Crescent Montessori School : About

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

The school year, 2009-2010 marks the 15th year for Crescent Montessori School. Formerly Vintage Country Day School founded by a group of parents in 1983, the school changed hands in the fall 1994 when Karin Niehoff, Head Teacher, became owner and director. The school continues the tradition of offering a quality Montessori program for children ages 2 - 5 in the Primary class and ages 5-7 in the Junior Elementary class and 8-12 in the Senior Elementary. As we continue to grow a grade level is added each year. Our connection to the community is lasting and strong thanks to the many families whose children have started their school years in our lovely classroom at the Sonoma Community Center. Our Staff is dedicated to providing the best possible environment for each child to flourish and grow during the important formative years and continuing with us through Elementary.

Like all Montessori schools, CMS emphasizes hands-on discovery-based learning. The philosophy of our school includes recognizing and protecting the natural curiosity of each child during the developmental years. Meeting the needs of the great imagination, which characterizes the elementary years, and the abiding social development of the middle school years. In guiding children, based on their own interests, we strive to impart a strong foundation of basic skills along with a pattern for a lifelong love of learning.

At CMS the Lead Teachers are trained in Montessori philosophy and technique. We work to prepare a dynamic environment that in itself encourages each child to make choices based on their own needs and interests. Our teachers are trained to guide through observation giving well-placed challenges and inviting children to try something new.
Both classrooms offer a wide variety of Montessori materials, supplemented with traditional and handmade materials. In the Primary class children are free to choose activities and move about the room. They are gently invited to lessons and enjoy watching others with their activities. The Montessori Elementary curriculum is organized as a continuum with one step building on the previous one. In the Elementary class the teacher and child collaborate on daily and weekly work plans. The structure of freedom and responsibility is carefully balanced. The concept of mixed ages promotes an atmosphere of cooperation, teamwork and peer teaching. The unique design of the materials and the structure of the tasks lead children to the development of self-discipline. The warm and friendly atmosphere provides a safe place where each child’s social experience is guided with love and respect.

We are aware that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Parenting forms each child’s core belief about who they are at the very beginning of their being. The responsibility of working in partnership with our parents at this crucial time in their young lives plays a significant role in our daily relationship.

Crescent Montessori maintains a Private School Affidavit on file with the California State Department of Education and fully complies with all requirements of the California Education Code pertaining to private elementary schools. The facility also complies with the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing requirements for child care centers.
CMS is licensed by the State of California department of Children and Family Services.
We have initiated the process of accreditation with WASC Western Area Schools and Colleges and AMS American Montessori Society. Our first site visit will begin in the Fall of 2010. Our lead teachers have AMI and AMS Montessori training and as individuals are members of two professional Montessori organizations; Association Montessori International and The North American Montessori Teachers Association. Through our professional organizations we actively continue our education and staff training. Each member of our staff has current CPR and First Aid training.

Location:
Crescent Montessori School
276 East Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476