Arborland’s 6th grade students show awards and and medals.

8th graders sporting their medals.

Arborland Montessori Children’s Academy recently competed in this year’s 2025 Orange County Academic Pentathlon. The Academic Pentathlon challenges students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and build the confidence that comes from meaningful intellectual growth. In a remarkable display of excellence, Arborland’s 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students once again soared to victory—celebrating outstanding achievements that embody the school’s inspiring mission: ‘Grow with Wonder, Lead with Purpose.’

Dr. Sueling Chen

In a sit-down interview with Dr. Sueling Chen, Founder and Head of School, I invited her to share the philosophy and guiding principles behind the school’s ongoing success and purpose-driven education.

“Our philosophy is simple, yet profound: Grow with Wonder, Lead with Purpose. This guiding principle is more than just a slogan—it is the foundation of everything we do, from classroom instruction to character development,” said Dr. Chen.

Unlike traditional education, which tends to be teacher-led and standardized, the Montessori method invites students to explore, ask questions, and engage with the world around them. “At Arborland, curiosity is not just welcomed—it’s essential. We believe that when children are encouraged to ask “why” and “how,” they are empowered to think critically, explore deeply, and build the confidence to lead with compassion and clarity,” said Dr. Chen.

Arborland Montessori classrooms are designed to be open and inviting, filled with hands-on materials and flexible learning spaces that promote movement, independence, and peer collaboration. Here, students are active participants in their own educational journeys. Learning is inquiry-based; teachers serve as guides, asking thought-provoking questions that ignite the imagination and stimulate discovery. Lessons are tailored to each child’s pace, interests, and developmental needs, allowing for both academic excellence and emotional growth.

In a Montessori classroom, students of mixed ages learn side by side, mentoring one another and developing strong interpersonal skills. With multiple teachers in the room, each child receives individualized attention and one-on-one support tailored to their unique learning needs. Assessments focus on portfolios, hands-on projects, and self-reflection, rather than traditional standardized tests and rigid test scores.

“Beyond academics, our students develop essential life skills—such as conflict resolution, self-care, critical thinking, communication, and responsibility—that prepare them not only for high school, but for life,” said Dr. Chen. “Our holistic, personalized approach ensures that by the time our 7th and 8th graders graduate, they are confident, capable, and ready for whatever comes next.”

Seventh grader Ryden Chua, age 12, has been a part of the Arborland community since he was just 18 months old. “What makes this school special is the personalized teaching,” he shared. “Right now, I’m learning Algebra 1, and the visual aids really help. We have freedom here and can move at our own pace. If someone needs extra help, the teachers are always there.”

Chua has embraced the academic challenge. “I’m proud of how I’ve managed the increased workload—it’s definitely a big step up from 6th grade. Our public speaking classes have also helped me build confidence with both adults and peers, and made it easier to form new friendships. I was especially proud to earn 1st place in math at our pentathlon competition—against other 8th graders!”

Eigth grader Kiaan Iyer, age 13, joined Arborland in 6th grade and is now preparing to enter high school. “In public school, it felt like we were just copying notes off the board. That kind of learning doesn’t work well for me,” he explained. “At Arborland, everything is more interactive and hands-on. We use math beads and other materials to really understand the concepts instead of just memorizing from a textbook. I recently placed 15th out of 500 students in an Algebra competition and also competed in the national pentathlon digitally and won first place in Science, Social Science, and Math, and 2nd place in the Fine Arts.”

Iyer added, “Arborland education truly opens doors. I’ve been accepted into both the Troy Tech Magnet Program at Troy High School and the Honors Program at Sunny Hills High School. I have to give credit to my teachers—they’ve helped me grow so much.”

He also shared how the school’s supportive environment made a difference. “The teachers here really care. Mrs. Simms helped one of my friends through a difficult time, and Mr. Smith worked closely with a classmate to improve her writing. Arborland tailors the experience to each student’s needs. The public speaking classes helped me come out of my shell—I used to be really shy. And with so many electives, we all get the chance to explore our interests and grow in our own way. Every teacher here genuinely wants to see us succeed,” said Iyer

“At Arborland, we believe that every child possesses a unique talent and inner strength,” continued Dr. Chen. “Our mission is to help them discover and cultivate that strength through meaningful, rigorous, and joyful learning experiences. It is this individualized approach that builds not only smart students, but confident, compassionate leaders.”

This belief was powerfully demonstrated at the 2025 Orange County Academic Pentathlon, where Arborland’s 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students achieved exceptional results. Competing in Division 1—the highest and most challenging level—the school’s students showcased not just academic mastery, but the confidence, curiosity, and resilience fostered by a Montessori education.

The 6th grade team earned 1st Place in the Division 1 Super Quiz and 2nd Place Overall Team Award, a testament to their collaborative spirit and love of learning. Meanwhile, the advanced 7th/8th grade team—competing above their grade level—secured 4th Place in both the Super Quiz and Overall Team standings in the 8th grade division.

Dr. Chen remarked, “These wins are more than medals—they are milestones in our students’ journeys of discovery. The Academic Pentathlon provides a platform for deep thinking, teamwork, and the kind of confidence that comes from genuine intellectual growth.”

Notable individual achievements included 11-year-old 6th grader Aly Cuculici earning 1st Place in Literature, and 14-year-old 8th grader Sirisha Sriram capturing 1st Place in Math—remarkable accomplishments that reflect the school’s commitment to nurturing both curiosity and high standards.

Reflecting on Dr. Chen’s statements, Sirisha Sriram added, “Our school promotes both group and individualized learning. If we’ve already mastered the required curriculum, we’re encouraged to move ahead in our studies—giving us the opportunity to explore additional subjects and electives that match our interests. Group sessions help us dive deeper into the subject matter, and the smaller class sizes mean our teachers can give us more individual attention. Further, our public speaking sessions has really helped me gain confidence. Through service learning—especially during Gallery Night—we’ve learned how to manage committees, delegate tasks, take on real responsibilities, and even handle money, which has taught us practical lessons in finance. We also get to choose our own electives, which gives us a sense of independence and helps us learn how to manage our time and responsibilities. In service learning, we’re held accountable for our actions, which teaches us ownership and leadership.”

Arborland Montessori attributes their continued success to the school’s leadership philosophy: one that places experienced educators at the helm.

“Strong schools require strong leadership,” Dr. Chen explained. “In public education, policy is often shaped by elected officials—many of whom have never taught in a classroom. That creates a gap between ideology and reality. At Arborland, leadership is rooted in firsthand knowledge of child development and daily classroom life. When education is led with vision and heart, excellence follows.”

This connection between leadership and learning is critical. As Dr. Chen noted, “Where traditional education often focuses on fixed answers, we begin with questions. Curiosity is the compass that guides our students. When children are allowed to wonder, explore, and engage in rigorous, joyful learning, they develop not only academic mastery but also a deep sense of purpose.”

Arborland Montessori is not just a school—it is a community where students are encouraged to discover who they are, what they love, and how they can make a difference. By embracing curiosity, celebrating individuality, and cultivating leadership from within, Arborland students aren’t just prepared for tests—they are prepared for life.

“As we celebrate our students’ accomplishments at the 2025 Academic Pentathlon, we are reminded that wonder fuels learning, and purpose drives leadership. And at Arborland, every child is given the tools to do both,” concluded Dr. Chen.