Santa Cruz Montessori will host its annual All School Open House on Saturday, January 31st from 10am-12pm. SCM serves children from 18 months to 8th grade and all programs will be open, welcoming visitors to learn more about Montessori education and see the beautifully prepared environments for children at each age level. Teachers and staff are looking forward to welcoming those interested in visiting Santa Cruz Montessori.
The school was founded in 1964 by a group of parents looking for a preschool for their young children, and has expanded since then. SCM has long served as an authentic Montessori school in Santa Cruz County, fostering a love of learning and independence in students. Montessori education is based on the theories of development created by Dr. Maria Montessori, who was the first female physician in Italy as well as a scholar of biology, psychiatry and anthropology. While practicing as a physician, Dr. Montessori spent hours working with and observing children. These observations inspired her theories of development in which she identified that given the right environment, children are capable of developing their unique selves and acquiring knowledge. The Montessori method was a huge shift from traditional education models of the time, which were based on a teacher imparting knowledge to their students.
In Montessori schools, classes are arranged with mixed age groups, giving children the opportunity to work with older peers and then eventually become a leader of their class community as well. They spend multiple years in each classroom allowing them to form fundamental connections with teachers and peers, dive deep into the curriculum and learn at a pace that supports their unique development.
Santa Cruz Montessori’s Primary program, for children ages 2.5 to 6 years, is one of the largest childcare centers in Santa Cruz County, currently serving 70 children. Each of the four classrooms is guided by a head teacher who has completed their AMI training and has a mix of ages, balanced so that the younger children may learn from the older, returning students. Two qualified assistant teachers work in each classroom, creating a well supported ratio for each group. In the early childhood years focus is on functional independence, both in caring for one’s self and the classroom environment. Children enjoy art, cooking, gardening, and helping with the care of their classroom, in addition to language, mathematics, geography, and sensorial work.
Both of SCM’s campuses will be open for the All School Open House on Saturday, January 31st. SCM’s Winston Campus is home to the Young Children’s Community, for children ages 18 months – 2.5 years, and the Wavecrest Junior High Program, for 7th and 8th graders. On Main Campus, visitors can see the Primary Program (2.5 – 6 years) and Elementary Program (1st – 6th grade). Please RSVP and learn more at www.scms.org.
