Testimonials
Hi I’m Nathari s Mom.
I just wanted to send a massive thank you to you all for all of the amazing care, support and fun you have given during the 2. 5 years while she has been with you. The staff were so good with her and she even talked about the staff when she arrived home. So thank you all and best of luck for the future. I would highly recommend Little Explorers Montessori for all kids.
Lakmali Wanniarachchi
October 2024
All three my children had a fantastic time at Little Explorers. It is a small school with a peaceful environment. They pay a lot of personal attention to the children. They honour the traditional montessori method and teach the kids important life skills.
There is a lovely garden with many play-options for the kids to enjoy
Can highly recommend Little Explorers.
Christa Van Der Schoot
October 2024
Words of gratitude from thaththa on behalf of his son.
GOODBYE LITTLE EXPLORERS……
On the first day I became a Little Explorer
I cried out so loud with pain and fear
Everyone was so new, everything looked just weird
I wanted to be home, where I felt more secure
When time passed by, I felt I might wrong
This place was neither scary, nor lonely as I thought
I was learning new things every day a little more
Being a little explorer was so awesome after all
Garden time was lots of fun, but the dancing time was not so much
Show and tell taught many new things, and the best of all was snack time to us
We made good friends and memories together, it’s hard to forget how happy we were
Like a blink of an eye, the time passed by, now we must say good bye to Little Explorers
Thank you dear teachers for everything you did, to make my future a brighter one indeed
I hope you’ll keep a little place in your heart for this drummer boy Dulneth, even though I leave
I turn back with tears, in my favorite uniform, that I’ll never wear on a Friday, oh I can’t believe
Goodbye Little Explorers, I love you forever, let’s meet again one day, I promise you for real.
Deepal Nanayakkara
September 2024
Such a lovely , wonderful and safe place for your little ones to grow.
Dahen and Adithi
September 2024
I would never hesitate or think twice to recommend Little Explorers to anybody. Sanchita and her hardworking team did a marvellous job in providing a second home to my daughter. I was very surprised at how much skills she acquired by the time she left the Montessori and this helped her a lot when she joined a new school. Their fun method of teaching, individual attention and hygienic premises should be greatly appreciated!
Maryam Amanullah
September 2024
Delighted
We are very happy parents indeed. We believe we made the right choice by putting our daughter Aradhyah to Little Explorers.
From the moment we enrolled, we were impressed by the dedicated and passionate educators who truly understand each child’s individual needs. The hands-on learning opportunities encouraged our child to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a love for learning that we know will last a lifetime.
We have seen our child’s confidence blossom as she learned to make choices, solve problems, and collaborate with peers.
We will carry the lessons learned here into the next chapter of our child’s education!
With appreciation,
Aradhyah’s Parents. (Thamalie and Jeevaka Perera)
September 2024
As a working mother I decided to send my kid to the Montessori at an early age. It has been a fantastic experience for her to get exposed to other kids, teachers and the environment. Her social behavior, interactive skills, speaking , sharing-and team work improved tremendously over the time. I can always recommend Little Explorers to begin the journey for kids in a friendly, supportive environment. Thank you for being so nice and helpful.
Dayani
September 2024
We feel very lucky to have found Little Explorers, The staff is kind, caring and very supportive with the children. They create a lovely, homely environment full of fun and laughter. My son was absolutely thrived at Little Explorers . He has always felt comfortable and safe with the staff, and as a Parent I could honestly not ask for more. They have played such a special role in our child’s life setting them up perfectly for the next step to school. Highly recommended!
Asma Assen
September 2024
One of the best decisions we ever made regarding our daughter was enrolling her at Little Explorers. We have no words to express our gratitude to all the teachers at Little Explorers who helped our daughter come out of her comfort zone and develop her confidence and independence. It took a little while for her to adjust to being away from home, but the transformation was unbelievable. We were especially so surprised to see her performance at the mid-year concert.
As working parents, we highly recommend Little Explorers to any working mom who is looking for a safe and happy place to keep her precious child while she is away working. It was such a great relief for both of us to know that our daughter was in safe hands while we were at our workplaces.
