The Staten Island Montessori School was founded in 1965
as an alternative education program following the
philosophy and methodology of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our
school has grown from one class to a charming country
school in the shadow of old Staten Island in Prince's
Bay. We have added a satellite location nestled in a
quiet alcove off Victory Blvd. in the Alba House. Both
branches uphold the educational standards of the
Montessori philosophy. The Staten Island Montessori School offers a unique
combination of carefully planned curricula specifically
developed to meet the needs of each student as well as a
broad based arts and music program. Our preschool
program as well as our elementary program are carefully
designed to maximize our use of the environment
combining classroom activities with outdoor enrichment.
In 2005 we established the Institute for Cultural
Studies, a middle school program designed to prepare
students for high school with a well rounded curriculum.
Math, science, language and cultural subjects are
offered along with the practical activities of
gardening, cooking, music and art.
The Staten Island Montessori School is a unique
community-one that challenges the current myths and
dogmas of traditional education theory and practice and
provides an alternative environment where your children
explore social, emotional and academic areas with
intensity and vigor.
Specialists
In addition to our classroom curriculum, we are strong
believers in the natural artistic process. Through hands
on exploration children discover the properties of our
diverse world. Gardening, Spanish, Music, Yoga, Art and
culinary skills are combined to create activities that
are essential to a child's development. It is the
creative process that enables the children to experience
insights into their ideas and views of the world.
Through our various programs, children learn tolerance
and respect by working together whether on a group
collage or a colorful garden. It's the opportunity to
express ideas and thoughts. Creativity and problem
solving are encouraged.
We believe that art is
everywhere and part of everything. Our programs are
effective tools for social interaction. They encourage
children to express their individual uniqueness.
Family
At the Staten Island Montessori School we strive to
promote parent involvement in everyday activities. We
believe that a strong partnership with parents is an
integral part of the child's total development.
There are many established traditions at the Staten
Island Montessori School. Octoberfest, Yearbook, Art
Auction, Open House and the school picnic are planned
and executed by parents. The staff is also responsible
for a few traditional events - specifically Mother-child
night and Father-child night. These special evenings are
essentially an intimate sharing time between the child
and his/her parent.
