Buena Vista Montessori Preschool

Buena Vista Montessori provides a positive and supportive learning environment. There are countless opportunities for children to make choices and to learn in a way that speaks to them. One of the things we have appreciated is receiving specific and meaningful feedback about our daughter's learning, the way she engages in the classroom, and her contributions to the classroom community. We can't say enough about Teachers Bree, Linda and Sam, and their unwavering commitment to citizenship and kindness in the classroom and beyond. This is truly an exceptional preschool. - Morag

Both of my little girls have attended Buena Vista Montessori Preschool and it was, without a doubt, the best place for them to start their learning. The preschool emphasizes kindness, working together, community, giving and learning in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The teachers are so patient and sweet and they always take the time to communicate with the parents about how their child is doing. My children have thrived there and my older one (who is now is grade 2) still talks about how she misses preschool. It is truly a warm and loving environment....I just loved seeing my girls come home from preschool feeling proud and confident. It will always hold a special place in our hearts. I highly recommend this preschool. - Asia Hagel

Buena Vista Montessori is such an incredibly amazing preschool.  Not only is it impressively organized and well run, everything is done with so much heart.  As a parent, I couldn't trust the care of my children in better hands with such loving and caring teachers.  I also really appreciate the updates and newsletters so I always know what's happening. Any child would be lucky to build the foundation of their learning in such a wonderful place! - Suzanne

Buena Vista Montessori Preschool is a hidden gem in White Rock. Teacher Bree, Linda & Sam create the ultimate learning environment for the children. As a parent I have learned invaluable lessons from watching Teacher Bree, Linda and Sam with the kids.
Buena Vista is well run and the classroom is kept very clean. We receive updates on our children's progress and newsletters on events keeping us well informed. Buena Vista Montessori is frequently involved in working with charities and local families which greatly benefits the children and the community as a whole. - Chantelle Pasco

Our son is attending Buena Vista Montessori Preschool since 2015 and he loves going to school. All the teachers are doing an incredible job, are very warm and caring and make learning fun and engaging. Teacher Bree & her team's enthusiasm for their work and their ability to connect with the children is impressive. We feel blessed and grateful to know our son is genuinely cared for and positively encouraged within this program. We can highly recommend this school and just enrolled our daughter for next year since there wouldn't be a better place for her.

Diana and Eddy, November 2016



We have had the pleasure of sending both of our children to Buena Vista Montessori Preschool. With our son, we spent countless hours researching preschools and programs, and nothing felt quite right until we met Bree and learnt about her school and how she teaches the Montessori program. Our son struggled with shyness and separating from us, and we were so nervous about how sending him to preschool would affect him, and us. We genuinely believe that Bree and the other amazing teachers are the reason our little boy is thriving today in elementary school. What he learned and how he learned it truly provided him such a strong foundation for school and the confidence to excel. The values of this school align with everything we strive as parents to instil in our children...kindness, love, respect...and so many more. When it was our daughter's turn for preschool, there wasn't a doubt in our minds to send her here. We were so grateful to be able to be a part of this family for two more years. We can't say enough amazing things about Buena Vista Montessori Preschool, and will take every opportunity we can to try! - The Williams'

If you are looking for the best preschool in White Rock look no further. We have our 3 year old enrolled at Buena Vista Montessori and he has learned more than we thought he would. We have also learned how to help reinforce what he is learning via emails from Teacher Bree and attending the parents evening. It is never hard to take him to preschool because it is his favourite time of the day. We feel so fortunate to have found this school!
Caroline and Stuart Goode

I feel so grateful that Ian’s first experience with school has been so wonderful.  After having had a tour and having met the teachers already, he walked through the door on that first day of school with a smile and didn’t even look back over his shoulder at me, which was a first for him.  (Prior to meeting them, he had been quite sure he was not going to attend pre-school as he wanted to stay with me.)  Now, almost a year and a half later, he continues to be excited about going to school and often enthusiastically tells me about the many interesting activities and interactions at school.  His confidence and pride in his ability to do many things has grown as has his concept of himself as a kind and helpful person.  I love that.  Bree, Linda and Sam are amazing people. They obviously love the kids and their work and that makes the kids shine.  - Kirsten

