opportunity for our son to show us the work he is doing in the classroom. It was evident that all the students knew how to interact with the amazing materials displayed for them during curriculum night. The students were all working in harmony and they were proud of their work! You would have never guessed it was a room full of 3, 4, and 5 years old! A couple of weeks ago, I came up to pick up my son on Patrick`s Day and I walked in to find the students dancing around, smiling, and having the best time. It felt like I was walking into a magical scene. When the kids are on the playground, they engage in such sweet games as Duck. Duck, Goose. The teachers work really hard to make sure the students learn kindness and compassion. My three year old comes hime and talks about the work he is learning, rather than getting a typical child response of “nothing”. I know my son is in amazing hands when he is at school! We are grateful to have the opportunity to attend CountrySide!
Please find more reviews on Google, our website and facebook page. Thank you!
Abigail Willard ★★★★★
My son was a student at Ms. Hanne’s school from ages 3-6. Best preschool/kindergarten in Georgia with the truest devotion to Maria Montessori’s teachings and ideals there is. Ms. Hanne isn’t just leading a school, she’s the matriarch of a family at CountrySide. I wept when our family (not just our son, but our family) graduated. We think of and miss our CountrySide home often, and our son is now 14! 
Robby Ward ★★★★★
Our daughter is completing her first year at Countryside and we couldn’t be happier with her progress. Ms. Hanne and her team are absolutely fantastic and do such a wonderful job. The advances our daughter has made with her comprehensive and cognitive development is remarkable.
Marne Day ★★★★★
We have had a wonderful experience sending our son here for his first year of preschool. The teaching staff was caring and adaptive to his needs and worked with us to ensure that he felt successful and comfortable at his school. Ms. Hanne runs a fantastic program that sticks to Montessori guidelines and creates a cozy and calming atmosphere. We love this school!
We loved our experience with Countryside! Our twin boys, now 14, attended Countryside from about age 3 through kindergarten. Today they will reminisce about what a great experience they had. They thrived on the structure and the complete environment of the school, it’s beautiful! The boys came away with knowledge and respect for people and the world around them. Recently the boys were discussing how the math and writing really helped them the most. It was a wonderful environment for our boys and I would highly recommend it if your considering early education for your children.
Max Bisschop ★★★★★
My daughter attended Countryside for 4 years and we are so grateful that she did. Ms Hanne and team provide a very enriching and challenging curriculum and the skills learned are ones that she’ll be able to use forever. We miss being there!! If there is a family looking into a Montessori education, Countryside is the first and only place you should consider.
Dear Mrs. Hanne & Mr. Bill,★★★★★
We hope this email finds you both well.
It’s with a very heavy heart that we write this letter. We’ve put it off long enough, because we just can’t believe we have to now except the reality that Ayden will no longer be a student of Countryside Montessori. It’s still a little difficult to accept.
Our first encounter with Countryside was on a bright and cool morning. We took in the environment as it was presented to us, not knowing much about the Montessori back ground. We just liked how comfortable we felt and how Ayden took an immediate positive response to the surroundings, especially since this was his first experience being outside of the home.
We immediately enrolled him after that first visit 2 years ago and we have had nothing but pure joy and great fulfillment with Ayden attending Countryside.
We’ve seen his vocabulary grow, his speech enhanced, his forward thinking, his love for independence, his reading skills improve, his love for a second language, sing a song at random that he’d learn and his mind opening to so many new experiences.
Ayden has truly taken full grasp of the Montessori philosophy and we can’t thank you enough, Mrs. Hannelore and the awesome teachers that have cultivated and fostered his growth.
We will truly miss the environment he has loved for these past two years. Your desire and love for your students is clear in your passion and devoted teaching methods. Charles and I will forever be grateful for all that you’ve assisted and poured into our beloved, Ayden. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
With warmest regards,
Dahlia and Charles Rivera
Jean Carlos Rodriguez★★★★★
We can’t boast enough of how great this place is! Our little Amelia loves it so much! We couldn’t be happier!
Tshai Budhi, mother of Joshua ★★★★★
Completely amazed at my son’s progress in 6 months. With 5 children, my 4th child did not get a great start. I was anxious about how he would progress because of my shortcomings. Mrs. Hanne assured me so confidently that he would be fine. To my complete shock, he progressed faster than my older children who were all dotted over. With complete confidence, I fully recommend CountrySide! Mrs. Hanne’s work is truly exceptional and cannot be replicated. It is her heart and knowledge that she pours into each child daily. I do not have time for reviews, however, I can write forever about Mrs. Hanne. She has my heart.
