Our fundamental values and beliefs as a Montessori school

  1. We believe that every member of our community has a fundamental right to be treated with respect, regardless of age.
  2. In keeping with the true meaning of the word discipline, which is to teach, we prefer to model and encourage appropriate, kind, and considerate ways to behave in various situations.
  3. Intelligence is not rare. We do not subscribe to the “Bell Curve” theory for measuring performance, and respectfully submit that the vast majority of people have the intelligence and natural ability required to learn everything they need to lead full, happy, and productive lives.
  4. Wisdom can be cultivated. We believe that true wisdom is the ability to listen to your heart and know how best to put your intelligence to work for you. In order to achieve this goal, self- esteem, human dignity, and emotional well-being, as well as the ability to communicate and cooperate effectively with others, must be valued at least as highly as academic and material success.
  5. Self-esteem is the crucial ingredient for the full expression of a person’s potential.
  6. The School’s expectations: In all cases we set our expectations high, not asking individuals to do more than they are capable of, but consistently stressing at all levels the importance of careful work and pride in accomplishment. We carefully build a supportive environment for the unhurried mind to move steadily toward the pursuit of excellence.
  7. The School is centered around the stages of personal development.
  8. Active learning: We promote active rather than passive learning.
  9. Practical life: To facilitate and encourage a sense of independence, we deliberately teach a wide range of practical life skills appropriate to each child’s level of development. We regard this as a vital element affecting the design of our entire curriculum.
  10. Health and Safety: the development of sound habits of safety, nutrition and hygiene.
  11. Commitment to the Community: We expect all members of our community, students, parents, guides and support staff to be committed, contributing members of the community, and to show support for the rules, regulations and principles established by the community, and we are prepared to support them in this effort as in some cases it may involve a paradigm shift.