It is with immense gratitude and admiration that I share my heartfelt testimonial for Ms. Amelia Sherwood and her exceptional preschool Sankofa Learning Center in New Haven, CT. As a parent, I’ve had the privilege of seeing my child flourish under Ms. Amelia’s care, and I can confidently say that this school is not just a preschool—it’s a transformative experience that goes beyond education. It is a place where children are nurtured, inspired, and given the tools to thrive both academically and emotionally.

From the moment we first walked through the doors of Ms. Amelia’s preschool, we felt a warm embrace. Her genuine care and unwavering dedication to each child’s development are immediately evident. Ms. Amelia has created an environment where children feel seen, heard, and loved. She understands that every child is unique, and her ability to connect with each one individually is nothing short of remarkable. There is a palpable sense of safety and belonging within the school that is both rare and incredibly special. My child looks forward to each day with excitement and joy, knowing that they are stepping into a place where their well-being is the top priority.

One of the most striking aspects of Ms. Amelia’s approach is her deep commitment to the principles of Montessori education. She is a trailblazer in the way she seamlessly blends traditional Montessori methods with a modern, forward-thinking  and culturally sensitive approach. Her innovative practices—whether it’s the way she incorporates experiential learning, fosters independent thinking, or encourages problem-solving in real-life contexts—have had an extraordinary impact on my child’s growth. I’ve seen my child’s confidence and curiosity soar as a result of the autonomy and respect Ms. Amelia fosters in the classroom. It’s evident that she is not only committed to helping children learn what to think, but also how to think, instilling in them the foundation for lifelong learning.

Ms. Amelia is a champion of the Montessori philosophy, but she also knows that education is not just about academics. Her ability to nurture emotional intelligence and social skills is one of the most remarkable aspects of her teaching. She places great emphasis on teaching children how to interact with others respectfully, how to work collaboratively, and how to resolve conflicts independently. No question is taboo and cultural sensitivity is centered in the classroom. These skills, which are often overlooked in traditional educational settings, are vital in helping children navigate the world with empathy, confidence, and resilience. My child has learned not only how to engage with their peers but also how to understand and express their own emotions in a healthy way. This emotional foundation is something that will serve them well throughout their entire life.

The sense of community that Ms. Amelia has cultivated is truly extraordinary. She has created a space where parents, children, and staff work together in harmony, forming a tight-knit, supportive network.  This sense of belonging, which was particularly important to me and my child- who is bilingual-  is something that has extended beyond the classroom, where we’ve been invited into the life of the school through regular parent-teacher communications, community events, and gatherings. Ms. Amelia’s belief in the power of collaboration is palpable, and it has fostered a sense of unity that feels rare in today’s fast-paced world. The school is not just a place for education—it is a community, a family, where every child’s development is seen as part of a greater whole.

I cannot recommend Sankofa Leaning Center highly enough. For any parent looking for a nurturing, innovative, and community-driven educational experience that centers Black wellbeing, this is the place. It’s a school that honors the past while inspiring the future, and it is a place where children—and families—can flourish in every sense of the word.

Nana Adusei-Poku