(Google my business reviews- see more reviews on this site)
Erica Nett ★★★★★
We have two students currently enrolled at CountrySide. One has been attending since age 3, and is about to graduate, the other just started this past year when he turned 3. We adore this school. The teachers are amazing, everyone is so kind, and our kids have been taught many valuable lifelong lessons while here. I cannot write enough good, positive things that have come from this school and the people in it. Thank you!!
Arian Bates
We loved having our child here – Ms Hanne is fantastic
Brianna May, Mother of BOYS!
CountrySide Montessori has been such a wonderful beginning to our sons’ early education. I can not begin to say anything and everything about this children’s house is beyond outstanding! We toured this school along with a few others. The instant I walked into this school I knew this was it- this is where my son would begin his early education. Ms. Hanne is an exceptional woman and teacher and non the less it shows in her school and immediately after meeting her. The children learn to love, respect and be so kind to one another. The school is so inviting, well organized, cleanliness is no worries and the bright lit rooms are filled with indoor plants to purify the air. What a great environment for our children to be in! They also have a bountiful garden on the side of the school where children are invited to help water, weed and care for the plants and flowers. I wish my children could stay there whole school years at this school!! It’s perfect!!
Alicia Davis, September ★★★★★
We love this school and feel blessed to be able to send our daughter here. We consider it an investment of the utmost importance. We chose the Montessori method because we wish to cultivate in our children a love of and desire for knowledge, a sense of confidence in their own abilities, and a strong foundation of basic math and language concepts afforded by Montessori materials and methods. CountrySide Montessori School is an exemplary Montessori environment. Ms. Hanne, CountrySide’s Owner and Directress has created a truly lovely, warm, and welcoming work space with the highest quality materials. I love the light-filled classrooms! An enchanting garden surrounds the school and invites the children to observe nature and tend to plants of all types. The staff guide the children through all areas of Montessori curriculum as well as foreign languages, music, dance, and cultures and foods from around the world. There exists an amazing sense of community among the very diverse families of CountrySide students. Parents genuinely seem to love attending family functions such as Family Picnics, Gardening Days, Holiday Celebrations and more. I love going to CountrySide as much as my child (especially on Gardening Days)! Please schedule a visit if you are considering CountrySide or the Montessori method for your child’s education! I was amazed by the confidence and diligence of the children on my first visit to the school. In the 1.5 years our daughter has been here, my excitement about the quality of education she is receiving has only increased. I’ve come to know the staff and am always impressed by their warmth, patience, and enthusiasm. I love to walk into school and see everyone happy and busy, and peaceful. I am unsure of many decisions I’ve made as a parent, but I am certain I’ve chosen the best primary education available for my child.
Sarah Valpuesta, ★★★★★
In choosing CountrySide for your child’s early education, you are promoting a love for learning that is unparalleled.
The environment of the school allows children to unlock their creativity and talents while also giving them structure, challenging lessons and the foundation to collaborate with their peers. My oldest daughter recently graduated from Kindergarten at CountrySide and my 3 year twins started attending the school in the spring. We are grateful to Ms. Hanne and all the wonderful teachers for providing a nurturing and unique environment in which our daughters thrive, truly an exceptional school!!
Chrystal Grafenreed ★★★★★
CountrySide has been an invaluable experience for our son. The atmosphere is loving and patient while teaching the importance of respect and responsibility in many areas. In searching for the best learning environment for our child, we knew instantly that this was the place for him. It felt like home. The school is very well-kept and the grounds are beautiful. We are forever grateful to the staff at CountrySide Montessori School for their contribution to our child’s early growth and development.
The team at CM are wonderful. If you’re seeking “day care” I’d recommend elsewhere. If you’re considering to open your child’s world through social development and one-on-ones, then there’s a good chance he/she will be enlightened by counting, learning their abcs, communication, or even linguistics while here. My 3yo’s soft skills this past year have been well reinforced at home and while attending, and I truly believe his imagination, courtesy, respect and manners have improved exponentially as a result. The premise is also a plus: a garden with real vegetables, well maintained backyard w/ jungle gym, and clean and tidy environment. We have been blessed to find this place.
Rustic Firefighter ★★★★★
CountrySide Montessori is by far the most amazing school I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Only a few minutes into our tour, my husband and I knew this was the place for our daughter. After studying early childhood education for years, I have been able to visit, work in, and volunteer in various schools for young children. Never before have a I seen such a wonderful, caring and clean environment. The classroom is always organized and inviting for students. We are in our second year at CountrySide and my daughter even asks to see her and go to school on the weekends! We are beyond satisfied with the progress we have seen in our daughter over the past year. I can’t wait to watch her continue to grow. Thank you to Ms. Hanne and her amazing staff for going above and beyond for our kids every day!
