The Family Montessori School Society

Philosophy at Family Montessori School

The philosophy at our school is to educate children to be creative and sensitive individuals who are eager to learn. The children are encouraged to learn at their individual pace, at first learning through their senses, then the intellect, and through associations, with their peers and the adults around them. They learn the value of discipline, which is innate in every child. We help develop this inner discipline through independence, living in harmony with the group and being responsible for the environment. The children are made aware of the needs of the group as well as expressing their own needs and feelings.

We believe that the children need to have a positive self-image, be proud of whom they are, and value all cultures, and enjoy the diversity of our environment. We strive to provide a caring and nurturing environment for each child.

About Our Schools

Our first school, located in the False Creek area near Granville Island on Sitka Square, began in 1980 and is still operational. Our second school was originally situated at the Dunbar Heights Baptist Church, but was relocated to the Jericho Hill Center on West 4th Avenue in 1995. 

The two schools operate as one non-profit society and employ a total of 6 very qualified teachers. Our morning and afternoon classes enroll between 17 and 20 children. Both schools offer an extended day kindergarten program for 5 year olds. Each year, the members elect a Board of Directors who are parent volunteers. All parents assume other auxiliary duties to ensure the smooth operation of the school. Parent duties are usually assigned by the Directresses prior to the beginning of each school year. Parent members who choose not to participate in some volunteer capacity must pay a service fee of one month's tuition to pay for hired help to complete the necessary work for the school.