How we teach, and when we're open

• Each class is led by two lead teachers, who also help families with administrative needs.
• Now and then, a substitute teacher or a volunteer parent helps out.
• Children stay in the same class until they graduate.

Wind Rose Montessori →   Magnolia Explorers →

"To aid life, leaving it free, however, to unfold itself, that is the basic task of the educator."
Maria Montessori

Children already have a great capacity for learning, what Montessori called "the absorbent mind." When children discover answers themselves, they never forget. They own their learning.

"When one teaches, two learn."
Robert Heinlein

Mixed-age classrooms give room for role modeling, peer learning, collaboration, and teamwork, and let each child move at their own pace.

"Since it is through movement that the will realizes itself, we should assist a child in his attempts to put his will into act."
Maria Montessori

Learning by doing lasts. Practical-life work like dressing frames, spooning, pouring, opening and closing containers, and folding refines fine motor skills.

"Character formation cannot be taught. It comes from experience and not from explanation."
Maria Montessori

During the work cycle, children work with a material as long as they need. Children develop true self-love when they're not subject to constant praise or punishment. We see success in their happiness, maturity, kindness, love of learning, and work.

"Children are not only sensitive to silence, but also to a voice which calls to them, out of that silence."
Maria Montessori

Focusing attention and understanding emotions are among the most important skills we develop. Our classroom invites moments of peace and deep concentration.

Every day, we guide children through social interactions, problem solving, and sharing, with grace and courtesy lessons, role play, and help communicating when conflicts come up.

We're proud of the cultural and national diversity of our families, and we honor each child and family through positive relationships and clear communication.

"The child who has felt a strong love for his surroundings and for all living creatures, who has discovered joy and enthusiasm in work, gives us reason to hope that humanity can develop in a new direction."
Maria Montessori

We value the whole child: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. With the right tools and instructions, children are no longer left out of "adult" work, and they feel truly important to the classroom community.

"When dealing with children there is greater need for observing than of probing."
Maria Montessori

Silent observation lets each child show us what they need. When children come to us to plan their next step, we listen.

Teachers document each child's progress and interests with photos and videos, so you can see their learning, thinking, and friendships.

Montessori isn't only the classroom materials. It's a way of guiding learning that adapts to the place and the learner.

We watch the seasons change, get to know the plants and animals we share the park with through observation and foraging, set up healthy risky play with natural materials, lie in the grass, listen to nature, and practice gratitude.

• Native species and why they matter
• Spotting litter and talking about its impact
• Learning about conservation from parks staff
• Identifying invasive species
• Wild Tending: respectful collecting, setup, and takedown
• Staying on trails, and knowing sensitive plants when off-trail
• Hiking etiquette, so others can enjoy the park too

Children also learn to be good teammates who encourage, value, and listen to one another, and to understand other perspectives in our community.

• Connects children with nature, or mixes natural and human-made materials
• Real, found, or recycled whenever possible
• Low environmental impact: no microplastics like glitter or sequins, and no styrofoam, small plastic bits, chemicals, or other pollutants

• Help with cooking projects
• Join walks
• Read stories
• Share your language, culture, hobbies, or expertise
• Plan events with the room parents
• Organize teacher appreciation week
• Repair classroom materials
• Donate new classroom materials

Talk with your teacher about what you'd like to do.

Visiting etiquette →   Parent Resources →

@windrosemontessori →   Slack or Brightwheel? →