Alumni Voices

As Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School marks its 25th anniversary, we take a moment to celebrate the journeys of our alumni. Naomi, a former Ridgeline student, graciously shared her reflections on how Montessori education shaped her path—from elementary school to her career as a sustainability coordinator at a small liberal arts college. Her story is one of curiosity, independence, and a deep-rooted appreciation for collaborative learning.

Naomi credits her Montessori experience with fostering a strong sense of independence and a love of learning. “If I'm curious about a subject, I really just want to go research and find out about it,” she explains. This self-driven approach has been invaluable in her role, where she must be a generalist, continuously learning about new sustainability topics. She traces this mindset back to her Lower Elementary years at Ridgeline, recalling the joy of conducting research projects on animals—an early lesson in self-directed exploration that has carried through to her professional life.

While Naomi always had an interest in science, she acknowledges that climate education wasn’t as prominent during her time at Ridgeline. However, she does recall hands-on science projects and weekly lessons from a volunteer named Iris that ignited her curiosity about the natural world. These early exposures laid a foundation for her eventual career in sustainability. Though she cannot pinpoint a single moment that directed her toward environmental work, the seeds of inquiry and appreciation for the interconnectedness of systems were planted at Ridgeline.

One of Naomi’s fondest memories is participating in the school-wide play in Upper Elementary, which allowed her to collaborate with students from different classrooms. She also recalls being a part of Ridgeline’s choir, a program she was able to join early due to a shortage of members. The choir remained a special experience for her, reinforcing the value of creative expression and teamwork.

Friendships formed at Ridgeline also stood the test of time. Naomi still maintains close relationships with some of her childhood classmates, including one of her best friends, whom she met in Lower Elementary. “It's special to see how we've grown into full-fledged adults but can still trace our connections back to Ridgeline,” she reflects.

After completing fifth grade, Naomi transitioned to Roosevelt Middle School and later attended South Eugene High School’s International High School (IHS) program. The shift from a Montessori environment to a traditional middle school setting was smooth for her, largely due to the adaptability and problem-solving skills she developed at Ridgeline. However, when choosing between IHS and the traditional high school path, she opted for the smaller, more close-knit learning community that reminded her of her Montessori experience.

When asked what advice she would give to current Ridgeline students, Naomi encourages them to “hold on to your Montessori roots.” She emphasizes that the collaborative spirit and value of community she experienced at Ridgeline are rare and precious in the wider world. “There’s a strong community of Montessori kids out there,” she says. “We may have slightly different experiences, but we all carry similar values of curiosity, collaboration, and support.”

As we celebrate 25 years of Ridgeline Montessori, stories like Naomi’s remind us of the profound and lasting influence of a Montessori education. It’s a legacy built on exploration, connection, and a shared commitment to lifelong learning.