We aren't even sure how to put into words how impressed, amazed and grateful we are to have Olivia in Buena Vista Montessori!   When we moved to White Rock (before Olivia was born), I would go for walks and my attention was always drawn to the beautiful gardens, the cute greenhouse and the playground.  I just thought it was a home with children, it was beautiful and I wanted a garden just like that one!!!  Then we finally got the wonderful news of a baby on the way.  On one of many walks, I saw children playing in the yard and thought it was a daycare.  It seemed like the most perfect setting, the kids were always so happy, they had a wonderful and natural environment around them.  I knew we weren't going the route of putting our little one in daycare so I didn't think too much more about it.  Then someone mentioned that it was a preschool and one of the best around!  I looked into it the next day and applied as soon as possible!  I had no idea what Montessori was but I knew I wanted my little girl to be one of those happy kids.  On our first day of preschool, she ran into the yard, down the path, in through the door and didn't look back!!  She was so excited and she absolutely loves every second she is there.  She has thrived SO much in every aspect.  We are blessed to be a part of it.  Teacher Bree is definitely meant to be doing exactly what she is doing.  She is the exact person I imagined to be the perfect educator and rolle model for our child.

With much appreciation,

Wende, Dave and Olivia 

My boys have been going to Buena Vista Montessori for four years now and I can't imagine a better foundation for their education and learning life lessons. The teachers are compassionate, understanding and really connect with the kids.  At the preschool, I know my kids are safe and in an environment where they can thrive. The best decision my husband and I made was to send our boys to BVM. The Montessori learning style has been very beneficial to our kids and suited their personalities so they have the confidence to succeed in life. Thank you so much. - Sweena

When I registered my son at  Buena Vista Montessori  I had no idea how lucky I was to have met "Teacher Bree."  My son immediately gravitated to her gentle and comforting personality during the new and unsure beginning of his pre-school experience.   I knew right away that Bree was a very intuitive and nurturing person because of what he used to come home saying about her.  There are always lots of hugs and genuine personal interaction with Bree and that to me is invaluable. For my son and myself, the most important part of learning and growth is loving communication - and we both get that with Bree. Life in the last 3 years has had a few challenges for us, and I am amazed at the level of awareness Bree demonstrates. She makes behavioral connections with emotional issues and responds as I would myself, she communicates with my son and with me and I feel very strongly in saying that it truly is a blessing to have someone like Bree working with children.

Bree is thorough and takes the time to do things right, there are never any details missed or errors because something or someone was overlooked. She is detail oriented because she cares and no one is ever left out. My son trusts and respects her and so do I.   The level of care and attention that my son gets at Buena Vista has inspired me to continue with Montessori throughout his elementary years. Bree sends out monthly (sometimes biweekly) emails about what the class was going to be focusing on, some funny little stories about learning with the children and sometimes photos of things that the students have done.  We also get information about how we can contribute, if there is anything needed and if there are events coming up. I have had emails or phone calls if something happens with my son - good or bad and I appreciate that quick chats at the door  if there is an incident where he is upset or  sick or if he does something amazing.  These communications mean so much to me and I value the time it takes to put all of it together.    Bree is so committed and she cares and loves each child like they are her own.  You can see the love in her face and her each of her interactions.  Bree  is a wonderful teacher and we are very grateful to have had this time with her. - Erika

Our family’s journey at Buena Vista Montessori began in February when we were looking for a preschool that would be the right fit for our two-and-a-half year old daughter, Arianna.  During our first meeting with Teacher Bree at the Montessori, Arianna seemed at ease in her interactions with Bree and showed interest in the classroom materials very quickly.  In the days to follow, she mentioned to me that she liked Teacher Bree and that she wanted to attend this school over the other one we had seen.  In the months to follow she kept mentioning to me how excited she was to go to “Teacher Bree’s School” or “September School” as she called it. 