Once again, I thank all the staff at Little Explorers. Special thanks goes to Aunty Sanchita for paying attention to every tiny detail about each and every child and all the other aunties for helping our daughter feel happy and safe.
We wish you all the best..!!
Sanchana and Dilushan
May 2024
It was an amazing, unforgettable 2 year journey for my daughter at Little Explorers. The school nurtured her development, helping her blossom into a confident and independent child. This wouldn’t have been possible without the warmth, love, and guidance given by aunties at Little Explorers. She enjoyed going to school so much and Little Explorers was a home away from home for my little one. Enrolling our daughter at Little Explorers was the best decision we ever made. A very special thank you to Aunty Sanchita for her dedication and kindness in organizing and planning events for kids and guiding the aunties at Little Explorers to get the best out of each kid.
We would highly recommend Little Explorers to any parent who would want to give their kids the best early childhood education.
Rumala
February 2024
Ranel’s journey at Little Explorers was full of joy.The love and care given by all the teachers were beyond expectations.
Ranel started with the Toddler group headed by Aunty Tareeka, where I was amazed to see the affection and care she provided to her toddler group.
During the pandemic, entire team of teachers made so much effort to teach the kids via zoom meetings. Even dancing was done via Zoom where Aunty Pavithra made a great effort.
Little Explorers grooms children to become confident in their own line of talent. The power of teaching and love they provide is immense. Aunty Menaka at M3 was one teacher Ranel never wanted to part with.
Montessori is kept in such an order, where the caretakers at the gates, aids to help the children in the Montessori also provides so much of love to the children.
Special thanks to Sanchitha , The Directress, who never failed to inform the tiniest incident of the child. The most humble and loving teacher we have met and keep contact to date.
I was glad that Ranel was at Little Explorers and the independent little boy who he is today, all thanks to Aunties at Little Explorers headed by Sanchitha.
Little Explorers was another home full of love 💕
Nayomi Hettiarachchi
February 2024
Since joining the Little Explorers Montessori, our reserved daughter came out of her cacoon and became confident to fly her wings. Little Explorers is a home that nurtures a child’s development and fosters a child led learning environment. Every child is valued for their uniqueness and gradually guided towards meeting educational goals without any coercion. We would highly recommend this Montessori to every parent!
Sara Zaneefer
September 2023
Little Explorers has been my daughter’s all time favourite place to be. She has never been reluctant to go to Montessori ever, since she joined Little Explorers. The staff have always been very patient and friendly with the kids.
I would recommend any parent to choose Little Explorers for their Child’s early educational needs, as it serves to be a highly recommended and a recognised institution with lots of extra curricular activities. Thank you Little Explorers for giving my daughter the best childhood memories ❤️
Mimrah
August 2023
We found “little explorers” from one of my colleagues, who had a very good experience, as the best place to send my son. The standards and discipline were seen on the very first day of preschool. All the teachers/aunties were caring towards all the kids and decent. Their dedication towards the children is priceless and unforgettable. We were never burdened by finding various things except teaching and guidance at home, which made us more comfortable with busy schedules. My son made friends and made bonds with each other which will bring pleasant nostalgic memories when he grows up. We believe that “little explorers” is the best place for little ones who are going to explore the world.
Hasitha & Thameesha
August 2023
Enrolling our son to Little Explorers has been the best decision we made as parents.
The teachers are very accommodating to each student and our son has been taught both the best of manners and the best of early education he can possibly receive.
Abdul Muqsith Murad
May 2023
Impressed with the overall care provided, the opportunities for the kids to develop and the individual attention.
Erandie
April 2023
Little Explorers has provided exceptional experiences for our children. Our two sons attended for 5 years and had a wonderful time. The teachers provided learning materials during the pandemic and helped both boys in developing academic readiness – they enjoyed their weekly show and tell and dance/ music lessons along with their Montessori lessons. Both of them increased their self-confidence and our second son – Anouk who had a bit of a speech delay developed strong verbal skills with the exposure to students and staff.
We highly recommend Little Explorers to parents looking for a high quality/high care environment.