Tara Jones ★★★★★
This school is unlike any other you will experience for your child! A beautiful, well maintained, safe setting where they learn and respect each other. I encourage anyone reading this to visit the school during an open house or set up an appointment with Ms. Hanne. We only looked at this school when we began our process and knew IMMEDIATELY this was THE PLACE. Our child enjoys going here and we have seen several things the school is teaching him that are wonderful and he is only 2 and a half. Could not say enough great things about this school and their staff. We love it here!!!!!!
After meeting Ms. Hanne and touring her beautiful classroom, I knew this was the perfect setting for my son. I have been nothing short of amazed at the staff, the activities, the events, the organization, and cleanliness at this school. My son is learning many practical life skills and he is developing a love for learning that will benefit him throughout his life. We consider ourselves extremely blessed to attend Countryside Montessori!
Mrs. Hanne runs a terrific Montessori. All of the teachers are wonderful and caring. Our son made constant academic and social progress in the 3 years that he attended. We highly recommend CountrySide! We miss the CountrySide community now that Luke has graduated.
This is the greatest little school! Our son has really come alive since starting at Countryside. The teachers are very warm and caring, and we get daily feedback about the progress our son is making, and what he is interested in so that we can take part in his education. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, but feels calm and safe so that the children feel at ease. Our son was very shy when he started, and he has really come into his own and opened up both in and out of school. His confidence shines! The summer camps are really great too! So many fun activities and art projects! The only downside is that this school doesn’t go through 12th grade.
Brooke Wilburn ★★★★★
CountrySide Montessori has been a wonderful experience for our son. We are so excited and pleased with his intellectual and social growth since he has started. His level of confidence and independence has greatly increased at school as well as at home. I love that he comes home talking about the continents and that he wants to help me fold towels. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Mrs. Hanne. She provides a very clean, safe, and engaging learning environment. I truly have a sense of peace when my son is at school, knowing that he is being well cared for and challenged to learn and grow to be the best that he can be. She is very diligent with communicating to the parents. We receive monthly newsletters and pictures as well as weekly updates (this never happened at my son’s previous school). I also always know what kind of day my son had. Many opportunities for family involvement are provided throughout the year, such as picnics, gardening days, parents/grandparents days and curriculum nights. We are truly blessed to have found this gem of a school. I very highly recommend CountrySide Montessori.
We are so glad we found this jewel of a Montessori school tucked away in Dacula/Auburn area. After finding out that not all Montessori schools are licensed and accredited by AMI, we began to search for a new school after our daughter’s first year at a non-accredited Montessori school. Ms. Hanne is the crown jewel and Directress at CountrySide. With her husband, Mr. Bill, they own and operate the most professional and homelike school we have ever experienced. Ms. Hanne and all the teachers and assistants at the school are so warm, patient and inviting toward the children that we feel lucky to have our daughter attend this school everyday. We know that Ms. Hanne will give our daughter the best possible foundation on which to build her life during these critical developmental years. There are other schools in the area that are accredited and offer the same type of curriculum and even cost around the same price, but none of them have Ms. Hanne. She is the reason this school rises above all the others. If you are able, you should not pass up the chance to send your child to THE most amazing Montessori teacher we have ever met. Thank you Ms. Hanne & Mr. Bill for being so passionate about the children. It takes a special person to do what you do and I know I speak for all the parents when I say that we truly appreciate everything you do. THANK YOU!
Meredith McClean ★★★★★
Ms. Hanne runs an outstanding school! She is very passionate about education and the Montessori method. All of her support staff are equally as caring and committed to enriching and supporting each student.
My child attended CountrySide Montessori for pre-K and Kindergarten and flourished under the individual attention the teachers gave her. Ms. Hanne keeps parents very involved in the daily activities of their children and strives to maintain a real community with both the children and all the parents. There are several opportunities each month for parents to join their child(ren) at the school for gardening days, curriculum nights, and presentations on everything from science and health to cooking and international culture, just to name a few!
Ms. Hanne lets her students explore their interests and uses those interests to teach math, reading, writing, etc. Ms. Hanne also lets her students freely express themselves and she and her staff really focus on each child’s individualism and their unique and special talents. Also, Ms. Hanne and her assistants teach manners, getting along with others, consideration, and respect. They expect harmonious behavior from their students.