Being our first born and the first grandchild in the family, we knew our daughter to be quite cautious, seemingly introverted in new settings, and unsure of her interactions with other children her age.  Since Arianna first started attending the program, her Father and I have witnessed her remarkable transformation from a child that was anxious in social settings to a bubbly and well-adjusted individual.  It is now customary for me to give our daughter a hug and kiss goodbye prior to entering the school grounds, as she is so excited to go to school and tell Teacher Bree about her day, that she forgets I’m even there. 

The school’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning is fun and comes naturally to children through play and the interactions they have in their environment. Arianna enjoys working with the self-correcting materials available to her at the various learning stations in the classroom including the Practical Life, Science, Math, and Language areas that address different aspects of her development.  She enjoys learning her days of the week and other French vocabulary through song, while exploring concepts like geography through art (a collage of Australia), for example.  The level of thought and detail that has gone into creating this program is a result of the dedicated efforts of her teachers.

It was always our hope that our daughter would adjust well to the school environment, viewing it as a positive and enriching experience as an early indicator of future success.  Recently, in spite of her cold, Arianna’s first question to me in the morning was if she could go to Teacher Bree’s School, followed by an assertive “Mommy, I want to go to school!” This simple statement communicated so much to me about how our daughter views her school experience and her role in it. This is a testament to the consistent and nurturing care the teachers provide to all the children at their school on a daily basis.

We would not hesitate to recommend Buena Vista Montessori to prospective parents, and could not have chosen better partners in learning for our daughter than Teachers Bree, Linda and Sam. 

Sincerely,

Dr. & Mrs. Tavaria











This is our fourth year having a child at Buena Vista Montessori Preschool. The teachers are so kind and supportive of our children. We truly feel blessed to have had our children learn from Bree, Linda and Sam.  Our children are always excited to go to school and come home so pleased of their accomplishments. We couldn't imagine a better learning environment for our children and a better introduction to schooling. - Elizabeth & Travis Deeter

I looked at five preschools before meeting teacher Bree at Beuna Vista. But as soon as I saw teacher Bree I knew that my search was over. I didn't want a preschool with latest technology or projectors. I wanted a preschool that could embrace my daughter's intellect and values and mold it in such a way so that she becomes a better person in the future. She was always a little quiet and it took her some time to open up. She needed a teacher who would understand her and encourage her to come out of her shell so that she could shine like a star. And teacher Bree, Linda, and Sam have made it happen. They are such a fantastic team. They always welcome the kids with a wonderful smile. They treat and care about the kids like their own. The values and love that my daughter has received from all of them she would have never got from any other teacher. I have never seen such committed teachers who always strive for the betterment of their students. Thank you for doing so much and for always being there for my daughter. You all rock. 👍- Tabassum

"At Buena Vista my daughter is being challenged daily and loves it! We have seen her grow intellectually and emotionally with every passing day. We look forward to send her brother to follow in her footsteps" - Monica Rancourt

Both of our children have been young "students" at Buena Vista Montessori and the experiences that they have had over these combined four years has been amazing!  The teaching team, led by Bree, is devoted to the well-being and care of all of the children.  The teachers are warm, kind and excellent educators.  Young learners are provided wonderful opportunities to learn, sing, make friends and have fun in a cheerful setting.  In addition, the program is well run, with daily group and individual activities, special events and monthly themes.  Most importantly, Bree, Linda and Sam are truly exemplary caregivers... never a bad day, no child ever too challenging, always gently guiding children on the path to positive, prosocial behaviours.  Small gestures like a handshake to say hello and goodbye and how to interrupt a person while talking (a hand on the shoulder) are the types of kind, courteous and respectful behaviours that are encouraged, reinforced and role modelled in a gentle and positive way.  Walk by the school 20 minutes before pick up time and typically you will see all of the children running and playing in the garden play area, kids being kids, doing "kid things" like playing in the sandbox, climbing up the ladder to the play house, then sliding down the slide or pulling friends in one of the wagons.  There's plenty of daily free play to balance the "work" done inside the classroom. We count our blessings to have found this school and to have been a part of it.  We will always cherish our memories of Buena Vista.  And our children have loved every minute of it! - J. Katz

My husband and I have had the pure joy of having our three children attend Buena Vista Montessori. The love, caring and education they all received is what kept us going to this amazing school. Teacher Bree is the best preschool teacher we could ever hope for. Her patients, caring and pure love of children shines through with every encounter with her. We couldn’t be more happy with our choice to send the boys to Buena Vista Montessori.