Jacqualine Ferdinands
28 June 2022
My daughter Sanadee had an amazing 3 years truly filled with laughter, smiles, songs, fun, exciting learning and much love ⚘ ❤❤
We will be forever grateful.😊😊
Dinusha Gunasekera
31 May 2022
Little Explorers! The Montessori my second son went to. Our family as a whole had a smooth and enjoyable time with Yahn attending school at LE. He was also at day care and learnt to be independent which helped a lot.
I trust LE with all my heart to keep my baby safe and happy and they did just that and we are ever so so grateful to Sanchitha and the wonderful team she has trained.
Annalease
24 May 2022
Our daughter got educated on all the basics at Little Explorers. The way aunties teach little ones make them stick to the lesson even during virtual classes. Great communication with little ones throughout.
Our daughter still speaks about her aunties at Little Explorers.
Hansi & Asanka
24 May 2022
One of the best decisions we made was to enrol our son Umar to Little Explorers. Aunty Sanchita and her team did a wonderful job to help Umar learn and grow. He enjoyed both physical classes as well as online sessions with them. We could see how much effort the teachers put into making each online session exciting and interesting. A pleasant and safe environment with a dedicated and kind set of staff and aunty Sanchita’s commitment and compassion has helped my son be more independent and confident. Mrs. Sanchita was always ready to listen to any issues concerning us and it was very easy communicating with her.
I would like to thank Ms. Sanchita and her staff for all the effort they put into creating a perfect foundation for our son.
We wish you all the very best in all the future endeavours!
Habshi and Zainab
4 December 2021
Few months into 2020, the country went into a lockdown and we were wondering how will the kids catch up with their work with schools closed. But the LE team adapted to online learning in a very short time and they handled the kids very well not missing out on a single lesson for the past 18 months.
It was a tremendous effort by them and we are glad our kids were in the good hands of team LE.
I wish LE all the very best as my kid now moves on to Grade 1. We are truly grateful to LE.
Mafaz Mohideen
19 September 2021
I was impressed by their Montessori method of teaching and the discipline the children showed when I first visited. Now that they are doing online classes and I need to assist my child I see the variety of work that my child is truly learning. Even in these difficult times they are doing an amazing job. Their attention to detail and interest in each child is commendable!
Januka Tilakaratne
16 September 2021
We discovered little explorers randomly. We were looking for a safe place as we wanted a nursery with child care. Sanchitha was assuring and the place looked secure and the teacher to child ratio was very good. So we started sending our daughter Mary-Anne to Little Explorers.
The little explorers team provided a safe home for our daughter for two years. As she is an only child, we feel that we made the right decision by sending her to Sanchitha and her team, as she made friends and learned values such as sharing and empathy.
The team at little explorers provides individual attention to each and every student. They knows how to identify the talent of each and every child, and develop them accordingly. We are grateful for Sanchitha and her team for the their efforts to develop our child, and providing her with a loving home away from home.
Kushan and Laleema Dodanwala, Rajagiriya
22 January 2020
Our little girl was in the tender age of one and half years and could bearly walk when she joined Little explorers shelter.
Since then, she blossomed in many different fields and we felt very relieved in our decision of sending her there. .
Little explorers aided her to find her talents in motor skills, dancing, singing, art, public speaking and many more.
We believe that perfect blend of affection, attention, independence and desciplene extended towards her aided a lot to accomplish these during her stay at Little explorers. We are ever grateful to Little explorers family for making our child who she is now.
Iranga and Anusha, Borella
21 January 2020
While I was in pursuit of selecting an appropriate nursery for my daughter, I happen to come across Little Explorers while doing my research online. As I visited this nursery, I was impressed by the cleanliness and the neatness of the premises and the garden that would provide physical grooming for the young kids for their overall development.
