A Word from Our Former Students

"13 years later and 6,000 miles away, I have still never really left Casa di Mir. I may no longer sit in morning circle every day, but with each new step I take in life, I continue to realize just how much I learned from my six years there. I truly am who I am today because of Casa. Every single interest, every single goal I have evolves from the core principles I learned from Casa di Mir: my decision to major in Environmental Studies, my choice to study in Switzerland so far from home, my dedication to volunteering both locally in California and abroad in Latin America. These all started with Casa teaching me how to appreciate the people and cultures of the world, how to care for myself, my peers, and my environment, and how to learn from my own independence, but also by helping others."

"Many people assume that the transition like the one I experienced after graduating from Casa and moving to a large public middle school (with more students in one math class than I had had in the third, fourth, and fifth grades combined at Casa), would be a difficult one; however, for me it was quite the opposite. Casa di Mir had given me all of the tools I needed to succeed. After years of practice with the Montessori hands-on approach, I no longer needed puff balls or beads; I had all the resources I needed for academic success embedded in me – organization, independence, and (perhaps most importantly) self-motivation. Learning was not an obligation, and studying was never something I had to do. Instead, as I knew coming from Casa, each person gets out of learning whatever he puts into it, and in all my career as a scholar, this has been all the inspiration I needed to keep working hard."

"And after all these years, I still remember all of the words to “’Tis a Gift to Be Simple” and “Tumbalaika.” I can still play “De la puna vengo” and “Everybody Loves Saturday Night” on the the recorder. I still know all the steps to the Korobushka and the Troika. Every song, every dance, every lesson, every memory I have from Casa di Mir continues to move with me through the years and past the miles, guiding me through life wherever I go."

Arianne Dilts, CDM graduate, 2001.

"Casa di Mir had a positive and creative work environment. It let me develop as a person and I was not afraid to express myself. I always felt welcome and that there was always someone waiting to help me when I had a question. This is what I miss most about Casa di Mir. Teachers were always interested in what I was doing and always let me learn at my pace. When I struggled, they didn't question why I was falling behind, but they questioned how they could help me catch up. The teachers were very personal and were interested in what my interests were. They also let you get to know them.

I think Casa di Mir gave me a more positive outlook on my endeavors. Ever since Casa, I have always shot for the moon. It gave me a great attitude and a lot of personal drive. The ambition I have gotten from Casa has taken me to heights many high school students never reach. I am the ASB vice president, have been the president of four other clubs on campus. I was chosen as the outstanding leader of my high school and was elected to represent 30,000 high school students all over California, Nevada and Hawaii. If I did not get the go-get-em attitude from Casa and the wonderful people skills at Casa, I would never have achieved such great things."

Joe Gaudet. CDM graduate, 1995. Joe was one of the first Casa di Mir students in 1989 and one of the first CDM graduates in 1995. Joe was chosen as the 2001 Ambassador of the Year for the Santa Clara County Youth Hall of Fame/Scholarship program. At Leigh High School Joe was chosen as the top male student from all of Santa Clara County's public high schools.

"The relationship between students and teachers is what I liked best about Casa di Mir. The teachers take a lot of time to individually help kids. I miss the work periods where we were able to choose what we wanted to work on and we could work on the floor. Students formed special relationships with the teachers so they became your friends. We even had sleepovers at their houses."

Rebekkah Dilts, CDM graduate, 1998

"What I liked best about Casa di Mir was the atmosphere and how almost everyone is friendly. I miss the small environment and the friendly teachers. The teachers were always there to help. I know a lot more coming from Casa di Mir than if I had attended public school and that helped prepare me for middle school and high school."

David Wagner, CDM graduate, 1998

"The well-rounded curriculum at Casa di Mir made school more interesting. This was also helpful when I entered other schools. The depth of the subjects covered is much greater than one would receive in other schools. The help and attention one receives on subjects helps to create a much better understanding of things. This helps to provide a good base for later on in life.

At Casa, students are taught subjects which aren't normally taught at that age but I think this helps later on. I think the best thing is that students get to experience so many other cultures. This has already proved to be invaluable in my life. One really comes away with more knowledge and wisdom of the world."

Sarah Plep, CDM graduate, 1996

"After going to a small, private, Montessori school like Casa di Mir, I never could have pictured myself going to a UC.  In fact, however, Casa di Mir actually prepared me for a UC better than a public school. Because of Casa, I appreciate all of the people from different cultures and backgrounds than myself.  In addition, I am more self-motivated, which is a big deal at such a big school where nobody would even notice if I didn't go to class.  I would be a completely different person if I hadn't attended Casa di Mir.”

Amanda Legge, CDM graduate, 2001

About 50% of Casa graduates go on to private schools and 50% attend their neighborhood public school. Virtually all of the Casa di Mir graduates applying to private schools are accepted to their first choice school. Casa graduates that attend public schools are regularly placed into honors or accelerated classes.

Private middle and high schools attended by Casa di Mir graduates include:

Almaden Country School
Almaden Preparatory School
Alsion Montessori School
Archbishop Mitty High School
Bellarmine College Preparatory High School
Bowman International School
Girls’ Middle School
Harker School
Hillbrook School
Holy Spirit School
Notre Dame High School
Old Orchard School
One World Montessori Erdkinder
Pinewood School
Presentation High School
St. Andrew’s School
St. Frances Cabrini
St. Lawrence Academy
Valley Christian