About Us

Mountain Montessori Early Learning Centre offers a Montessori program that closely follows the philosophy as set out by the A.M.I. (Association Montessori International). The school is housed in Hume Elementary School in beautiful Nelson, BC.

What is Montessori?

The Montessori method is an approach to learning named after its founder, Dr. Maria Montessori, who was, in many ways, ahead of her time. She became the first female physician in Italy in 1870. In her medical practice, her clinical observations led her to analyze how children learn, how they build themselves from what they find in their environment.

In 1907, Montessori founded the first Casa dei Bambini, or “Children’s House”, in Rome. What ultimately became the Montessori method of education developed there, based upon Montessori’s scientific observations of the children’s almost effortless ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, as well as their tireless interest in manipulating materials.

Montessori At a Glance

Montessori education has achieved worldwide recognition and success. This condensed explanation will acquaint you with the many advantages that Montessori offers your child.
The Montessori method has been time-tested for 75 years and has achieved success throughout the world with children.
Montessori is a totally positive environment for children.
In the scientifically prepared environment of the true Montessori school, the child develops the prime elements of character: freedom, concentration, independence, self-discipline, industry, and sense of reality in an atmosphere of co-operation.
Each child is taught individually.
The child's natural development of language is utilized in the process of learning to read.
Children work at their own pace and at their own level.
Children have the unique opportunity to fulfill their potential.
Habits and skills developed in a Montessori classroom remain for a lifetime.
The Montessori classroom is a land of opportunity for the child as well as a truly joyful place to be.
Though much has been said about the academic achievements of Montessori children, the true value lies in the self-discipline, self-mastery, and love of learning that children achieve.

Mountain Montessori Early Learning Centre Mission Statement

At Mountain Montessori Early Learning Centre, we strive to create an environment that reflects the glory of life where learning occurs naturally and is child-driven, thus developing a life-long love of learning. By embracing the uniqueness of each individual, we work together to create lasting impressions as well as compassionate members of our global community.

Goals and Objectives

Some of the specific goals for the students at Mountain Montessori Early Learning Centre are:

to help develop each child's ultimate potential
to develop high self-esteem
to develop independence
to develop concentration
to develop socially-acceptable behaviour
to develop a positive attitude towards school

The main objective of Mountain Montessori is to provide children with a carefully designed, stimulating environment. Exposure to such an environment will help the children to develop within themselves the foundational habits, attitudes, skills, and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning.

When you enroll your child, you become a member of Mountain Montessori and enter into a special “partnership” with the school. In order to provide your child with the best possible care, it is essential that we work together to establish open communication and a trusting relationship. We offer a nurturing environment where we encourage parents to approach us to discuss any issues that may arise or to ask for clarification or assistance.

In order for registration to be accepted, the following are required:

completed registration form
signed release and conditions and tuition contract
the payment as stated in the contract
photocopy of your child's birth certificate
photocopy of your child's immunization records.
4 x 6 photo of your child, with a short description written on the backside; name, address, telephone number, age, weight, height, eye, and hair colour, any identifying marks.

Please contact us to set up an appointment to view a class in session. We will be happy to give you a tour of the class and answer any questions you may have.

Our school year coincides closely with the public school schedule. However, we begin the school year with a gradual entry for new children. All statutory holidays are observed.

Class Tours

All children will have a scheduled classroom tour on the first school day in September. We ask the children to bring Mom and Dad, but please make other arrangements, if possible, for siblings. These tours should take an average of fifteen minutes.

Gradual Entry

A gradual entry process that will best meet the needs of your child will be arranged prior to the beginning of the school year. A three-week orientation period, consisting of smaller groups and shorter periods of time is necessary upon entry to the school. This is to allow your child to adapt to his/her new environment, new friends and the concept of school. Dates and times that your child will attend school will be handed out before school begins. After this period, normal school hours will be observed.

Snacks

Parents are asked to provide a healthy snack for their children with enough nourishment for the day.

Clothing

In addition to being practical and comfortable, clothing worn to school should be easy for children to manage by themselves. Please bring a complete change of “clearly labeled” indoor clothing for your child. A bag is provided for clothing and kept at school in a cubby. All children should have a pair of labeled, slip-on or velcro ties, non-skid, soft-soled indoor shoes to be left at school.

Birthdays

Birthday celebrations are a welcome event in the classroom. You may send a special snack that day. Nutritious cupcakes, carrot cakes or fruit bars are preferable. A special book or photographs of your child growing up is another consideration to be shared with the class. You may wish to present a book or artifact on nature, science, or history to the classroom that will be part of the permanent library collection. Please write on the inside of the book cover: “Presented to Mountain Montessori Early Learning Centre on the occasion of (child's name and age) Birthday.”

Communication

Monthly newsletters and notices regarding various events and or changes that may come up during the school year will be communicated via email. This information will also be posted on the classroom bulletin board. Please read these and inform nannies, sitters or carpool drivers to do the same.

Observations

Twice yearly, parents will have an opportunity to observe the classroom. This provides you with a first-hand experience of your child's interactions with peers and with the materials in the classroom. Schedules will be posted on the bulletin board for parents to sign up at a designated time.

Parent Orientation Evening

A Parent Orientation evening will be held for new and returning families attending the school. The purpose of these evenings is to allow families to interact with the materials in the classroom, answer questions you may have relating to the program, meet the staff and other families. New families are encouraged to attend these evenings. A pot-luck dinner will be shared.

"The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child's whole personality"

Maria Montessori