Directress Sanchita and the teachers are very friendly and helpful in showing me around and explaining as to how they approach the kids step by step and the curriculum they follow. This made me very secure as to how my daughter will be placed in her new environment away from home to which she was very much attached to. Due to her sensitive nature it took a lot of convincing and patience to which Madam Sanchita and her class teacher Aunty Gayashi and assistants had to deal with and they were excellent as they did their utmost in making her comfortable and giving in to her and at the same time persisting her adjustment to work, play and building friendship and confidence that would serve her well into her continuation of education. As I believe they managed her very well and I am contented that my daughter got a stable foundation at Little Explorers and Madam Sanchita is very well organized and along with the rest of the staff provides the best education, support, grooming and other special activities for every single child attending Little Explorers.
Ameena, Rajagiriya
15 December 2019
The environment and atmosphere become more vital for every child development. Little Explorers provides a wonderful setup and wider breathing space to the children where they hardly get bored.
Our Yusuf needed more encouragement and extra effort to develop his capabilities. Little Explorers helped tremendously to boost his confidence level. The inclusive approach towards him throughout in all the events and activities made him strong and brave.
The simplicity and humbleness are the best qualities we observed throughout by the entire team of Little Explorers.
The education methodology and the highly competent team undoubtedly contributed our kids to become more mature when they walkout from Little Explorers.
Both our kids spent brilliant time at Little Explorers and we could realize the attachment and the impact the entire Little Explorers team has made in the little ones hearts at the time when they moved to the new school.
Thanking every one Mm Sanchitha, teachers and rest of the staff at Little Explorers for providing an unforgettable wonderful experience for our Yusuf and Yasir as well as us as parents.
MN Ameen, Colombo
22 November 2019
The decision to enroll our daughter to the Little Explorers at a tender age of 1.8 years was one of the best decisions we made on her behalf! Unfortunately though…we had to move overseas which cut short her joyous daily routine but to-date our girl speaks of her experience and the lovely team of teachers and friends she had! Little minds speak nothing but the truth and it goes to show what a great institute the ‘Little Explorers’ is!! I will recommend it to anyone I know!!
Deserie Atukorala
18 November 2019
We parents of Saalihah thank Madam Sanchitha and her wonderful teachers and team for the wonderful experience Saalihah had during her years at Little Explorers.
Such a lovely place filled with warmth and love just like home.
We are glad we found the perfect start for our daughter.
Saajidah, Borella
02 November 2019
Sanchita and her dedicated team made every effort to make Little Explorers a homely, safe, and stimulating environment for my daughter, Ananya, during her stay there. I truly appreciate the time taken by Sanchita to cater to Ananya’s specific development and emotional requirements from day one at the tender age of 1 year and four months and make her feel comfortable in her new environment. This hands-on and nurturing approach I believe contributed to developing her to be the confident and tenacious girl she is today. All the staff pay great attention to detail to make this a clean, wholesome and nurturing Montessori, which I would recommend to all parents wholeheartedly.
Rushika
07 August 2019
Brilliant place for global development and enjoying childhood
Little explorers had been a wonderful place for our child to prosper under the care of trained AMI teachers and the professional guidance of Sanchitha the headmistress. We came across Little Explorers when going through the internet looking for a nursery for our little one. As she was our first child, we were inexperienced and concerned about finding the right place. From our first visit to Little Explorers, we were quite taken up by the homey and clean atmosphere.
We were very pleased when our little one settled in to Montessori very happily. She later on moved on to after care as well. She learned to associate with her peers and challenge herself with various play activities. Parental participation in education is also a top priority at Little Explorers , and there are various events like fathers day mother’s day celebrations where active participation of parents are sought for games etc.
Thanks to her first teachers Aunty Tarika, Aunty Anushka and all the wonderful staff at Little Explorers lead by Aunty Sanchita, our daughter had a wonderful and enjoyable time and was disappointed that there was no Montessori during weekends!
We were very pleased with Little Explorers and have absolutely no second thoughts in recommending it to anyone. We hope our younger daughter will also take it up in the same vein. We wish Sanchita and her team the very best and hope they continue their wonderful work!
