As we embark on a journey into the 21st century, we as
educators are faced with the task of preparing our young
children with the academic and social skills needed to
be successful in this our brave new world. The faces of
the people in our communities, our offices, our
political government is as diverse as never before. Our
industries have become more complex requiring our young
people to be open minded to new ideas and innovative
responses. Hence, the educational approach to prepare
our children for life should mirror these needs. In
response to our ever changing world, The Staten Island
Montessori School is implementing new and exciting
programs to help take our children into the 21st century
armed with the knowledge to be successful in whatever
endeavors they may explore.
Groundbreaking improvements within the building are
being implemented to better accommodate our growing
student body. As a result, a curriculum to meet the
needs of our students has been developed to exceed the
standards deemed necessary by the public school system.
The Institute of Cultural Studies, the first Montessori
middle school program on Staten Island, was developed to
focus on the global community as well as math, science,
language arts, music and the arts. Its curriculum is
highly structured to engage the children in their
learning and prepare them for high school. Making the
connections across the subject areas is the key in
helping our children to better understand our changing
world. Connecting with others, working with others and
respecting each person regardless of ability encourages
tolerance and understanding of all individuals.
Many children come to our school because of the small
class sizes, individual attention, and the safety and
nurturing that is extended to all our children. The
Staten Island Montessori School, with all its new
changes on the horizon will first and foremost maintain
its responsibility of cultivating respect and equality
among its students. No child will be left behind.
Our goal at The Staten Island Montessori School is to
address the needs of our constantly changing academic
and social environment. In doing so, an advisory board
comprised of staff, parents, community members from
businesses and various academic areas has been
instituted. This gathering of people from diversified
backgrounds will help to put forth a strategic plan to
move our school forward. Key speakers from many areas of
expertise will also be made available to parents.
The Staten Island Montessori School is growing in
positive and innovative ways evolving as leaders in
education. Our children are our future and it is not
only our obligation but our esteemed honor to provide
the necessary tools above and beyond what is needed to
successfully cross over into high school and become the
leaders of the future.