I will be registering my other daughter at CountrySide as soon as she is old enough. I believe Ms. Hanne and her staff had such a positive impact on my daughter that will last a lifetime. My daughter loves them so much that she still attends summer camps there as well!
Natalie Chapman ★★★★★
My son will be 4 next month and has been at CountrySide since he was 2.5. We have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the experience of being part of the Countryside family and plan to continue through the program. I believe that attending CountrySide has helped my son to develop discipline as well as creativity, manners, and interpersonal skills. I have been incredibly impressed by the development throughout his time at the school, as well as the teachers and administration to each of the students individually. I look forward to continuing being a part of CountrySide!
Chris and Helen Birkle ★★★★★
5 stars. Our son had been to a few other “preschools” before we found Mrs. Hanne and her CountrySide Montessori School in Dacula. The warm, friendly environment and their way of nurturing young minds with practical experience, respect, and common sense, is above all others.
As a result, the normal bicycle-riding, skate boarding, race car loving boy communicates well with adults, is respectful of others, and started grade school way ahead of the curve; he helps others struggling in class, is on the honor roll and received a science reward. Thank you again, Chris and Helen
The Suiter Family ★★★★★
Both of our children attended the full 3 year program at Countryside Montessori. The Montessori environment helped them develop a love of learning that has carried far beyond graduation day. Not only did they learn a great deal of the foundations for learning – math, reading, writing, science, and geography, they also learned a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, and a sincere appreciation for aesthetics – the beauty of flowers and the world around them. The added bonus of learning foreign languages has only encouraged them to want to learn more. My children have both easily transitioned into public schools for their elementary years. Countryside and Mrs. Hanne will always be special to our family. The Suiter Family
Aimee Born Peters ★★★★★
We were actually going to register our 3.5 yr old at another local Montessori, but after getting some negative reviews there, and exploring alternate options, we found Countryside to be very refreshing! They not only eagerly answered ALL of our questions and doubts, but provided 2 pages or references with the application. So thorough, organized and structured, while still providing a warmth and hospitality that made you feel you were “coming home”. My daughter – who’s VERY cautious and never takes to strangers – walked in on her 1st day and has loved it EVERY day so far! What a relief to see her thriving and learning with her hands, at her pace, being challenged and yet learning self-discipline all at the same time! We’re very excited for this to be her home for the next 3 years!
I am so pleased to find that Countryside Montessori has surpassed my definition of what a “Preschool” can do for a child. The feedback from the Directress and teachers is astounding, including personal emails, photos of how my child is doing each week, and the self-confidence I have already seen blossom in my 3-yr old is remarkable, especially for going from a school which she loved, into this new environment. Their reference list was very lengthy, and every family I’ve spoken with GUSHED about the amazing growth and brilliance their child grew in here. I’m totally blown away by the INTENTION of their education program, as well as their understanding of how a small child really learns!
Kenneth Grafenreed ★★★★★
Our son has only been here for a week but the staff has been very patient and helpful with his first experience away from us. They have really put our fears at ease. We look forward and are hopeful for many fun years here!
Jessica Cooney ★★★★★
Countryside Montessori has been the most amazing experience for our entire family. We have been in awe of the intellectual and social growth of our oldest child (age 5) since his enrollment and are thrilled that we have found such an amazing place for our other two children when they are old enough. It is clear that Ms. Hanne and her staff care very deeply for the children and their growth as independent, global thinkers. The children are surrounded by interesting and inviting learning opportunities each day including but not limited to traditional Montessori lessons (which is a fascinating learning ideology I encourage all to learn more about). There is an environment of mutual respect between teachers and students and to watch the benefits of that interaction come home each day, makes this mother very happy. I very highly recommend this school!
Mark Titshaw and Tracy Cook ★★★★★
We have had a wonderful experience at CountrySide Montessori. Our daughter loves the school and her teachers. The quality of education she is receiving along with practical life experience is unbelievable. The owners of CountrySide welcome the parents at any time to come to the school and observe the children. They also have curriculum nights which are for parents to attend and learn what and how your child is being taught. We can’ t say thank you enough to the owners and teachers of CountrySide Montessori. We would highly recommend this school to anyone considering a local Montessori School.
Sarah Jane Harvey ★★★★★
We went on a search for a new preschool program last year after and had heard so many wonderful things about CountrySide we put it on our list of schools to visit. After a long day of visits we stopped in CountrySide and immediately knew this was the place for our child. Everything from the setting of the school, the cleanliness, the highly qualified staff and so on were instant pro’s for our family. Ms. Hanne, the directress is truly a one of a kind educator who pours her heart and knowledge into these young minds fostering an extraordinary growth socially, emotionally, and academically in her students. I could never say enough positive things about CountrySide Montessori. Our little girl has grown exponentially under the guidance of the wonderful staff at CountrySide. Her desire to learn and discover new things has sincerely laid the path for her future success. We are so thankful we discovered this rare gem in CountrySide Montessori.
