Testimonials at Scoil na n-Óg

All three of my children spent two years each at Scoil na n-Og and they loved every minute of it. After six years of dropping and collecting I was very sad to say goodbye to Kathryn, Lorraine, Suzanne and Edel. They are all kind gifted teachers who brought the best out of each of them and gave them great confidence heading into primary school. The fact that the staff never really changed says it all. The atmosphere was always positive and they adjusted to each child’s ability. My children had great fun every day learning new things and making friends. The outdoor facilities were also fantastic. It really is the best start you can give any of your children. Even now at nine, seven and five they all still ask when can they go back to visit. They made memories that will last a lifetime. I would highly Scoil na n-Og to any parent. It really is the best start you can give any of your children.
Catriona Keveney.
Catriona Keveney.

When it came time to choose a Montessori School, I wanted somewhere my children would be safe, happy, cared for and their first experience in a preschool to be a positive and enriching one. A friend told me about Scoil na n-Og, and I'm so grateful. The boys absolutely loved their time there, they came home singing new songs, talking about things they learned and the fun they had. The overall atmosphere of the school was inclusive, warm, friendly and caring. The boys were so happy there, the magic of being a child and their curiosity at the world around them was encouraged and nurtured. The teachers were skilled in their work, had lots of experience and were passionate about supporting each child and helped to instil a joy of learning, which they have carried through into primary school, a big positive for any child and parent! My sons attended for 2 years each and developed great relationships with Kathryn, Lorraine, Suzanne and Edel, they were always caring, respectful, patient, fun and creative and the boys loved each one of them. The building was bright, clean and had an abundance of Montessori materials which my guys loved, as well as the arts and crafts materials too. A highlight in our house was the monthly update on what the children had covered and their work attached, which they would proudly show off. It was a wonderful experience to watch both children become independent learners, develop confidence, enhance their social skills while they played, learned and best of all; enjoyed being children. Thank you to all at Scoil na n-Og-I can't wait to return to the magic with baby no. 3!
Sharon Blake
Sharon Blake

My two daughters went to Scoil na n-Og and I can't speak highly enough of both Kathryn and the staff , their professionalism and ‘can do’ attitude was second to none- firstly the way they engaged with the children and secondly the feedback they gave to parents . I would unreservedly recommend Scoil na n-Og Montessori school, my children were very happy and got a great start for primary school.
Sharon Cremins
Sharon Cremins

My children are aged 16, 11 and 7 and all three went to Scoil n-Og Montessori School. The atmosphere in the school is so positive, Kathryn and the girls at the school are so dedicated and committed to their work. It gave all the kids a wonderful start and I felt that they all were fully prepared for primary school by the time they had finished their time at Scoil n-Og. Our youngest Harry has some learning difficulties but with Kathryn’s guidance and expertise, she managed to get the best out of Harry and brought him on so much. Harry was so well equipped for the transition from Montessori to Primary Education and this was noted by teachers in our local primary school. Scoil n-Og is a fantastic school, my kids enjoyed every minute of their time there, every season, event and occasion is marked. The children learnt so many life skills in a unique and special way. I was so sad to say goodbye to the girls at the school on Harry’s last day. I know they say that teaching is a vocation, but Kathryn Mullen is a truly gifted educator - her passion and commitment to the children , I have never seen before and have yet to see it again. Kathryn has managed to train her all her staff to have the same passion she has for teaching. Scoil n-Og is a fantastic school and in my opinion is the best school to give your child the best start in life. Thanks Kathryn and All the Staff at Scoil n-Og.
Deirdre Casey
Deirdre Casey

Scoil na n-Og is a special place for parents and children – It is happy, filled with fun and yet structured and progressive.
Our 3 daughters attended Scoil n-Og from 2004 to 2009 and my husband and I owe a debt of gratitude to Kathryn and her team.
Kathryn instilled in our girls a love of learning, an ability to start and finish a project. They were taught the value of concentration and mostly a sense of independence and personal strength.and always at the individual’s child’s pace – this is the feature we appreciated the most. Our 3 girls are very different and yet they all thrived at Scoil na n-Og .Each of the girls strengths and weaknesses were understood, appreciated & valued and then nurtured.
Our girls are now in secondary and primary respectively and I have yet to meet an educator of the quality and ability of Kathryn Mullen.
I cannot recommend Scoil na n-Og highly enough-it is a safe, secure and happy learning environment-we have never looked back!
Mary Sadlier
CEO, COOLE SWAN®
Our 3 daughters attended Scoil n-Og from 2004 to 2009 and my husband and I owe a debt of gratitude to Kathryn and her team.
Kathryn instilled in our girls a love of learning, an ability to start and finish a project. They were taught the value of concentration and mostly a sense of independence and personal strength.and always at the individual’s child’s pace – this is the feature we appreciated the most. Our 3 girls are very different and yet they all thrived at Scoil na n-Og .Each of the girls strengths and weaknesses were understood, appreciated & valued and then nurtured.
Our girls are now in secondary and primary respectively and I have yet to meet an educator of the quality and ability of Kathryn Mullen.
I cannot recommend Scoil na n-Og highly enough-it is a safe, secure and happy learning environment-we have never looked back!
Mary Sadlier
CEO, COOLE SWAN®

