Prior to choosing to work with Ramona, we visited and researched eight other local Montessori schools. Our daughter is now completing her third year under the Klymko tutelage, and her academic growth and development have been nothing short of remarkable; vastly exceeding our expectations of where we thought our five year old would be when she began kindergarten. But for us, that is only part of the story. In addition to the strong academic focus, Robin Hood Montessori offered our daughter so much more. Every month the children had a new master artist to study, a role model to learn from, a composer to listen to, a continent to discover and many many other programs that developed the whole person, something we saw at no other school we visited. Ramona has that rare combination of qualities of truly caring for the children while at the same time demanding excellence without pressure, and, perhaps most importantly, at their own pace. Every child is nurtured to develop their full potential in numerous areas, from gross and fine motor skills, to awareness and respect for the world around them, to manners and compassionate values in a non-religious environment. Ramona is very passionate about teaching and developing young minds, and the results speak for themselves. The true test at the end of the day for any parent is, all things being equal, did we make the right decision and would we do this again in hindsight. For us the answer is an unequivocal yes. Our only regret is that the school does not go through grade twelve.

- Ole and Michele Nielsen
Laguna Beach, CA

 

 

  
 

As parents of a 5 years old daughter and 3 ½ years old son, one of the luckiest turn of events was finding Ramona Klymko to nurture and teach our children once they started school.  One of the best decisions we made for our kids was following Ramona when she and Friedhelm decided to open Robin Hood Montessori School.  Having looked at many schools in the area, the love, compassion, and healthy environment that exists at Robin Hood doesn’t compare.  Ramona’s tireless dedication to each and every student demonstrates her commitment to excellence and personal pledge to each and every parent that entrusts her with our children. Our children love their school, love to learn, love their friends and love their teachers.  We know there is no better place for our children than Robin Hood Montessori School.  Any parent interested in providing the best possible environment for their children to learn and grow must consider Robin Hood Montessori School. 

 

Callie and Mike Wray

Laguna Niguel, CA

 

 

As a parent, you strive to teach your children the virtues you believe will serve them best in life such as strength, discipline, intelligence, tolerance, compassion and understanding. If we are lucky, our children will be involved in cutting the path for the next generation. The Montessori system in general, and Robin Hood Montessori specifically, provide the building blocks and tools necessary for our children to become good students, but more importantly, good people. We are comforted with the knowledge that Ramona and Friedhelm treat our children with respect, patience and love. With tenacious determination, Ramona refuses to let any child lose his or her way. Her passion and attention show with each new letter, with each new sound, with each new problem solved. We are confident the lessons learned will provide the springboard for success. Thank you Ramona and Friedhelm!

 

Yvette and Deron Colby

 

  
 

We are the parents of twin girls (now almost 4). We first met Ramona Klymko when we began our girls' Montessori education as they turned 2-1/2. Our daughters have blossomed with Ramona's direction and expertise in so many ways: confidence, speech, academics, artistry and awareness of our world. Ramona teaches with a big heart, and a gentle manner, but always with authority (which we think is important - the children respect her - and she respects each child). She understands each student's level and strives to develop their strengths and character with a nurturing approach. We have complete trust in her methods and her teaching environment, which encompasses safety, incredible tidiness, organization and comfort. She and her husband, Friedhelm, have done an amazing job of starting this wonderful school and providing the best Montessori materials (and best teacher!) and we feel extremely blessed that our children will benefit for a lifetime!

 

 ~Donna and Paul Pfanner

 

 

My daughter Carmella has been learning with Mrs. Klymko since she was just two and a half years old. She was very shy and was afraid for me to leave her. I, of course, was sad to see my baby getting so upset, but every morning Ramona would hold and comfort her all, while not losing concentration for the rest of her class. That was how Ramona first amazed me. Then I was able to watch over time her compassion not just for the children, but the families of her children. Carmella was truly having a wonderful time and learning skills that will last her a lifetime. All with genuine love and care. Ramona and Friedhelm are two of the most ambitious, hardworking, wonderful and kind people you would ever be so lucky to meet. Keeping within the traditional Montessori teaching, Ramona's progressive style is outstanding. I always know Carmella is learning new things, in a fun and productive way. She is four now and has grown in leaps and bounds. I know that this is in part from her teacher.  We will always be grateful to the Klymkos for the hard work, love, and friendship.

Stephanie Shaffer

 

  

 
 

I asked Remy what he thought of you and he told me, "I love her. She is my Favorite". As a parent, no other words could ring louder than those. A sense of peace and security. You are a true inspiration for all the children you touched. We are blessed with being able to be in your presence and have you give your "whole" self to my little Remy. Jim and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Much love,

The Mackels

 

My children, Kieran and Connor first worked with Miss Ramona and Mr. Friedhelm in preschool. Not only did they learn much from Ramona, they LOVED learning! When one of my children began to struggle with reading in the public school a few years later, I brought them back to work with her. Her rigor, consistent discipline, and absolute love for children and learning enabled my son to get back on track. His confidence has improved dramatically, and I've never been more thrilled. If all educators were as good as Miss Ramona, all the world's children would be lovers of learning, of humanity, and of life."

 

Tara Sayre

 

 
 

Ramona Klymko ran a warm, nurturing, hospitable and well-organized Montessori classroom for our then four-year old daughter, Sylvana.  As a teacher, Ramona is very perceptive of each child's needs and potentials.  Sylvana needed to stop looking to other children for her cues and become more independent.  Also, she is very talkative and was interested in things like science and math, so that she sometimes had difficulty connecting with others.  Ramona stepped right in and smoothed things over socially so that Sylvana became a leader and, academically, she recognized her potential and pushed her in reading and math which greatly helped her self-confidence.  Sylvana received all of this attention and yet in talking with other parents, we realized that each and every other child in that classroom was receiving the same level of individual attention.  At the same time, the class was well structured and organized with a progressive curriculum.  Do not mistake superior organization for rigidity, since Ramona proved to be remarkably flexible.  All in all we highly recommend her.   Rina Palumbo, PhD. and Michael Schaffer, PhD. 

 

When my son began at the Laguna Beach Montessori School I was nervous.  Zack is a high energy child who is full of life and joy.  However, his tantrums were also, shall we say, spirited.  Mrs Klymko assured me that she was ready and willing to accept the challenge of my soon-to-be three year old.  My concern was completely unfounded.  Not only did Zack thrive in this structured and loving environment, but Mrs. Kymko's patience, professionalism, no nonsense style, and adoration for the children nourished his little soul.  Because of her guidance, Zack became a perfect poster child, walking with hands behind his back, singing songs in different languages, and relating stories about the monthly role models (such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Vincent Van Gogh). Mrs. Klymko is full of love and warmth and has a teaching style that embraces and consumes the children.  Although Mrs. Klymko is no longer Zack's teacher, he speaks of her often and with fond memories. 

 

John and Winter Bonin

 
   

Ramona Klymko is a splendid teacher and we appreciate her enthusiasm. Mrs. Klymko has looked for our little Josie in her short time at Montessori. Thank you for being so warm and making her feel so secure and comfortable. We will refer to you often!

Maryane and Gavin Larkin 

 

 

We just wanted to show our appreciation to Ms. Ramona. She has done so much for the children and especially for our Joseph. Ms. Ramona is kind and loving always. We will make sure that he always remembers her and how much time she devoted to caring and teaching him. I'm sure it's not always easy being a teacher especially when you have a challenging one like Joseph. But Ms. Ramona has done her job so well and she always looks like she is enjoying her work. Thank you again for everything you've done for Joseph. You are special to us and Joseph.

David and Bobbie Katrowski