helping to coordinate field trips, fun- draising activities and keeping other parents apprised of what goes on in the classroom.


Craig Heller’s daughter has been at the Renaissance School since she was 19 months old and is now enter- ing fourth grade. His son attended from age 2 until he graduated from sixth grade and went to live with his uncle in Spain, where he completed seventh grade. “My son is now enrolled at Fort Myers High School in the International Baccalaureate program, which will allow him to apply and be accepted at any university in the world,” notes Heller, who holds a doctorate degree in education.


A Montessori education, rather than public school, was Heller’s choice for his children because he wanted a smaller school with a low student- teacher ratio that would help his chil- dren define and discover themselves, as well as help them advance their own goals and values. Impressed with the dedication of Renaissance teachers and administrators, Heller says, “They have helped my children to blossom.” Megan and Aric DiPiero sought an intimate environment that would encourage their son and daughter’s creativity. “We were concerned that our son, who was home-schooled until this year, would struggle in a differ- ent environment. However, we are impressed with how he has flourished academically and socially, and even learned to lead and resolve conflicts,” says Megan.


“I’m grateful that so many of our parents want to be involved and sup- port our academically oriented curricu- lum, which celebrates the human spirit and helps to unleash a child’s unlim- ited potential, as well as the unique gifts that he or she is born with,” Leitch enthuses. “Parents, who contribute their time, talents and resources, are an enthusiastic group of promoters and a great asset to my recruiting efforts. I couldn’t do it without them.”


Location: 37 Barkley Circle, Ft. My- ers 33907. For more information, call 239-275-2022, email Admin@Montes- soriChild.org or visit MontessoriChild. org. See ad, page 19.


natural awakenings August 2012 43


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