" Our three children have, and are, attending Scoil na n-Og. I can say with all sincerity that it is an amazing Montessori School . We feel our children have been given a wonderful start to their future educations and to their lives in attending scoil na nog.
The staff are so kind and caring towards the children and they so obviously love what they do . The children in turn thrive on this nurturing, happy , stimulating and supportive environment . They are exposed to such an array of new experiences, constantly learning and always having fun .
The garden area is such a fabulous play ground that is used year round .
We have appreciated and loved receiving their monthly work bundles - a collection of all their work with an explanation of everything they were learning about that month from Kathryn.
We have really loved seeing our children in their Christmas play every year that has been organised with such an obvious love for the children. We have especially loved the really special and wonderful memory books filled with photos and memories of each child that are given at the end of their year .
Our children have loved all the fun events organised with such care for them through the year - school tours, seasonal parties , Santas visit to name a few.
Our son had a speech difficulty and it was such a wonderful thing for us to know that the school was part of a program " Meath Tiny talk ". That the staff in the school were involved , and knowledgeable in this area was such a relief to us in sending our son there.
Kathryn and the girls bring out the best in young children. They nurture a child's natural enjoyment of learning ,and focus on each child's individual needs and talents. The results for us have been school ready children with strong social skills .
There is something very special in Scoil na n-Og , and we have appreciated everything it has given our children .
Our children in "big" school still love the occasions where they can visit Kathryn and the girls, and speak with real affection of their time there which is the highest praise we can give. "
Paul and Aoife Mc Daid
The staff are so kind and caring towards the children and they so obviously love what they do . The children in turn thrive on this nurturing, happy , stimulating and supportive environment . They are exposed to such an array of new experiences, constantly learning and always having fun .
The garden area is such a fabulous play ground that is used year round .
We have appreciated and loved receiving their monthly work bundles - a collection of all their work with an explanation of everything they were learning about that month from Kathryn.
We have really loved seeing our children in their Christmas play every year that has been organised with such an obvious love for the children. We have especially loved the really special and wonderful memory books filled with photos and memories of each child that are given at the end of their year .
Our children have loved all the fun events organised with such care for them through the year - school tours, seasonal parties , Santas visit to name a few.
Our son had a speech difficulty and it was such a wonderful thing for us to know that the school was part of a program " Meath Tiny talk ". That the staff in the school were involved , and knowledgeable in this area was such a relief to us in sending our son there.
Kathryn and the girls bring out the best in young children. They nurture a child's natural enjoyment of learning ,and focus on each child's individual needs and talents. The results for us have been school ready children with strong social skills .
There is something very special in Scoil na n-Og , and we have appreciated everything it has given our children .
Our children in "big" school still love the occasions where they can visit Kathryn and the girls, and speak with real affection of their time there which is the highest praise we can give. "
Paul and Aoife Mc Daid

We feel very fortunate that all of our 5 children attended Scoil na n--Og for their pre-school education. The teachers are warm, caring, responsive to the children’s needs and fantastic educators. The facilities in Scoil na n-Og, both indoor and outdoor, are wonderful. It is great that the children get to spend quality time outdoors when the weather suits and the classrooms inside are spacious and full of fun things to do. Our youngest son finished with Kathryn in June and I have to say I was a little sad that that chapter – happy, innocent, Scoil na n-Og days – were over. We would highly recommend Kathryn and Scoil na n-Og to all pre-school children and wish Kathryn and her staff many more successful years doing the wonderful job they do.
Edel and Padraic Freeman
Navan
Edel and Padraic Freeman
Navan

Having put two of our children through Scoil na n-Og Montessori, I can honestly say our only regret has been walking away at the beginning of the summer and knowing our children will not be going back there. Thankfully we have one more to go that will have the delight of spending their pre-school years in the most special, warm, welcoming and kind environment. I cannot praise Scoil na n-Og highly enough. It is so emotive leaving our children in the care of someone else, especially at such a young age, but there is no such worries here. Between Kathryn, and every other staff member we have been fortunate enough to encounter, it is like a home from home. Not only that but the educational aspect is also to be commended, such diversity, encouraging learning and development and building confidence in our children both socially and educationally. Also the feedback is fantastic, monthly updates with examples of the children's work and the most beautiful photo booklet at the end of the year documenting their progression and the fun they have had. The fact that both of our children still speak of their time in Scoil na n-og with such delight says it all.
Theresa Friel Keenan
Theresa Friel Keenan

