What is Montessori

Montessori is an educational method based on the research and lifelong work of educator and physician, Maria Montessori. While the content areas of a Montessori education are much the same as those in traditional education programs, it is the methods that make Montessori different. Montessori can be found in public, private, charter and magnet schools all around the world. Montessori “works” for such a diverse population because it is a method founded on scientific observation of children. The methods meet the needs of the child’s developing brain, a constant within our biological species.

Characteristics of a Montessori program include:

• Multi-age classrooms
• Individually-paced learning
• Teachers as Guides
• Integrated curriculum
• Montessori materials in a carefully prepared environment
• Applied learning experiences
• Self-directed learning and intrinsic motivation
• An emphasis on building community, values education and peace-making skills

As you investigate Montessori education and Chaffee County Montessori School , we hope the information we provide here will help you formulate your own educational philosophy, determine if a Montessori education would benefit your family and help you make informed choices about your child’s education.

We’re always available to answer your questions about this most significant aspect of your child’s life. Call us at 539-4887 or email our Head of School: Claudia@chaffeemontessori.com.

The Story of CCMS

Chaffee County Montessori School was founded in 2007 by Rebecca Adelman with the help of  Montessorians Doug and Claudia Mann. Planning a permanent move to Chaffee County, Rebecca wanted to establish a school for her son, Max, who had been attending a Montessori school since he was two and a half, and his many friends in Chaffee County. As a Montessori parent, Rebecca had seen the love for learning that had been instilled in her son and wanted to provide this educational opportunity to the families of Chaffee County. Doug and Claudia brought with them more than 50 years of combined teaching and organizational experience in both public and private Montessori schools across the county.

CCMS has a strategic plan for expansion through high school: growing with our oldest students; adding one grade level with each passing year. Because we want CCMS to be a true educational alternative, we provide financial assistance based on each family’s individual needs.

Maria Montessori gave a great gift to all children: learning without limits so each child could grow into a triumphant adult. We are thrilled to bring her vision to Chaffee County.

Supposing I said there was a planet without schools or teachers, where study was unknown, and yet the inhabitants - doing nothing but living and walking about - came to know all things, to carry in their minds the whole of learning, would you not think I was romancing?
Well, just this, which seems so fanciful as to be nothing but the invention of a fertile imagination, is a reality. It is the child’s way of learning. This is the path he follows. He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so he passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.
                                                     -Dr. Maria Montessori, MD

Please note that we are currently accepting applications for our 2012 summer programs and the 2011/2012 school year. Initial application paperwork should be completed as soon as possible as spaces are filling. Financial Aid application for the 2011/2012 school year can be completed by clicking below under the FAST icon.
We will be accepting Financial Aid Applications through June 15. Awards will be announced by June 30th.

Thank you for your interest in Chaffee County Montessori School. We welcome you to explore the exciting school and community we are building and hope you will soon become a part of the joy that Montessori education brings to our lives.

Sincerely,

The Board of CCMS: Rebecca Adelman, Claudia Mann and Doug Mann

CCMS Board of Directors

• Rebecca Adelman, President: Founder and Attorney
• Doug Mann, Vice President: Elementary I Lead Teacher, Montessori training 3-12
• Claudia Mann, Secretary/Treasurer: Head of School, Montessori training 6-15
• Sonnie McFarland: peace educator, retired Montessori teacher and head of school, training 3-6
• Bruce Newman: Attorney and  CPA