Alumni stories

“All these things were part of my foundation for entering public school, life in general and being a better person.”

How long were you at Lakeview Montessori on the Hill?
From toddler 18 months to 7 years old (as an after schooler)

Where are you now?
- Stephen F. Austin High School A/B Honor Roll
- Current Austin HS Basketball Sophomore player
- Austin HS Basketball Freshman B MVP 2024-2025
- Holy Family Catholic Church altar server 2018 - present
- Serra Club Altar Server Award for dedicated service
- 2025 Teen Huddle volunteer

Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.
Summers running through the sprinklers and having popsicles!

Describe your transition to traditional school.
My transition to public school was smooth. I attended Lakeview Elementary School across the street from Lakeview Montessori on the Hill and so I was with familiar faces after school and got help with homework when I needed it.

What interests did you pursue while you were at LMS? Are you still working on those passions?
I played basketball on the mini court in the back. I also did tons of puzzles. Yes, I still love both!

How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?
Lakeview Montessori prepared me for life by giving me a welcoming, safe space to learn the basics like language, math, communication and life skills. With math cards and beads, I learned simple math. I was comfortable making mistakes when doing language lessons since that was and is my more difficult subject. The mixed ages in the classroom helped me with communication and social skills. Lastly, I specifically remember learning life skills like hand washing, using the restroom properly and manners. All these things were part of my foundation for entering public school, life in general and being a better person.

“Lakeview is an amazing and fond memory that I will always cherish. I love Clarissa and Ms Mack and every other teacher who had such a great impact on my early school years.”

How long were you at Lakeview Montessori on the Hill
4 years

Where are you now?
I’m now a Junior at the University of Houston! Majoring in Finance with an internship with Bank of America in wealth management this summer in New York!

Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.
The annual picnic was most memorable, all the families would bring food to the potluck, Lakeview had games set up, and I remember having so much fun. The lunches were always so good too I remember that!! Also I loved every single teacher. 

Describe your transition to traditional school.
The transition felt natural and I was able to make friends and adjust to elementary school very quickly. I did miss the great lunches and smaller class sizes though.

What interests did you pursue while you were at LMS? Are you still working on those passions?
I don’t remember exactly what I pursued but I remember being taught a lot about picking up after myself, being kind, basic habits that are good for kids to pick up. To this day I’m still very organized and I remember a lot of the organizational habits we were taught.

How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?
It set me up with the tools to transition into traditional schooling well. I was very kind and respectful, traits we had been taught at Lakeview. I also stay in touch with some of my friends from then, even though it’s been so long we all reminisce on our time there.

“I look back on my time at LMS with deep gratitude and joy. Clarissa and her team create an exceptional environment for their students, and I am incredibly thankful for the role they played in my early development. I fully intend to give my future children the same Montessori experience!”

How long were you at Lakeview Montessori on the Hill
I attended Lakeview Montessori from 2004 to 2008.

Where are you now?
I am a Cum Laude graduate of Houston Christian University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Humanities with a minor in Spanish. I now work in nonprofit management with Hope For Three, a Fort Bend based 501c3 organization that supports families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. I am also happily engaged to my high school sweetheart, Kyle, and remain actively involved as a volunteer within the Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.
I have so many fond memories from my time at LMS. Some of my favorites include field trips, family picnic days, arts and crafts, and creating my handprint stone that still sits at the front of the school. I loved coming home each day and sharing what I had learned and accomplished. I still tell people that Montessori is where I learned how to use chopsticks!

Describe your transition to traditional school.
I was fortunate to continue attending LMS after school during my first two years in a traditional setting. The transition required some adjustment, especially moving from a more flexible Montessori environment to a structured classroom setting. However, the independence, discipline, and focus I developed at Montessori made that transition smooth and successful.

What interests did you pursue while you were at LMS? Are you still working on those passions?
During my time at LMS, I especially loved story time. That early experience sparked my lifelong love for reading, which later grew into an interest in writing, philosophy, and theology. I still pursue those passions today and enjoy authors such as Jane Austen, George Orwell, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and Saint Thomas Aquinas. Montessori also introduced me to an appreciation for different cultures, which has grown into a love for travel, taking me from Mexico City to the Balearic Islands and many places in between!

How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?
My Montessori education provided a strong and well-rounded foundation that shaped both my academic journey and personal growth. It nurtured my independence, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, all of which continue to guide me in becoming a thoughtful and contributing member of society.

“I’m at Dulles High School, and taking college level courses in a couple of subjects.”

How long were you at Lakeview Montessori on the Hill
4 years

Where are you now?
I’m at Dulles High School, and taking college level courses in a couple of subjects. 

Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.
Re-painting the chalk board 

Describe your transition to traditional school.
It was fine, and Imade plenty of friends

What interests did you pursue while you were at LMS? Are you still working on those passions?
I no longer want to paint chalkboard anymore. I am currently interested in Golf and watching the financial markets where I’ve taught myself to learn day trading. 

How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?
Yes it was fun and allowed me to develop social skills

“I really liked doing math and geography at LMS. All that learning helped me at my new school. I know all the countries and always get A’s on my math, spelling and geo tests!”

How long were you at Lakeview Montessori on the Hill?
A & J: 3 years, all the way to kindergarten.

Where are you now?
A & J: We go to Saint Theresa.

Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.
A: I loved the water days and also the teachers are very nice.
J: Having fun with your best friends the whole day. I liked cooking and cutting up food!

Describe your transition to traditional school.
A: Learning everything at Lakeview helped me become a better student at Saint Theresa.
J: On the first day of my new school, I didn’t know what to do. But I knew how to ask for help and follow directions from Lakeview. So I knew I would be okay at the new school!

What interests did you pursue while you were at LMS? Are you still working on those passions?
A: My favorite thing to do at LMS was the science work. My favorite class at school now is science. I also liked doing art…actually I liked doing everything at Lakeview!
J: I really liked doing math and geography at LMS. All that learning helped me at my new school. I know all the countries and always get A’s on my math, spelling and geo tests!

How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?
A: I think it helped me become smarter, learn how to talk to others and treat everyone nicely.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: Thank you to Ms. Clarissa, Ms. Mac, Ms. Anna, Ms. Jackie and all the other teachers.
J: I miss Lakeview. I wish I could come back sometimes even though I’m too big now!

“Montessori Education taught me how to do simple life tasks like folding clothes, watering plants, and cooking.”

How long were you at Lakeview Montessori on the Hill
Until first grade 

Where are you now?
Dulles Middle School, and taking AP Math with plans to continue in HS

Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.
When we got to play in the sandbox, and when that one time we got to make tacos. Also when we would sit down on Fridays and watch a superhero show. 

Describe your transition to traditional school.
It was okay, it definitely felt a lot bigger and a bit more intense 

What interests did you pursue while you were at LMS? Are you still working on those passions?
I loved drawing and still do. I also play Basketball.

How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?
Honestly yes, it taught me how to do simple life tasks like folding clothes, watering plants, and cooking.