Sarah DelValle, Andover School of Montessori Class of 2024, is a thriving member of the Central Catholic High School Class of 2028.
Sarah carries with her the valuable lessons and experiences gained during her time at Andover School of Montessori. In a recent conversation, Sarah indicated that among the most important skills she developed were the confidence to ask questions, strong time management, and a deep sense of respect for those around her, peers and teachers alike. For Sarah, these qualities are more than academic, they are tools she believes will serve her well in high school and beyond.
Throughout her educational journey at ASM, Sarah credits her teachers with playing a particularly influential role. She fondly remembers Mrs. O’Brien for helping her build a solid foundation in fractions and decimals, and Mrs. Orlowitz for guiding her through the challenges of simplifying rational expressions. She also appreciated the thoughtful instruction from Ms. Records and Ms. Skoric, whose detailed explanations and creative visuals helped make complex concepts more accessible.
Sarah especially enjoyed Physical Education (PE) class, where high-energy games like dodgeball and kickball gave her a fun and active way to start the day. She viewed PE not only as a physical outlet, but also as a way to stay energized and reduce stress. It was especially helpful when it was the first class on Wednesday mornings.
Among her favorite subjects, Sarah highlights math, science, and writing. She appreciated the way math lessons incorporated tools like Desmos to visualize solutions, and how assignments reinforced classroom learning. In science, hands-on labs and creative projects—such as illustrating natural selection through a comic strip—made learning memorable and fun. Writing also stood out to Sarah as a place where she could refine her grammar and punctuation while developing her voice through essays and creative stories.
Sarah’s time at ASM was filled with meaningful experiences outside the classroom as well. She cherished the time spent with friends during lunch and recess, sharing stories and laughter. Overnight trips like the Leadership School at Kieve helped her class grow closer, and traveling to New York City for the Montessori Model United Nations gave them a shared adventure to remember.
When asked what advice she would offer current students and families, Sarah emphasizes the importance of being present and organized. “Take your time on assignments and tests,” she says, “and make the most of the friendships you build, they go by faster than you think.” She also recommends using a planner or agenda to keep track of important dates, especially as schoolwork becomes more demanding in Upper Elementary and Middle School. Her advice for handling Middle School? “With the right mindset and good organization, it’s a piece of cake!”
Sarah is excited about her high school journey at Central Catholic. She chose the school because it aligns with her Christian faith, offers an Honors Program she was selected for, and fosters a sense of service through its community engagement opportunities. The indoor campus layout was another plus, and she feels confident knowing that many ASM graduates have gone on to succeed there.
At Central Catholic, Sarah joined the yearbook club and ran track and field freshman year. She’s also interested in getting involved in clubs like the Art Club and Theater Guild, where she hopes to further develop her creativity and perhaps try her hand at acting in a school play.
Sarah left ASM with gratitude—for the teachers who supported her, the classmates who made her days brighter, and the many experiences that helped shape who she is today. She’s ready for what’s next, carrying with her the confidence, curiosity, and community spirit that defined her time at ASM.
