The CVMS Promise
The Cedar Valley Montessori School early childhood education program is designed to fit each child, rather than expecting the child to fit the program. This proven Montessori approach works with your child to instill a natural love of learning that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
The priority of each faculty and staff member at CVMS is to help each child grow socially, emotionally, and academically in an environment that emphasizes individualized learning and respect. CVMS programs are structured to create thoughtful, independent and confident learners who have respect for themselves and the world around them.
What is Montessori?
The Montessori Method of education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in Italy at the turn of the last century. The Montessori Method is structured to work with the developmental instincts of each child. It encourages that child’s growth as a whole individual – intellectually, socially, spiritually, and physically.
Maria Montessori became one of Italy’s first licensed female physicians in 1896. She went on to obtain degrees in psychology and philosophy, and founded a school where she closely observed children’s learning at different ages.
Based on her findings, Dr. Montessori created a distinct system of learning unique to each stage of a child’s development characterized by:
- A home-like environment geared to the child’s perspective
- Respect for each child as a unique learner
- A structured prepared classroom where children have freedom of choice within limits
- Carefully-crafted Montessori learning materials (sometimes called “apparatus”) that promote conceptual learning
- Specially trained teachers
- Carefully integrated interdisciplinary curriculum
- Multi-age classrooms
- Ample work periods
- Mutual respect with students, teachers and the community
CVMS educators follow the best practices of Maria Montessori, which prepare children to be:
- Academically prepared for higher education and lifelong learning
- Intrinsically motivated to learn and engage in new activities
- Guided by internalized ground rules – to behave appropriately in the absence of an authority figure
- Socially responsible – sensitive to the needs of others
- Autonomous – self-directed and comfortable with their growing independence
- Confident and competent – not afraid of failure and willing to learn from mistakes
- Creative and original in thought – often taking great satisfaction in self-expression
- Spiritually aware of the natural world and the human condition.