Maulee & Buddhi
24 September 2018
Akhaain joined Little Explorers just as he turned 1.5 years. The search was random but we were impressed on our first visit itself. Sanchita lavishly spared her time to mingle with Akhaain, to see if he was ready for toddler school and to brief us on their procedures and protocols. During the past 1 and half years, LE has transformed our little boy from a wailing little toddler to an independent little boy. The small class size, low teacher to child ratio and especially, the personalized services by kind, patient and dedicated teachers has helped our LO bloom, in a safe and supportive environment. As parents, our main concern was the safety of our child at an age where he could not express himself. At Little Explorers, children’s safety is at its peak, where teachers are vigilant and parents are always kept updated. Children are handed over to parents at the gate by the Directress herself, who knows each and every child and their parents/carers very well. Parents receive periodic progress reports which are every detailed, including the activities carried out, the related target areas for development and observations on how the child responds to it. Sanchita also finds time to meet parents, speak to them, get them involved when needed, address their concerns and relieves the stress of worried parents. The school is very active involving both students and their parents in events, concerts, and workshops from time to time. Little Explorers is also one of the few Montessori’s that employ teachers trained for children with special needs and therefore allows your child to be well monitored through his/her fragile, early years of development.
Despite the heavy morning traffic, we chose to continue with Little Explorers only because we refuse to compromise during the extremely important time of childhood growth and learning. As parents, we highly recommend Little Explorers for quality and holistic early foundation in a safe and transparent learning environment.
Narada and Dinushee Bakmeewewa, Battaramulla
28 March 2017
Our little daughter Suchie, joined the Little Explorers Toddler group when she was One year and 7 months old. She settled down in class sooner than we expected, with the love, patience and kindness of her two beautiful aunties, Aunty Tareeka and Aunty Rishani.
The Toddler Class became her second home that she never wanted to stay back home even during weekends 🙂
During her stay in the Toddler class her vocabulary and other skills and activities developed very fast. Her attitudinal and behavioral change during this period was incredible.
A Very big Thank you to Ms. Sanchita Karunaratne who always stood by her side. Her constant guidance and support helped us deal with Suchie at home in better ways 🙂
Once again we would like to thank the Team Little Explorers for giving our little one an opportunity to be a part of it.
We wish you only the very best in all future endeavors.
Hasini & Nalinda
05 September 2016
When we started looking for nurseries for Himaan we did not know from where to begin.Today we are very happy that we found ” Little Explorers” which is a unique place.
It is one of the best decisions we have taken regarding my child’s education,
The staff of “Little Explorers” is so caring and devoted and my son loved and looked forward to each day.
I really loved this clean and simple place which gave Himaan a solid foundation.
Mrs. Sanchitha Kuranarathne is a wonderful person, very thoughtful and caring and was very helpful whenever I came across a difficult situation with Himaan.
Thank you very much Sanchitha and dedicated staff, you all are doing a wonderful job!
Hiranthi Abeysinghe
19 August 2016
Little Explorers has been an amazing experience for our daughter Anjou. We are truly grateful for the patience and dedication shown by the teachers and the staff.
Sanchita and her team love kids and have a passion and commitment for what they do and all that happens in the school reflects this.
Anjou received a well rounded education including extra curricular activities which exceeded our expectations of a Montessori. Anjou missed Little Explorers immensely when she moved on !
We wish Sanchita and her dedicated team at Little Explorers continued success!
Manjula and Romani
31 July 2016
My son Dulneth joined the toddler class this year. The first few days he found it really difficult to adjust to the set up as this was his first exposure outside the home environment. But the teachers were so caring and helped him to settle down. I received updates on his progress and work and it made me so happy to know that he has done a lot of activities there.
I’m a working mother and I really appreciate the system Little Explorers follows which keeps us up dated with the necessary information of the child and events. Therefore I find it really easy to help my child even during my busy schedule at work.
We were lucky because we didn’t have to go ‘Montessori hunting’. This was the first Montessori we visited as per a suggestion of one of our family friends. We were so happy with the first impression of the place with regards to environment, security of children, cleanliness, trained staff and the activity resources/materials available.
Looking forward to my child’s next level of pre- school education in the Montessori class from May onwards
In a nut shell – I am so happy about “Little Explorers” and its organization of activities.
Thanks a lot Sanchita for your great efforts with all the staff!
