Saxtons River Montessori School

Our mission statement:

Guided by the Montessori philosophy, the Saxtons River Montessori School cultivates:

•  a child’s innate curiosity and creativity
• an inclusive, nurturing learning environment
• a sense of community and global citizenship

The Saxtons River Montessori School exists….

• to provide the highest quality educational environment for the children who attend the Saxtons River Montessori School, Inc.;
• as a cooperative school governed jointly by the parents and teachers of the children, in the best interests of the children;
• to provide a resource for the local community through the invitation of professional educators and other interested parties to observe the classroom, and to conduct such teacher training programs as are consistent with the other expressed aims of the Saxtons River Montessori School, Inc.

From the Articles of Association filed with the Vermont Secretary of State on May 24, 1991

The Faculty & Staff

The Saxtons River Montessori School staff is comprised of experienced teachers, trained in the Montessori approach. They carefully plan the environment in the interests of the children, and facilitate classroom activity by helping children progress from one activity to the next. They are trained to guide the children individually, allowing them to choose from many activities within their range of ability. The guides stand back while the children are working and allow them the satisfaction of their own discovery.

The Building

The Saxtons River Montessori School is nestled in the heart of Saxtons River, Vermont. This location is well placed to serve children from Saxtons River and the surrounding villages of Vermont and New Hampshire.

We are fortunate to have our little school in a beautiful village home, which reflects Dr. Maria Montessori’s original vision of a Casa dei Bambini, or a “House of Children.” In a house designed specifically for children, everything is child-sized and child-oriented so that the student can be self-directed and independent. Our Victorian farmhouse was built in the late nineteenth century and acquired by the school in the early 1990s. The playground and surrounding open fields are an integral part of the SRMS curriculum.

Board of Directors

The Saxtons River Montessori School is a corporation owned by the parent body, which elects a Board of Directors to oversee the financial health and operation of the school. The Board is responsible for hiring teachers and other such staff as deemed necessary for the successful operation of the school. The Board of Directors is comprised of a minimum of four officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to three Members-at-Large. At least one of these members also must be a Community Member. The Board and staff meet at least once every other month, and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings or have a board member represent their comments/concerns. Board members hold three-year terms.

Parent Cooperative

From its inception in 1991 our non-profit school has been an organization governed by a parent body. When a child joins our school community, that child’s caregivers are granted a direct say in the operation of the school. Our collective Saxtons River Montessori School family–the children, teachers, community members, and parents–make SRMS the special and wonderful place that it is today.

The SRMS Board of Directors and staff meet at least once a month, and parents are encouraged to attend these meetings or have a board member represent their comments/concerns. Newsletters, email, the porch bulletin board, invitations, and board meetings are used to alert parents to school projects, needs, and events. Parents help organize and execute school fundraisers. Our main fundraising events are spread throughout the academic year. Due to the cooperative nature of the school, each family is expected to contribute wherever their talents and time allow throughout the school year.

With the active cooperation and participation of many parent volunteers, the school is able to: maintain and beautify the grounds and environment; teach a sense of community; utilize the unique talents and skills of its community members; minimize expenses and, thus, keep the cost of tuition down; and enhance the overall experience for our children.

Accreditation

SRMS operates a licensed, 5-STAR rated, Early Childhood Education Program through the State of Vermont.