Alumni Parent Perspectives: A Candid Look at the SCM High School Experience

This year’s panel discussion, “Completing the Montessori Journey: Alumni Parent Perspectives on Choosing SCM High School,” provided an invaluable opportunity for our community to hear directly from parents who have navigated their children’s journeys through St. Catherine’s Montessori High School and beyond. Moderated by Sarah Lewis, SCM’s director of college counseling, the panel included four alumni parents who shared their observations on how their high school graduates approached academics, social life and extracurricular opportunities, and reflected on the unique strengths of the Montessori high school model.

The discussion was shaped by questions submitted by current families, addressing topics such as college readiness, navigating social life at a small school, and reconciling the panelists’ own traditional high school experiences with the educational path they chose for their young children–all of whom would go on to complete their Montessori journeys as graduates of SCM High School. 

Meet our alumni parent panelists and their graduates.

 

Authentic Development and Self-Knowledge

“What made you choose SCM over other high schools?”

SCM fosters an environment where students learn about themselves in meaningful ways. “Graduates leave with a strong sense of self, maturity, and the ability to reflect, adapt, and advocate for themselves,” shared one parent. The panel also emphasized how students’ self-awareness and resilience equipped them to navigate life’s challenges.

Jennifer Uitenbroek reflected on her son’s resilience and adaptability when he encountered a goal that didn’t work out as intended, “He thought, ‘what did I like most about that goal and how can I apply that in a different way?’ which helped him regroup and move forward.” She added, “The biggest thing that served them, is that they came out of high school at St. Catherine’s knowing who they were. They knew what values they cherished and they were able to explore different spiritual and political aspects in deep and respectful ways. They were able to hear many different perspectives and form their own opinions. [...] I’m always amazed by how grounded and self-confident St. Catherine’s alumni are because they’ve made decisions on difficult subjects and have peace with their decisions.”

Christopher Lewis shared, “In SCM’s high school they have the opportunity to take the initiative to do what they want with the support of the guides.”

 

Social Life and Networking

“Was there anything your child felt s/he was missing out on by attending SCM for high school?”

Alumni parents highlighted the close-knit friendships within the school, as well as opportunities to engage in larger social networks through off-campus activities and collaborations with other schools. Additionally, and contrary to concerns about social isolation, parents noted that from a very young age SCM students develop the tools to build fulfilling social lives.

Moderator Sarah Lewis shared how her daughter framed her college essay on building community outside of St. Catherine’s circles. “Because our kids are so used to ‘Going out’ in elementary, by the time they get to high school that's not daunting for them. It serves them extremely well when they get to college, and all the opportunities are not just showing up at their dorm room; they actually have to open the door and go out into their college communities.”

During their years at St. Catherine’s the panelists’ children participated in a wide range of off-campus extracurriculars from martial arts to church choirs with the confidence and the social fluency to build relationships with anyone in any setting. Events like dances and football games held at other area Catholic high schools also introduced them to students all across Houston.

 

Academic Depth and Intellectual Preparation

“What skill sets did the students feel they obtained in SCM that helped them navigate new subjects in a bigger [university] environment?”

Panelists highlighted St. Catherine’s emphasis on deep, inquiry-based learning as a hallmark of its academic program. Students graduate with advanced research and writing skills that often surpass their college peers.

Jonathan Godfrey shared, “The St. Catherine’s high school experience allowed Isabella to deeply explore things that interested her and it wasn't at the expense of gaining broad general knowledge. She decided that she was passionate about STEM fields and wanted to make a difference in the world.” 

Reflecting on the program’s rigor, he noted, “The experience our high schoolers have is much more similar to a college experience. They dig deep, analyze, discuss, and think critically about real-world applications. Learning here is far more relevant than filling out worksheets or taking Scantron tests.”

 

Professional and Life Skills

“Do you feel SCM was a sheltered environment compared to college?” “How does Montessori education prepare a student for college and the real world?”

The Montessori approach instills practical life skills early. Alumni parents praised the intentional focus on self-advocacy, respectful disagreement, and conflict resolution. Students are well-equipped to navigate real-world challenges, such as project management and effective communication, through experiential learning.

Sarah Scherschel shared, “One thing Ruth found to be a huge benefit, interestingly, had to do with conflict resolution. If you’re in a school of 1,000 people, doing group work, and one person isn’t pulling their weight–you only have to interact with them in that one class. You can’t run from conflict here. At St. Catherine’s, they had to figure out, ‘how do I approach this person to ask what’s going on, why they aren’t meeting the expectations, and what can we do to support you to get through the project?’ In the inevitable argument with a friend, they might take a break on the Cypress Patio to cool off, but they have to confront it. Rather than learn a pattern of avoidance, she learned how to address and resolve conflict.” 

Christopher reflected on the executive skill development ingrained in a St. Catherine’s education from a young age, “I joke with the kids that, as a professional, I spend more time reading books about psychology and how to get people to work together and collaborate, but you’re learning that in Montessori school now. You are in an environment that is preparing you for what happens at work. How you deal with people, how you deal with conflict, working with people - really important skills.”

 

College Readiness and Individualized Guidance

“When applying to universities, how can they demonstrate academic performance if our students do not receive report cards?”

Using a rubric grading system, grades are issued in the Adolescent Community and High School for coursework that receives high school credit. Furthermore, SCM’s college counseling program focuses on every student finding a college or university that aligns with their unique strengths and aspirations. From personalized letters of recommendation to one-on-one guidance, students’ journeys are supported every step of the way. 

“The college admissions process often hinges on storytelling, and SCM students have rich stories to tell,” remarked Sarah Lewis. “College admissions officers have also praised our teachers’ letters of recommendation because these guides know your children inside and out. That makes my job easy!”

Jennifer added, “Instead of trying to make a child mold to the college, Sarah helps them to find a college that fits them. This is a huge reason our alumni have such a great experience at their chosen universities!”

Jonathan shared, “The resources are here and in place to help students explore whatever they are interested in, and not just to explore it, but deeply explore it, and in a way they will get some credit where it will be noted on the transcript. There are beautiful opportunities for academic extracurricular work.”

 

Trusting the Montessori Process and Harvesting the Benefits

Several panelists reflected on their initial doubts about the “unconventional” Montessori high school model, or concerns about the size and newness of the SCM High School when it came time for their children to move up. 

Christopher candidly shared, “It was a struggle for me, but watching our kids flourish changed my perspective. For me, it was a leap of faith!”

The panelists’ reflections affirmed the depth and transformative power of an SCM education. From academic excellence to self-assured independence, SCM graduates enter the world equipped with the skills, confidence, and values to thrive. For families weighing the decision to continue through high school, their experiences make one thing clear: trusting the Montessori process is a decision that can yield lasting benefits.

Click here to learn more about SCM’s high school curriculum, GPA scale, college counseling program, and college matriculation.