Janitha Nanayakkara Mother of Baby Dulneth, Colombo 8
09 April 2016
Little Explorers was a unique find on the net, when I was searching for a suitable Montessori for my daughter. On our first visit itself Sanchita and her school gave us enough confidence, that it is the place we as parents and Vinali as a kid could be happy.
Vinali today is moulded into an outstanding kid, with so much of positive input from Little Explorers. I love the atmosphere in the school premises, where kids are free and encouraged towards independence. Sanchi and her staff have been amazing with the kids throughout. Special thanks to Chami and Anushka, who Vinali likes a lot.
The methodology of work, creativity and child friendly clean surroundings of Little Explorers made it a perfect place for the foundation of my daughter.
We as parents are glad that Vinali was a delighted Little Explorer during her stay.
Thank you so much Sanchita and your dedicated staff.
Upeksha Purasinghe, Wattala
19 December 2015
My first impression was that I was delighted by this clean, simple but inviting Montessori which I proudly call “Little Explores” that gave my son “Rashad” a wonderful and a solid foundation. The teachers are devoted, caring and skilled at challenging each child to excel academically at their own space. It was also a place where my son loved and looked forward each day.
I enjoyed reading my sons “Progress Reports” which was sent through email (every month) about his academic and social development and all the other key issues which was written in a positive way.
The Directress (Mrs Sanchitha Karunaratna) has a wonderful rapport not only with her students, but parents alike and connects with them very easily. She is one of the most loving, compassionate and dedicated teachers I have ever met.
Thank you Ms Anushka, Ms Chammy, Ms Kathy and Ms Gayani. You all really standout as teachers because of your sheer dedication to your students. Rashad has started off in the right direction by having you’ll as Teachers.
Thank you Seetha for training Rashad to be independent in terms of using the toilet and for taking care of him when his been dropped and picked.
Last but not least Thank you for inspiring Rashad to be the best learner he can be, by seeing the BEST in him. As Dr Maria Montessori says “The education of even a very small child therefore, does not prepare him for school but for life!”.
Shahma Kamil
20 February 2015
Dear Sanchita,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all very much for being so wonderful and we believe that our son Ovin has benefited tremendously from being with you all. Preschool is one of the most imminent years for laying the foundation stone for a child’s schooling years and eventually the future. We are extremely fortunate to have our son at Little Explorers and we feel that you all have made a big contribution to him becoming a happy and confident little child. We are sure that he will never forget his time there at Little Explorers.
Wishing you all the very best.
Dinusha & Sathsara Palathanthri
15 February 2015
I would love to take this opportunity to thank Sanchitha and the Little Explorers team for their dedication and commitment in grooming my son for the last three years exploring the talent within him to face the real world as a better and valuable human being.
I wish Little Explorers all the best and success in all their future endeavours.
Ramesh Rayappan
10 January 2015
Thank you for the wonderful teaching learning experience given to our precious little son. You and your staff (Anushka, Chamindri and Cathy) at Little Explorers made our little boys’s early learning experience one filled with fun and happiness. Most importantly the experience instilled good manners and values. We find him to be a more confident little boy after Little Explorers.
Thank you for being gentle but firm. The long hours you spent meticulously planning their daily schedules, excursions and the wonderful concert are much appreciated. Thank you for your endless patience and kindness.
Thank you
Inoshi and Bhagya
18 January 2014
Little Explorers has transformed my kids in unexpected ways. My kids have developed in all areas – independence, love for learning, social skills etc in a loving and safe environment that encourages their unique personality to blossom.
Sanchita and her teachers don’t look for short cuts and take so much trouble to ensure the Child comes first. On the academic side, my son can read books at 5yrs – English and Sinhala! This is all thanks to Little Explorers. They learn all sorts of other things too but this especially will help with their transition to school.
I also deeply appreciate their understanding and flexible attitude to parents too. Overall, Little Explorers is an exceptional Montessori. I am so happy I stumbled across it.
Kishani
16 December 2013
Observing Yenali’s progress throughout her time at Little Explorers was fascinating to say the least.
