Observations & Visits

Classroom Visitations
Each family is invited to Olivia's Montessori Preschool to observe or participate in the classroom.  After our six week adjustment period you are invited to set up an appointment to come and visit with us.  The best time to visit the classroom is 9:00am - 10:00am. 

​Recommended activities for you to share with the students are; read a book, bring a pet, share a hobby, discuss a cultural event,  teach us a few words in a foreign language. Please email the Directress to set up an appointment.
Observation Etiquette
The following are the guidelines for Montessori observation:
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A Montessori classroom is an environment especially created for a community of children ages 3 to 5, who are guided by a Montessori director (the teacher), perhaps assisted by another adult.

We are happy you are able to visit and we hope it will be an informative and positive experience. Observation is difficult. It is important that you observe as a naturalist observes – without interaction that would disturb and change the phenomenon.

  • Please sit quietly.
  • Do not interact with the teacher unless you are approached.
  • If children approach you, be pleasant but brief. You may say something like “I came to see you work.”
  • Observe individual children of different ages.
  • Observe the entire class.
  • Look for qualities of independence, self-discipline, self-direction, attention, concentration and joy.

The teachers will be engaged in working with and observing the children, and may not have time to speak with you for very long at the end of your observation.  A longer discussion is best suited for after class time, and you are welcome to request this.  When you do come and observe staff will provide  you further written guidelines to make the observation as successful as possible.

Montessori pedagogy calls for maximum opportunities for the child to feel and act independently in the classroom environment so minimum adult activity in the classroom is a reality that best helps lead us to this goal.  However we would invite and encourage parent involvement in all sorts of activities which would help provide the best program for your child and help you be a direct part of your child’s education.  One of the most basic and valuable support parents can provide is help the child prepare and debrief each day by sharing what you did in your occupation and hearing what your child did during their day and compare notes.  This kind of discussion, if started now can be an on- going habit that will be a terrific way to stay connected with each other throughout all their academic experiences.

What our parents are saying...

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My son attended the summer program at Olivia's Montessori Pre-School several years ago. The environment of the school had a profound and lasting positive impression on him that helped pave the way to being added to the Honor Roll. It's been five years and the positive impact of having our son in Olivia's school continues. The staff of Olivia's Montessori Pre-School exceed expectations in every way.

Glenn H.

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My review is as a fellow teacher who has observed Olivia's Montessori Pre-School on several occasions, and as a mother who has had her children (now grown) enrolled in other Montessori Schools. I wish Olivia's Montessori had been available for them when they were pre-schoolers, especially my older child…The school environment is organized with the children first and foremost in design. The teachers are focused, well versed in the Montessori method, and quite creative. It is obvious that the children feel comfortable, happy, and engaged with each other, the staff, and the learning experience. I have never met a teacher more devoted to her school and her students than Olivia. 

Debra B.

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…This place is more than a day care, it's a school. She teaches your children how to be independent and how to learn so they will be better prepared when they go to 'big kids' school. Many of the other parents we met have older children who went through the program and talked about how well their kids did when they transitioned and how they were often ahead of the other kids in their new schools. 

Pamela B.

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Very good school - both my daughters went there. It's an environment that encourages empathy and self-efficacy. Structured yet flexible. A very welcoming community. Schedule a tour - you'll be impressed.

Sarah H.

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This preschool changed my outlook on the world and gave our family a wonderful start to what we should expect from the education process…

Jennifer S.

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Our family travels to Memphis in the Summer and my son cannot wait to get to Olivia's! The facility is shady and gorgeous. We are nature enthusiasts and we love the grounds. My son loves the science experiments, outdoor sensorial play and is always happy to be going there.

Eva H.

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…The owner is good with kids and has a LOT of experience with Montessori teaching. Her policies seem strict at first, but are worth it for the great learning experience the kids get…A lot of thinking goes into the curriculum. The classroom environment is peaceful and respectful and emphasizes self-efficacy…  

Sarah B.

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I've had three children attend Olivia's. They are the 8th, 9th, and 10th children in my family (followed by the 11th, and most likely 12th) to attend the school. If you are looking for a place that enables children to become independent while also developing a true love of learning, you must schedule a tour…

Jennifer S.

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Enrolling my kids in this preschool was one of the best parenting decisions I have ever made. My kids have excelled at Olivia's Montessori academically and socially. Each of my children have very distinct personalities, fortunately the Montessori emphasis on individual learning styles allowed both of them to thrive…

Andrea V.

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As good as it gets - my brother and I attended Olivia's, structured establishment that provided me with the tools and skills as a young child to make it through life in all aspects.

Rob M.

