“All humans, by nature, desire to know.”
Montessori Method
“Our principal concern must be to educate humanity—the human beings of all nations—in order to guide it toward seeking common goals. We must turn back and make the child our principal concern. The child is richly endowed with powers, sensitivities, and constructive instincts…in order to develop, he needs broader opportunities.”
Compassionate Classroom
“Compassion is a way of being in a relationship—a way of acting and inter-acting. At the same time, certain practices can help cultivate this way of being. In our experience, Nonviolent Communication is the most practical and powerful of these practices.”
Holistic Approach
We believe that meaningful, quality education needs to involve the child’s entire being—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Our curriculum is designed to support and develop all aspects of the growing child.
Natural Classroom
We believe in forming early and life-long positive relationships with the environment. Our building reflects its rural setting and is energy efficient, using passive solar Trombe walls for heat. Our classrooms are open and airy, designed to take advantage of natural light. All of our Montessori “works” and the great majority of our Early Childhood toys and play areas are made of natural material and/or fibers. The soothing textures and colors of these materials are both attractive and calming to young children. The use of such materials allows children to form deeply satisfying connections to the fundamental elements of their world.
Community Connections
Part of our goal as a school is to create a positive, supportive community of learners. This community includes not only teachers, parents, and children, but also local residents, business people and volunteers. Our “community elders” program brings local people into the classroom to share their experiences, knowledge and expertise in various fields with the children. We also connect with the community through field trips and special events, including open house, star-gazing nights, family hiking trips, and “farm days”.
Global Awareness
Montessori believed in educating children to become “citizens of the world”. We continue her work at Cibola House, raising our student’s global awareness through books and class projects. We also incorporate a global perspective into the children’s work and play areas. You will find materials and activities from around the world in each of these learning centers: Practical Life, Language, Sensory, Science, Music, Library, Blocks, Dramatic Play, and Outdoor Classroom.