Chiaravalle Montessori School

Discovering Chiaravalle

Over 100 years ago, an Italian scientist named Maria Montessori developed an educational philosophy based on her close observations of the way young children learn. Today, scientists studying the structure and functions of the brain are discovering that many of the factors Montessori recognized as important do, in fact, promote brain development.

I invite you to explore Chiaravalle Montessori School and discover for yourself the value of a Montessori education. Although I am new to Chiaravalle community as Head of School, each day, I have the pleasure of witnessing this “child’s way of learning” — of observing how students are naturally absorbed in exploring the things that fascinate them.

Chiaravalle teachers feel privileged to guide students’ academic progress and social/emotional growth. Our dedicated faculty nurture and support students in their journey from concrete learning during early childhood to abstract learning and critical thinking in elementary and middle school. Through multi-age classes and a variety of enrichment programs, our students develop independence, self-discipline, self-knowledge, academic skills, and a passion for life-long learning.

Chiaravalle rejoices in its diversity of families and celebrates each child’s unique qualities. As we work with families to benefit children, we intend that this joy, respect and acceptance be evident in the school and in all our lives on a daily basis. We hope that you will join us in this effort and encourage you to spend time in the school as a volunteer, observer, parent, or guest.

I look forward to many opportunities to get to know you.

Sincerely,

Ed Hollinger
Head of School

 

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"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."

- Maria Montessori