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My daughter has severe learning disabilities which makes Montessori and excellent choice. While enrolled at Olivia's, she absolutely thrived!! The curriculum was tailored to her needs and her teachers gave her the structure she needed. As with any child, rules are just as necessary as one-on-one attention. Nobody understands this more than Ms. Olivia. I'm certain my daughter would never be the student she is today without this wonderful school!!

Millie H.

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I know Olivia personally and have never encountered someone with such a genuine passion for her students. The school itself is beautiful! The teachers are hand selected to ensure the students' education and happiness are first and foremost. She is incredibly creative and engaging while maintaining a structured environment that children require to flourish with confidence…

Elizabeth M.

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Both of my children were blessed to be students of Olivia's.  She became a part of our family and a wonderful friend to me. They are now 26 and 29 years old and still think of her as the teacher who helped shape their lives.  Oh, and she still talks to them. Wow, I LOVE this school!!! 

Martha L.

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I was a student at Olivia's two decades ago. The staff's attention and care was unparalleled--students were given latitude to learn and teach with the perfect amount of supervision and guidance from mentors. The brilliance of the methods at this school are amazing…I've made it to NYC at a global consultancy, and I can attribute much of my socialization and worldliness to beginning with my time at Olivia's. She is truly an amazing Memphis gem, and anyone would be remiss to not consider sending their child(ren) there.

Joseph C.

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My daughter started at Olivia's Montessori in Jan 2013 at 3.5 years old.  A year later, she has learned Spanish, Chinese, French, counts to 100, knows shapes, colors, political leaders in the US, and so much more.  The class does a great deal of hands-on learning so she doesn't sit in a room listening about recycling but bringing in recycle items, creating vases, visit a recycle center…

Nikki G.

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We are in our 3rd and final year at Olivia's. I'm so grateful to have found such an amazing program. My daughter has been exposed to three different languages throughout the years thanks to the wonderful parent body and owner's mom. The staff has always been open and kind.  Our experience at Olivia's has been wonderful. If I could get away with it, I would have my daughter repeat kindergarten so that we could stay!

Erica A.

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Back in the early 1990s, I was one of the first groups of students at Olivia's. The foundation I gained at this preschool helped me find my confidence that was necessary to succeed throughout schooling. Now as a college graduate with a master's degree, I teach middle school and I wish some of my students could go back in time to OMP to give them the foundation I had…You'd have a hard time finding the great family-like atmosphere anywhere else in Memphis. Even after 15-20 years, when I see Miss Olivia, she still remembers me and can share specific stories from when I was in preschool. The school cares about the individual to the highest degree. If I'm still in Memphis when I have kids, they will without a doubt attend OMP.

Lauren H.

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Wouldn't dream of sending my child anywhere else. Extremely professional teachers who truly respect children and want to see each child succeed. The skills my kindergartner has mastered are far ahead of the curve compared to peers at other schools…I'm amazed every day when my child shows me a new skill she's learned at this school. Who wouldn't be impressed when a three year old recites all of the continents and points them out on a map?

Jodi H.

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If you are looking for a daycare, this is not the place for you. If you want a true preschool with a nurturing and educational environment, this is the place to go. All 3 of my children have attended OMS. They come home talking about the planets, various countries, reading, and doing advanced math. The best part is that they go outside and are able to explore and learn on their own. This school goes above and beyond any typical preschool. The staff is nurturing and loving. Olivia has lots of rules but they are for the safety of the children and for organization…

Brandi B.

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Olivia's is an excellent preschool!  My 8 year old son who is on the autism spectrum attended her summer day camp last year and thrived.  My stepdaughter attends the preschool during the school year as well.  She loves school and is learning so much.  The teachers are warm and loving and encourage the children to become self-led learners. And what I find to be one of the most wonder aspects of having a student at Olivia's is the effort that goes info building a community of families.  It is really a wonderful place!!

Kathy K.

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Olivia's Montessori School is giving our son the best foundation for his lifelong education. He attended a much larger private preschool at age 3, cried in the mornings on our way to school and never smiled at his former teacher when each day began. We then toured five different preschools to find a better fit for him. Olivia's was the last stop on our list, and we fell in love with her. He began attending OMS at age 4, and now he tells us without any prompting, "Mommy I love my school"..."I hope we have school today." His curiosity and love of learning have blossomed here, and he is developing a stronger sense of responsibility towards others…

Kate M.

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Both of my sons went to Olivia's until their kindergarten year. I feel like Ms. Flasdick prepared them for life. They learned how to clean up after themselves, how to look at people's eyes and say thank you when they received something, they learned grace and courtesy, tolerance, value of hard work, be patient, be kind to others etc. My older son is in college now. He still talks about his years he spent there and goes to visit Ms. Flasdick. She is an excellent teacher, child advocate, always thinks in term of child's benefit. Every decision, rules, procedures are made based on students’ needs and well beings…

Gulcan D.

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