J. & E. Schmidt

We are sooooo lucky that we could find a preschool like Buena Vista Montesorri for our son! Teacher Bree, Teacher Linda and Teacher Sam are truly incredible! We are not exaggerating to say that this is the best school offering a warm, peaceful, and nurturing environment that every parent is looking for. We are deeply touched by the thoughts and efforts the teachers have put in, from personalized emails to parent nights. We especially love the way they arrange for pickup time. The kids will be running freely in the yard. Teacher Bree will be playing with the kids, shaking hands with each one of them as they leave. Teacher Linda will often have a camera in her hands to capture some special moments. Teacher Sam will be in the classroom helping parents gather art works and explain what they have done in school that day. As parents, we are eager to learn about our kid's school life. And the feedback from the teachers is wonderful! They share stories about the things our son has learned, the projects he has done and even the funny things that he has said. They make us feel that they are truly excited about every little progress that our son has made. We are very happy to see our son become more outgoing, talkative, and confident. And we are very lucky to have BVM part of our son's early childhood.

Lily and Harry Zeng

I have been fortunate enough to have my two children attend Buena Vista Montessori Preschool! The warm, nurturing atmosphere created by the teachers has allowed my children to thrive in a unique learning environment. This program provides exposure to a variety of quality educational materials balanced with an exceptional outdoor space offering a playful and engaging experience. I couldn't ask for a more perfect beginning to foster curiosity and life long learning! - Monica Dugdale Kindergarten Teacher 

Buena Vista Montessori is the best decision I've ever made for my children. The teachers are fantastic. My children were/are always treated with a high level of respect. Teacher Bree, Teacher Linda and Teacher Sam are always happy and engaged with the children and in  just 2 short months, my son has changed so much and is becoming a very self-confident little boy. The classroom has a truly lovely atmosphere, from the soft music played on arrival to the feeling of being in a child-friendly world - promoting independence. The communication is incredible and I feel very informed and involved. I know my child is safe, happy and well taken care of. I can’t say enough great things…Mothers day concerts/surprises, Christmas concerts, Jingle the Elf, year-end picnics and the year-end video! 

Nikki Singh

Bree is a truly EXTRAORDINARY woman and teacher and I will be forever grateful that she was in our lives. 

Thomas LOVES all three teachers  so very very much!  You all hold my highest regards and I rave about BV M every chance I get. 

You are a light in this world Bree. A brilliant beaming ray of love and light and joy and GOODNESS!!!!!  Bless you and thank you. It seems not enough... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sarah

Bree, I really appreciate all that you have done for my girls. You have taught  them so much and they have loved going to school...I wish you could be their teacher until grade 12!  Thank-you Buena Vista Montessori!

Chelsee

Teacher Bree, thank-you  does not even begin to do justice to our deep appreciation for the huge impact you have had on our family. I was thinking about that Maria Montessori quote, “It is the child who makes the man, and no man exists who was not made by the child he once was” and am fully cognizant of the ways in which our children are different, kinder, gentler, smarter and more thoughtful thanks to your loving care these past two years, and that they will in turn be different and better men (and women!) as a result of your guidance and enrichment. Thank you for being you - it is the essence of who you are as a person that makes Buena Vista Montessori the enchanted place of learning it is, and why I am writing this little email with tears streaming down my cheeks. You are a gifted educator and an incredible person and I feel this huge gaping hole when I think of you not being a part of our day-to-day lives anymore, as much as I know that you are that one special teacher my children will remember and talk about for the rest of their lives. Thank you for seeing the best in each and every child in your care,  for seeing them as individuals right from day one, and for being so nurturing and simply wonderful to our twins as well as us. You have made a huge impression on their minds and more importantly their hearts and we are so deeply thankful for having you as such a central and influential figure in our world during these special preschool years. We love you Teacher Bree and we miss you already!

With much love and deep appreciation, 

N & P Hanley