Parent Testimonies
"My favorite aspect of Peaceful Heart Preschool was the social-emotional learning. Each student is actually seen, heard, and appreciated by the teachers for who they are. I firmly believe that children learn best when they are emotionally regulated, connected to the outdoors and allowed to lead their learning through play and natural curiosity. I did not choose this preschool simply for proximity- it was across town for us but completely worth it! Peaceful Heart's staff practiced Hand in Hand Parenting techniques for emotional support blended with the Reggio Emilia approach for inquiry-based and child-led learning in ways that truly created a special and productive learning environment. Miss Jess, the owner, was very in tune with my child's needs and addressed my child's initial sad reactions to drop-off quickly and thoroughly. Miss Katie gives great space for children's autonomy while supporting healthy boundaries and had a wonderful daily routine of movement, painting, stories, games, music, and projects and sent highlights to us parents regularly. Every morning, Miss Tiahna had the classroom set up fully with opportunities for children to explore learning in a welcoming and warm environment. It is clear that all of the teachers genuinely care about each student, make the effort to connect with each child individually, and are as equally knowledgeable as they are kind and perceptive." ~ Parent of a student in the 2022-23 school year
"There are not enough kind words to describe Jess's teaching style and her beautiful way with the kids. She is soft spoken and uses every moment as an opportunity to teach. She values good nutrition and taking care of our bodies. I especially love her commitment to the children, their families and the community. Jess teaches the kids what it means to be good characters and how that looks. Her classroom and lessons were organized but with help from the kids so that they were in control of what their day looked like. We are so grateful that our daughter had the opportunity to be in Jess's classroom and look forward to her taking some yoga classes with her as well." ~ annonymous
"Our daughter was always excited to go to preschool and never wanted to leave. We were worried she might have a hard time adjusting because up until preschool started she'd never spent much time away from her parents or grandparents, but never once was she scared or even reluctant to leave us. The teachers are very professional and their skill at tapping into the kids' current interests and expanding each one into a learning opportunity is unparalleled." ~ Brian, 2022
"Peaceful Heart Preschool is an incredibly nurturing, warm, and peaceful environment. Lots of yoga and outside time meant my kiddo was getting connected to himself, his classmates, and the natural world. Ms Katie and Ms Jess model kindness and help littles develop creativity and interpersonal skills from the very beginning. I can’t say enough good things about PHP. We are so grateful to have found them!" ~ Sam, mother of Sagan, 2022 school year
"Peaceful Heart was the most incredible welcoming home experience to Missoula. One of the biggest concerns with moving back to Missoula was leaving our safe and loving Waldorf school. Our kiddo is exploring gender and we were nervous about whether a school in Montana would also be affirming of this exploration. The first time I connected with Miss Jess over the phone, all concerns dissipated. We were seeking a nurturing, play-based environment that sparks curiosity and I was filled with gratitude that we found Peaceful Heart. After the first week, our child was immediately at ease and joyful at school. Miss Jess and Miss Katie draw families that have a similar social emotional focus which creates an environment and community that feels safe and at ease. I whole heartedly recommend Peaceful Heart. We love the school and more importantly our kiddo loves the school." ~ Elise, 2022
"My boys have loved going here! Both Miss Jess and Miss Katie have been so patient and willing to work with my youngest even though he wasn't quite as ready as I had anticipated for the whole preschool experience. I love how both boys have brought home things they've learned, especially the different yoga poses they like to show me🙂 10/10 would recommend!" ~ Cassie Ann Gemmer, mother of Henry (3) and Harrison (5); 2022
"As far as teaching style and things we appreciated about you...Your patience! You always got down on the children’s eye level to talk to them in a calm, friendly way which I know Kids respond to so much better. You were sensitive to our beliefs about not celebrating certain holidays and touched on why its ok for people to be different, and tried to explain this to the kids on their level. Thank you for your creativity in the classroom."
"The reason I sent my daughter to Peaceful Heart was for the yoga and mindful grounding. And to help to prepare for Kindergarten with socialization of other children. When my daughter was there is was a mostly outdoor program. The program is able to grow and change based on seasons. My daughter loved attending this preschool. We both made friends through this program." ~ Amber, mother of Izzy
"While attending Peaceful Heart, our daughter's confidence and social skills have significantly improved. Everyday she wakes up excited to see her friends and teachers. The teachers go above and beyond to provide the best learning opportunities, and they keep the parents well-informed with regular updates. They also encourage the kids to spend lots of time outside, playing and practicing yoga for mindfulness and exercise. We couldn't be happier with our experience. I would highly recommend Peaceful Heart to anyone." ~Eric Wright, father of Maryanne (3yo); 2022
"I am extremely happy with the way my daughter has progressed with her social and learning skills during her Pre-K program. The program has offered an excellent facility where she enjoys learning in a fun-filled way. She has developed interest for writing, enjoys yoga, and looked forward to going to school each day. Jess has done an excellent job in sharing, caring and teaching values, while staying committed and offering a superior quality of education for her students. I am glad Maya has gotten the opportunity to be a part of the PreK family, at Peaceful Heart!"
"Mrs. Jess's guidance, love, and friendship impacted my daughter greatly. She empowered her with a solid educational foundation, verbal skills to problem-solve, and confidence in herself and her abilities. Mrs. Jess brings out the finest in every child she encounters, enabling them to see the best in themselves and others."
"Our daughter has been so fortunate to be part of Peaceful Heart- we've been amazed to watch her emotional intelligence, empathy, and knowledge of self grow and grow under Miss Katie and Miss Jess- Thank You!!! "
~ John, father of Jasmine, 2020 school year
"Our experience with both kids at peaceful Heart preschool was excellent. Miss Jess and miss Katie each has her own teaching style, but both met our kids with compassion. I felt like they were each seen and loved for who they were, not who the school expected them to be. My daughter was painfully shy when she began, and miss Jess told me she would warm up when I expressed concern. She let my daughter be where she was at for weeks, just quietly observing the other kids before she eventually came out of her shell. My son was also a little timid when he started, and miss Katie seemed to patiently welcome him and found ways for him to fold into the group. These teachers, and in my experience the families who attend peaceful heart, are kind and incredibly emotionally intelligent." ~ Kendra Potter, mother of Sukha and Lucian
"Our son loves Peaceful Heart Preschool. Ms. Jess has provided him with a wonderful outlet for his energy and imagination, while encouraging growth both socially and academically. He is better at finding solutions independently when interacting with his peers, and is fascinated by everything he has been learning."