Episode Details

Across the country, Horizons National is helping change that. With more than 70 affiliated programs, the national nonprofit partners with schools to provide high-quality summer learning experiences that help students stay engaged academically while opening doors to new opportunities. At Lexington Montessori School, Director Maricarmen Sullivan and longtime Horizons student Mayelis Burgos-Sanchez share what that looks like in practice—and why its impact extends far beyond the classroom.

Together, they discuss:

• how Horizons helps prevent summer learning loss
• why meaningful relationships are just as important as academics
• creating opportunities through swimming, enrichment, and hands-on learning
• how Montessori principles support students from underserved communities
• the role families, educators, and local partners play in expanding opportunity
• what one student's journey reveals about the lasting impact of investing in children

Whether it's discovering a love of learning, gaining confidence in the water, or simply being surrounded by adults who believe in their potential, this conversation is a reminder that when children are given meaningful opportunities, six weeks can shape far more than a summer.

Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org