Phoenix Montessori Academy

Patrick Alcorn and Justin Gustafson had an amazing day celebrating Phoenix Montessori Academy's ground breaking! In addition to celebrating the school's growth, Pat and Justin were honored to celebrate head of school India French-Adams' birthday and join the party with the school's families. What a great way to kick off a new Highmark project.

New Beginnings: A Montessori Perspective on the School Year Ahead As we embark on another academic journey, let's reflect on what the new school year means through the lens of Montessori education - from kindergarten through high school. Maria Montessori once said, "The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.'" This powerful statement reminds us that true education is about nurturing independence and self-directed learning. Key Montessori principles for the new year: Prepared Environment: Creating spaces that spark curiosity and facilitate exploration. * Mixed-Age Classrooms: Fostering mentorship and collaborative learning. * Hands-On Learning: Engaging multiple senses to deepen understanding. * Freedom Within Limits: Balancing choice with responsibility. * Intrinsic Motivation: Cultivating a genuine love for learning. Research from Learning and the Brain emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning and executive function skills - areas where Montessori education excels. By focusing on these aspects, we're not just preparing students for academic success, but for life itself. As we step into this new year, let's embrace the Montessori philosophy of "Follow the child." Every student has unique potential waiting to be unlocked. Educators, parents, and leaders - how are you fostering independence and intrinsic motivation in your learning environments this year? #MontessoriEducation #LearningAndTheBrain