Montessori students learn about gov’t from mayor

The United States Constitution was 232 years old this year, and Mayor Manny Cid talked about that document and the rights and freedoms it protects when he visited with the students at Montessori Children’s House of Miami Lakes.
“The Constitution made it possible for me to do what I’m doing today,” Cid said during the Sept. 18 talk. “It’s the reason my family moved to this country. It has been extremely impactful to me and my family.”
Cid said his parents’ families were political exiles from Cuba and lived in Spain and Costa Rica before immigrating to the U.S.
Montessori Children’s House was established in 1971 in Hialeah, and in 1984 its permanent home was built at 6381 Miami Lakeway North in Miami Lakes, according to assistant director Melissa Connelly.
Director Charlene Thibodeau has led the school for over 30 years, where 105 students are enrolled in pre
school through fifth grade.
Cid said of one of Miami Lakes’ oldest schools, “It is important to the town, as many of the children that studied there have now become important adults in our community.”
The school’s graduates have included children of politicians and professional athletes, Connelly said.
Alumni grew up to have professional careers and have sent their kids to the school, she said.
The Montessori method includes allowing a child to learn independently within a class, while a teacher acts as a guide. The school offers lessons in reading, geography, mathematics, science, ballet, piano, Spanish and the Bible.
“I love it,” said parent Llisett Diaz. “They treat my child like family, instead of another number or just another check.”
Cid said a unique aspect of the school is that tuition rates have not risen for many years.
“They want to give everyone the opportunity to have a Montessori- style education,” he said.