Jacky Arias (Dora) ★★★★★
Sra. Hanna, Ha sido un maravilloso super con nosotros, sobre todo con mi Janaleigh, que ella ha compartido 3 años maravillosos de su vida, Janaleigh experiencia de aprendizaje ha sido increíble aprendido de 3 idiomas diferentes ha explorado el mundo ha aprendido varios aspectos de las diferentes culturas del mundo, ha compartido con sus compañeros para respetar el uno al otro y nos encantó hacer otras actividades artísticas en conjunto para explorar la naturaleza .. Sra. Hanna ha sido la conducción aprendizaje de Janaleigh y estoy muy agradecida con todo mi corazón por todo su apoyo y orientación y ayuda de ella con mi amada Janaleigh para crecer y explorar su inteligencia. Gracias Sra. Hanna y Bill señor de las cosas que haces por nosotros te queremos mucho! Janaleigh Aguirre Jacky Arias (Dora)
Kandice Jutis ★★★★★
I knew there was something different about CountrySide Montessori the first time I toured this wonderful little school. It is located on a nature preserve where the children participate in gardening activities. They even incorporate fresh fruits and veggies into their snacks. No sugary or unhealthy foods permitted here. The school has an open airy sort of feeling where curiosity, independence, and respect for others is fostered among the children and teachers. My children are excelling in reading, writing, math, geography, and are learning multiple languages. I only wish every child had the opportunity to receive this type of education. I highly recommend taking a tour of the school to see the difference.
Diago Family
Kelly Moreno ★★★★★
You know that we have to pass CountrySide every day to and from school, and Mateo tells the whole car of kids at least once a week,”that is my old school!” And usually once a month he asks if he can go to visit and teach the children!!!
Let me tell you what a super kid he is becoming. He is excelling in school like you will not believe. Just last week he was accepted into the FOCUS program. this news came after two solid weeks of testing. He did well enough on the COGAT test taken in September, and just before the holiday break I received a letter asking my permission tp proceed with further testing. Well, we got the results on Thursday of last week, and he did superb! He scored a 99% on the Ottis Lnnon School Ability (Mental Abilities), a 97% on Iowa Test of Basic skills (Achievement), and 98% on motivation. He begins the program this week!Mateo! We are so blessed to have a wonderful school like CountrySide for Mateo to begin at! Oh, by the way, he is now reading at a level comparable to the end of the 4th grade!
John ★★★★★
Our two children have had an absolutely amazing experience at CountrySide over the past 3+ years. Their level of reading is wonderful, and most importantly, their compassion toward the other children speak volumes as to the true character development that takes place in the classroom. I’ve observed and volunteered in the classroom many times and find it to be very well run environment, with both my children excelling beyond my expectation. The owner goes over and beyond what I pay for and had a genuine love for the children and the school that I’ve never seen before. Can’t say enough good things about the school!
Ingrid and Nia Scott ★★★★★
When my daughter, Nia-Marie, first attended CountrySide Montessori, she was shy and hesitant to branch out. In less than 6 months, I watched with amazement as Nia blossomed into an expressive, inquisitive, and outgoing child. It seemed that she surprised me every day with what she learned and asked thought provoking questions. She takes pride in mastering new concepts and seizes every opportunity to correct her 11 year old sister’s geography errors! Her social skills and sense of community are profound and wise beyond her 5 years. The foundation laid by CountrySide has provided Nia with a truly positive experience. As a result, she continues to love learning, discovering and respecting others. Thank you to all members of the CountrySide family – we will never forget you!
Abha and Munish ★★★★★
Our daughter has attended CountrySide Montessori School for the last three years and we cannot be more pleased with the education she has received. CountrySide Montessori is true to the spirit and letter of Maria Montessori’s approach. Add to that excellent teachers, student freedom with responsibility and discipline, good parent-teacher communication, an emphasis on the importance of daily nutrition, and personal attention when needs arise. We are also pleased that the school gives parents opportunities to be exposed to the Montessori approach and learning the specific lessons that children are being taught. We are confident that you will be impressed with CountrySide Montessori as we have been. Visit the school, observe the classroom, and speak with the teachers and you will learn how different CountrySide is from amy other schools that are “Montessori” in name alone.