Today she is a confident, expressive & immensely imaginative 4 year old thanks to your hard work & dedication for which my wife and I are truly thankful for. Her behavior & skills at her age are admirable and we look forward with great interest as to how she progresses onwards now that she has moved on.
Thank you and your team so much for all that you have done.
Shiraj
12 September 2013
Marc started attending Little Explorers when he was just 2 years old. I must say that Sanchitha and her team are truly amazing and efficient. The Montessori in itself is set in a wonderful and pleasing environment. The toilet facility I must say is excellent! And also the apparatus that is used by the children is fantastic and extremely well maintained.
The kids enjoy a variety of play in the garden which is lovely and very child friendly! The 3 years that Marc spent at Little Explorers has made him a confident little boy and very much ready for School.
My heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Sanchitha and the team for all the hard work and time they give each child. So that each Little Explorer achieves their full potential ready to explore the world.
Niki Wijesinghe
17 August 2013
I have been meaning to write this review for a long time and finally got the time to sit down and put my thoughts together.
Around September of 2011 my husband and I went around Colombo scoping the pre schools that we might put our little Anika in, beginning January of 2012. We looked at schools that were well established- that had years of experience to schools that had opened up more recently. My perception of most of the schools was that they were either wayyyyyy over crowded or the hygiene factor was a major concern. In more than one establishment I was greeted by a swam of mosquitoes and having recently relocated from the States this was quite a concern for me. Also it seemed to me, that most of the more “established “ organizations were simply moneymaking ventures rather than schools that were focused on the education of a child. Needless to say that none of these places appealed to me at all. It was almost mid November and I was getting quite worried for not having settled on a place yet when in conversation with a friend from church, I heard about Little Explorers.
Later that week my husband and I decided to take a tour. From the first moment that we entered Little Explorers my heart began to soar. Sanchita was so warm and welcoming, the place was clean, and class sizes were small. There was a perfect size garden (a BIG plus for me) that was well manicured with lots activities set up for the kids. I made a note that there was a piano, which also made me really happy. Just from that first tour, I felt a lot of stress ease of as I knew immediately that I had found the place that Anika would be attending. Experience in the past 5 months.
Things I love about Little Explorers-
• Class size- Child to teacher ratio is very small allowing individual attention for each child.
• Anika absolutely LOVES school. I can’t emphasize this hard enough. Infact every Saturday she tells me without fail “mama… I haven’t gone to school in a LONNNGGGGGGG time…. “ We have had a few melt downs on poyas when she wasn’t “taken“ to school… LOL
• The monthly progress reports- explaining in detail Anika’s progress in terms of what has been thought and how she interacts etc.
• Monthly e-mail notifications as to what to expect for the month following in terms of events, show –and tell days, etc. This helps me get organized
• LOVES the fact that they already had a field trip. 20 kids (each with a parent as a chaperone) were loaded on a bus and taken to a mini zoo in Jayela and we parents got to see first hand how marvelous the teachers were at interacting and keeping the kids in check. Kids absolutely LOVED it.
• Loves that Anika is learning Sinhala songs (most direct translations from the English version- such as itsy bitsy spider etc.) Things Anika loves about her school- when asked
• Aunty Sanchita, Aunty Anushka and Aunty Kathy…
• Circle time
• Play things
• Toys
• Friends
Overall I can’t say enough of how thrilled we are with this school. In just 5 months we see how much Anika has blossomed and how much her vocabulary has improved. I would highly recommend this place.
Anushka Weerasingha
15 June 2012
Once I decided to put my children in a “school” I looked only at those with the Montessori system as I have always felt that it gave small children a good start in life. When I visited Little Explorers my first impressions were of its small size and impeccable organization. I didn’t need to look further.
What I realized over the several months that my children have been there is how loving and nurturing the Principal and teacher are to their “little children”. I could not have asked for anything more.
My son had to settle in quite a bit and he did it slowly with the caring confidence shown to him at Little Explorers. I was concerned that he should have started Kindergarten in September and Sanchi was willing to work on such a syllabus separately with him. Sanchi’s positivity and devotion to her students is very evident in the way she manages even their off-days. Both the teachers do not compromise on discipline and yet always maintain compassion and kindness. The teachers at Little Explorers have truly helped my children transition very well.
