Free State Montessori

The primary purpose of the FSMS is educational, based on the principles, techniques, and philosophy advocated by Dr. Maria Montessori, using a constructivist, collaborative, developmental, and experiential approach to the whole child as noted by Jean Piaget and other researchers such as Alfred Adler, John Dewey, Howard Gardner, Daniel Goleman, M. Scott Peck, Brian Swimme and Riane Eisler. These educational philosophies are also matched in Quaker principles and values that lead us to acknowledge the inestimable value of each human being, consensus decision making, non-violent conflict management, inner reflection, integrity, simplicity and social responsibility.

These principals and beliefs lead us to:

• Authentic Montessori Philosophy : We authentically implement the teaching principles, techniques and central philosophy advocated by the late Dr. Maria Montessori. We will promote the understanding and education of Montessori philosophy and methodology to the general public.

• Incorporation of Current Educational Theory and Practice : We work to incorporate current research and appropriate findings into the educational practice of the Montessori approach to education.

• Educating the Whole Child : We strive to aid the child in the development of the whole self-which encompasses the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the individual.

• Understanding and Embracing Differences and Diversity : We will encourage and develop in each child a positive and loving attitude toward self, the world, and others by respecting each child as a unique individual with awareness and acceptance of their particular gifts, abilities, and limitations. We strive toward the development of a diverse school community, rich in cultural, economic, and intellectual diversity.

• Respect and Concern for all of Humankind : We aim to promote character and universal values which include a genuine love and respect for all humankind, a true love of learning, kindness and compassion, tolerance, understanding of differences, integrity; personal excellence in all things, and social responsibility towards others.

• Co-learning Process : We recognize that the learning process belongs to each child and therefore we cannot own his work. We strive to facilitate the learning process as co-learners so that children can become self-aware, self-disciplined, confident, competent, independent and self-motivated individuals capable of assuming lifelong responsibility for their own learning and for being happy, self- actualized, responsible, and contributing adults.

• Holistic Developmental Approach : We nurture the spiritual development of each child by providing opportunities for experiencing both outward and inward challenges and the time for self-reflection and honest self-evaluation.

• Individualized Approach : We address the differing temperaments, learning styles, and needs of each child by providing an individualized approach and a wealth of opportunity for individual exploration in all areas and in many different manners.

• Whole School Community : We seek to create a true school community and specific classroom communities by recognizing and promoting the partnership between families and faculty. We strive to actively and continually develop open and effective lines of communication between home and school, and provide opportunities for parent education and faculty development.

• Environmental and Experiential Learning : We promote and teach the respect and care of the environment, recognizing our place in it, our connection to all things, and our responsibility for stewardship by promoting simple living and providing outdoor educational opportunities using an experiential model.

• Social Responsibility : We recognize our responsibility as world citizens by providing service and care to our neighboring and worldwide communities through outreach and service projects that offer help and support to those in need.