What happens when Montessori students leave their multi-age classrooms and step into the world of traditional high schools? In this episode, two seniors—Symona and Josie—reflect on how their Montessori foundations shaped their confidence, relationships, and academic resilience through the challenges of public and independent school settings.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman explore with Symona and Josie:

• The academic and social transitions after graduating from a Montessori middle school
• How Montessori shaped their confidence, academic habits, and emotional intelligence
• What Montessori did—and didn’t—prepare them for
• Navigating larger schools, peer groups, and grading systems
• Why they credit Montessori for giving them a voice and a deep love of learning

Honest, insightful, and real, this episode reveals Montessori’s lasting impact—well beyond the classroom.

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development, and Biff Maier, an AMS Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org