My son is now at Elizabeth Moir School and I am very happy to say he has settled in nicely and is doing well. Much credit is due to Sanchi and Ms. Anushka. Thank you both very much.
Mrinalini Ponnambalam
11 September 2011
Sanchita, I don’t know where to start – I really don’t! We, as Anik’s parents (my son who was just two at the time), will forever be grateful for all that you, Anushka, and Little Explorers, meant to him, and us! The minute we entered Little Explorers, it reminded us of a safe haven where a child has the freedom to explore, learn and experience at his own pace. The school does not compromise on its low student-to-teacher ratio, which is really wonderful (and so rare!) as it means that the teachers can really focus and observe each child. Also, both Sanchita and Anushka maintain a strong sense of discipline but always, always with kindness.
In just a few days of starting school with Sanchita, Anik went from being a little boy on edge (he cried every single morning at his previous pre-school and didn’t want to participate in most activities there), to a two year old who wriggled to be set free from his car seat so that he could run towards the school gate each morning! Anik was an introvert when he started and didn’t like socializing much with his peers – I’ll never forget how Sanchita never pushed him, never forced him into doing anything he was uncomfortable with but instead, let him lead her at his own pace, quiety encouraging him and guiding him with such a loving hand. She always touched base with us to let us know how he was doing – I could always ask her advice and she’d always have time for me. Just thinking about all the time she made for us is humbling.
I was really torn with regret when I had to take Anik out of Little Explorers after my husband got a job offer overseas. Sanchita made it a point to sit down with me and take me, in detail, over the progress Anik had made upto that point, and what I could continue to do at home, as well as what I should look out for when choosing new schools for Anik. She still keeps in touch with me to find out how Anik is doing. You don’t find many people in this world who would go way beyond the call of duty as Sanchita does, and I value this immensely – it touches my heart. I could write more (a lot more!) but what I’d like to end by saying is this – I’ve never known such genuine concern and unwavering faith as Sanchita has, in a child’s ability to conquer all obstacles. I am also yet to meet a teacher who exudes such an unfaltering sense of positivity and optimism in the face of any challenge – it meant the world to me, and Anik, and it still does. Little ones thrive when they know someone believes in them wholeheartedly, and this is exactly what Sanchita and Anushka do! I wish Sanchita, Anushka and Little Explorers the very very best, from the bottom of my heart.
Anjali Tennekoon
18 March 2011
Before we decided to send our daughters to Little Explorers we visited many preschools but found this one especially to be clean, safe and homely and at the same time a place of learning. The pleasant, caring disposition and attitude of the teachers were a great influence. I can happily say that it was a very good decision. Our girls really enjoyed going to school and learnt many new and interesting things in a fun way. Also we like the fact that the Montessori method practiced at Little Explorers teaches discipline in a loving way from a young age and helps children focus better.
Thank you very much for caring for them the way you did.
Wish you all the best.
Gerard and Soraya Ondaatjie
03 December 2010
Little Explorers was a great experience for my little son who has a mind of his own. There was always something new he looked forward to every week. And most importantly he was happy there. Teachers were very enthusiastic and very concerned about his progress. I wish I could have kept him there longer.
Farzana Muhammed
15 August 2010
Satchel joined Little Explorers in March of 2010. I moved him from CIS to Little Explorers as I found that he was not enjoying the very academic work at CIS being the youngest for his class at the time. His desire to explore a more tactile world had not been fully satisfied at CIS at the time.
A short stay at Little Explorers has given him so much confidence. This sense of well being within him is immeasurable. He joined as a little scared boy, whose enthusiasm for exploring had been diminished by the demands of academic work beyond his ability and two terms later he left Little Explorers a beaming confident child with a “can do” attitude about life.
I have to credit Little Explorers Head teacher Sanchita and her team for all the love, attention and dedication she gives her students. Sanchita has ignited the flame of learning in Satchel, a gift that he will have forever.
Thank you.
Shobana Barnes Cooke
05 August 2010