(3) It is challenging to find plastic materials in the classroom. The classroom has an almost museum-like quality to it because everything within it is lovely.
Fantastic environment and amazing teachers!
During the 2016-2017 school year, I sent my 4 and 3 year old sons to MCMS. The loving, brilliant and seasoned staff created an intimate environment where I saw my children blossom. I really enjoyed parent teacher conferences, where the teachers were able to explain the Montessori method in a succinct and engaging manner. This school is unique - small class sizes, 100% pure Montessori, and 100% self discovery and growth for any child who attends. I recommend it!
Lastly, a related word about the religious aspect of this school: it is a very gentle presence, and seems to me a guide to the spirit of the classroom than the core of the curriculum. The children learn Christianity through occasional Bible stories and through occasional interactions with the Greek Orthodox priest who serves the church in which the school is located, but it is mostly through the gentle spirit in which the school is run in which they learn to love and serve their community as Christians.
If you are searching for a small, well-run, Montessori school with a big heart, you just found it!
This school is excellent, in every sense of the word. Anna and Julie have created a loving, calming, and supportive environment for small kids to learn and grow. Both educators have backgrounds in traditional Montessori teaching which allows the kids to hold on to and foster their love of and strong desire to learn. And they learn in ways that come naturally to kids; through play, observation (watching older kids) and teaching (mentoring younger kids). We've been lucky enough to have Anna in our kids lives for a few years now. She is the best early childhood educator I've known. I have never known someone who is so attuned to the intricacies of each individual child and their specific needs. She does not have a 'formula' or a 'one sized fits all' approach to kids; she has a unique ability to understand each child - their strengths, their fears, their motivations, etc., and work with them to bring out their best self. The kids learn the subjects typically taught in school - language, math, etc., but even more importantly (in my opinion) is that they learn empathy, self-care, respect, and friendship. They are gaining a foundation for the rest of their lives for how to be a good human being. I don't know where we'd be without Anna, Julie and the Missoula Christian Montessori School.
Missoula Christian Montessori School has exceeded all our expectations. It is a faith-based, beautiful, loving, calm, and nurturing environment. The large outdoor play area is perfect for my energetic son. I highly recommend this school, we could not be happier!
(4) I like that this school does not feel like an institution, but also does not feel like someone's home. I think that is a good sweet spot to send a preschooler, and sends a message that there are different challenges that the child is supposed to meet in this different environment, but that the challenges are not overwhelming.
(1) Not all Montessori schools are equal. There is no requirement that a school must meet to hold themselves out as Montessori. We did not take this seriously with our first school and ended up in what proved to be a daycare dressed in Montessori clothing.
But really, all of these reasons are not the *main* reason that this little school is such a gem-- it is the leadership of the Head of School, Anna Sanor, and of the Lead Teacher, Julie Fayen. Both are AMI certified, which our experience elsewhere has made a requirement for us. But more importantly, they are lovely people who feel called to serve children with faith and love.
(2) Too small, and your child will not be exposed to enough social challenges, too big, and your child will be lost. This school is just the right size for us.
We have four children. This is the third Montessori school in Missoula we have had a child attend, and is, for us, the best out of all we've tried. We've been at MCMS for 1 year now, and will stay for the next year, and will likely send our baby when she is old enough. Reasons: (1) this is a true Montessori school, (2) the class size is perfect, (3) the materials are top-notch, (4) the environment is homey but still professional in feel, and, most importantly, (5) it is run by professional Montessori educators who are guided by a true faith-based desire to serve their community by serving children.
Missoula Christian Montessori School is a US School based in Missoula, Montana. Missoula Christian Montessori School is located at 301 S 6th St W, Missoula, MT 59801, USA.
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