I had begun my journey of finding answers for my son, but was only at the beginning. I found him on a Tuesday morning crying in the Montessori I had him in, the teacher angry and frustrated because he ‘would not listen’. I rang Kathryn in tears and he started in Scoil na n-Og on the Friday. It was the best decision I ever made for him. Samuel still had a way to go before I was finally able to get him the diagnosis of Autism, but Kathryn and the wonderful teachers supported him, and our family every step of the way.
All I can say, and parents will understand this, is that they saw him for who he was, his wonderful heart, and that he was trying his very best to connect….not the frustrations and struggle as what defined him. Every single day we ‘went to school’, he was met with a smile and usually a snuggle when he saw Kathryn (when he wouldn’t let others even hold his hand).
The professionalism, dedication, education and empowerment that Kathryn has built in this school and with her team is, in my opinion, second to none. In the true Socratic Method, they strive to bring what is within the child forth. The continuous work, the attention to detail, the appreciation of the individual personality for all the children in her care is awe-inspiring. But above all these wonderful traits, the one that meant the most to me, and made the biggest difference to Samuel, was the depth of kindness and love he received, and I do not use these words lightly, I truly mean it.
My gratitude goes beyond words, suffice to say, Kathryn, Lorraine, Suzanne and all in Scoil na n-Og will always be a part of Samuels story and hold a seminal part in what helped him on his path. The acceptance and support he found in this school created confidence and self-esteem, and helped open the door to self-expression and play with others……And I never found him in tears. As a testimonial as a mom, all I can tell you is that when I give thanks, I count Kathryn and the girls twice.
Aiveen Farrelly Dunne.
All I can say, and parents will understand this, is that they saw him for who he was, his wonderful heart, and that he was trying his very best to connect….not the frustrations and struggle as what defined him. Every single day we ‘went to school’, he was met with a smile and usually a snuggle when he saw Kathryn (when he wouldn’t let others even hold his hand).
The professionalism, dedication, education and empowerment that Kathryn has built in this school and with her team is, in my opinion, second to none. In the true Socratic Method, they strive to bring what is within the child forth. The continuous work, the attention to detail, the appreciation of the individual personality for all the children in her care is awe-inspiring. But above all these wonderful traits, the one that meant the most to me, and made the biggest difference to Samuel, was the depth of kindness and love he received, and I do not use these words lightly, I truly mean it.
My gratitude goes beyond words, suffice to say, Kathryn, Lorraine, Suzanne and all in Scoil na n-Og will always be a part of Samuels story and hold a seminal part in what helped him on his path. The acceptance and support he found in this school created confidence and self-esteem, and helped open the door to self-expression and play with others……And I never found him in tears. As a testimonial as a mom, all I can tell you is that when I give thanks, I count Kathryn and the girls twice.
Aiveen Farrelly Dunne.

The image of our oldest child reaching for the doorbell at Scoil na n-Óg on his first day is precious. Eager to start on a new adventure in his young life, he couldn’t have rang a better doorbell. From the first day both our children thrived in the Scoil na n-Og’s positive and nurturing environment. Children learning at their own pace, exploring new concepts in an independent way in a safe and enriching school is the dream of most parents and Scoil na n-Óg certainly delivers. The staff are incredibly dedicated to their profession and the children in their care. This can be witnessed in the manner the staff interact with the children on a daily basis- with consistency, patience, love of learning and fun. Our children blossomed in Scoil na n-Óg and habits formed there are still used ten years on! We cannot recommend Scoil na n-Óg highly enough.
Tom and Ailish Kendall
Tom and Ailish Kendall

Scoil na n-Óg is an exceptional school that has given my two children an invaluable foundation in their early learning experience. Anthony and Annabel both attended Scoil na n-Óg for two years before starting their primary education (ages 3-5).
They learned to see the natural world around them and appreciate nature and the importance of our environment. The explored the creative world of make believe through story, drama and art. Christmas and Easter was a truly magical experience in Scoil na n-Óg. They were so excited and yet concurrently understood the importance of giving and sharing through charity drives in school.
Annabel and Anthony both made wonderful friendships that moved with them to primary school and thus ensured a very smooth transition. To conclude in my sons words: “I would of stayed their 100 years!”
Annette and Anthony Horan
They learned to see the natural world around them and appreciate nature and the importance of our environment. The explored the creative world of make believe through story, drama and art. Christmas and Easter was a truly magical experience in Scoil na n-Óg. They were so excited and yet concurrently understood the importance of giving and sharing through charity drives in school.
Annabel and Anthony both made wonderful friendships that moved with them to primary school and thus ensured a very smooth transition. To conclude in my sons words: “I would of stayed their 100 years!”
Annette and Anthony Horan

My 3 children attended this wonderful school. A purpose built school where each child gets wonderful attention and is taught so many great things. Each child and parent is welcomed every morning into the school. As a parent you get to know the teachers who look after your children on a daily basis and nothing is ever a problem or an issue. The school has a lovely enclosed garden where the children can play happily and safely outside under the supervision of the teaching staff. My children loved going to school each day and I found the transition from pre-school to national school very straight forward. This is due to the great staff and programme run in Scoil na n-Óg. I would highly recommend this pre-school to any parent or family.
Natasha woods
Natasha woods

Both our daughters, Kate and Anna, attended Scoil na n-Óg for two years before going to National school. They had a tremendous time, where they made friends that they still play with today. They learned so much about themselves there, how to play with others and it really helped to prepare them for National school. They both still love to go up and see their teachers who made Scoil na n-Óg such a special and safe place for them. My wife and I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Gillian and David Pender.
Gillian and David Pender.