Parent Stories: Nasma

Watch Nazma’s Story

Want to hear Nazma’s reflections in her own words? Watch the full interview below:

When Lorena began three-year-old kinder at another centre, the family quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit. Concerned it could affect her personally, they began visiting new centres. A friend recommended Hoppers Crossing Montessori, and when Nazma and Lorena toured the building together, they instantly felt at home. Lorena herself declared, “This is exactly where I want to go.” Soon after, both children were enrolled, and the family hasn’t looked back.

A Supportive and Family-Like Environment

From the start, Nazma noticed that Montessori felt different. The culture, the team, and the sense of belonging made it feel like family. Educators cared for her children as if they were their own, and the Montessori philosophy of independence mirrored the values she and her husband already encouraged at home. The alignment between school and home life made the transition seamless.

Parent–Educator Partnership

One of the unexpected highlights for Nazma was the depth of communication through parent–teacher interviews. Starting from such a young age, educators shared detailed insights about each child’s progress, strengths, and areas for growth. Together, parents and teachers worked on strategies to support both academic and personal development. Regular conversations at pickup also reinforced this close partnership.

From Hesitant to Happy

Before Montessori, mornings were often a struggle. Now, Lorena and Leandro wake up excited, asking if it’s their school day. They are greeted warmly each morning and leave each afternoon with smiles. The family has been impressed by the centre’s responsiveness, whether offering advice, recommendations, or just a listening ear. Most importantly, Nazma feels her children are treated as unique individuals, not just numbers.

Remarkable Growth

Since joining, both children have flourished. Lorena, once shy and teacher-focused, has blossomed into a confident child who loves playing with friends and doesn’t want to leave at the end of the day. Leandro, who began with delayed speech and limited social awareness, now speaks confidently, respects personal space, and enjoys friendships. The support and patience of the educators played a key role in both transformations.

Discovering the Montessori Difference

Initially, Montessori itself wasn’t the driving factor in the family’s decision, as previous visits to other centres hadn’t shown its true potential. But experiencing Montessori at Hoppers Crossing changed everything. The hands-on, independence-focused approach has accelerated both children’s growth far beyond what Nazma expected. Comparing one year at Montessori to the year and a half spent in a play-based centre, she describes the difference as “drastic.”

Advice for Other Parents

Nazma’s recommendation is simple: book a tour. Walking through the halls, seeing the classrooms, and speaking with the team is the best way to experience the difference for yourself. For her family, Montessori has provided not just education but partnership, respect, and community. Looking back, she says it was “by far the best decision ever.”