By Patricia Farris News Review Publisher–
The Ridgecrest Montessori Children’s House opened its doors on Monday, August 8, 2022. The school is located at 732 North Norma Street, Suite B, under the direction and new ownership of Abeer (Abby) Alhayek. The school provides programs for ages pre-school, transitional kindergarten (TK), and kindergarten through 5th grade. Enrollment is still open for TK, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade. Enrollment will remain open until vacancies are filled.
According to Director Abby, their goal is to educate the whole child through the integrated developmentally-based approach. This includes inspiring in the child the love of learning, the development of self-confidence, competence, and social skills. That is paramount.
The school provides small classes with low student-teacher ratio. This gives each child individualized enrichment opportunities to develop physical, intellectual, and emotional attributes to the fullest.
The Montessori’s Children’s House was founded in Italy by Dr. Maria Montessori who observed that children learn best when they are free to move, free to choose their own work, and follow their interests.
The mother of two girls, ages 10 and 13, Abby said, “I watched the process of the beauty of Montessori blossom in my children.”
Abby came to America in 2007 with her husband from Syria when her oldest daughter was two months old. They moved directly from Syria to Ridgecrest.
“Coming to America was a dream come true,” said Abby. “It breaks my heart to hear people complain about their life here. They need to live somewhere else and see how hard life is so they could appreciate what they have in this country.”
Abby has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economy and Business Administration. She is also certified with training from the North American Montessori Center (NAMC) for both pre-school and elementary school. She also holds an Administration Certificate for Child Development.
“My passion for children and my desire for having a school after working with children for the past nine years, is a dream come true.”
