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Parents and children enjoying The Portland Montessori School playground

About

Experienced and Trusted Montessori Education Since 1962

The Portland Montessori School nurtures curiosity and guides each child's joyful quest in learning. We recognize the intrinsic motivation in children and support their development. Our classrooms:

  • bring children together, learning in multi-age groups
  • center kindness and gratitude in lessons
  • encourage exploration
  • help children gain confidence and independence
  • introduce them to problem-solving lessons
  • inspire creativity

Additionally, we create a supportive learning environment that contributes to academic readiness and engages children as active learners throughout their education journey. Our toddler, primary, and elementary-aged classrooms make up a diverse group of more than 130 children from 15 months to elementary age.

Classrooms are led by an incredible circle of dedicated, caring, highly trained, and experienced Montessori educators surrounded by a supportive and compassionate team. Our school campus is nestled in a NE Portland neighborhood that includes a dynamic outdoor learning environment that helps connect children to the world around them.

Mission

The Portland Montessori School guides each child’s joyful quest to reach their intellectual, social and emotional potential within a diverse, nurturing learning community as we adhere to the Montessori principles of the Association Montessori Internationale.

Vision

Inspiring the world’s future leaders

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School History

The Portland Montessori School, formerly Providence Montessori School, was founded in September 1962 under the direction of Sister Francella LaFramboise, who studied extensively at Montessori institutes in both the United States and Europe. In 2012, the school celebrated its 50th birthday, and we have the proud distinction of being the first Montessori school in the Northwest.

THE TRANSITION TO THE PORTLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

On January 1, 2013, Providence Montessori School officially became The Portland Montessori School, an independent, non-profit school. This successful transition resulted from the dedicated efforts of the school community, and the hard work of many parents, teachers and staff. Providence Health Systems, the organization that previously operated the school, also provided significant support throughout the transition. Now operating independently, the school is guided by a board of directors with active involvement and input from an engaged parent advisory committee (PAC). Our school retains its former character and community, including its rich history of providing a Montessori education to Portland-area children.

AN APPROACH TO EDUCATION DEVELOPED BY DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

At The Portland Montessori School, we educate children according to the Montessori method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy, and a pioneer in the study of child development. This method is based on her work with developmentally challenged and underprivileged children in Italy, which she began after graduating from medical school in 1896. The approach quickly earned worldwide acclaim and became a standard approach to educating children.

THE MONTESSORI APPROACH

In a Montessori education, children learn concepts while working in a carefully prepared environment designed to stimulate each child's interest and understanding. Children work independently and in small groups with mixed-ages ranging approximately three years. Because a Montessori education instills the value of caring for our earth, the classroom often extends to the outdoors. The Montessori approach helps each child develop according to his or her inner clock. The guide, or teacher, acts as a catalyst in each child's unique journey of development and aids them in their natural process of growth and learning.

The time-tested principles, methods and materials used in a Montessori education are scientifically supported and researched. After more than a century, this method continues to work because of its foundation in both observable and inherent human developmental principles that Dr. Montessori explored during her many decades of scientific observation and practice.

Certifications & Memberships

We are proud to be (AMI) recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale reaffirming the quality of our programs through rigorous internationally recognized standards.

As a member of Oregon Montessori Association (OMA), our guides, administrators, assistants and parents benefit from the many workshops and trainings this association offers. OMA strives to advance the Montessori movement, with a specific focus on the Oregon and Southwest Washington areas.

CERTIFICATIONS

We are fully licensed and certified by the Oregon Department of Education – Office of Child Care – License number CC 502664.

Our school is also listed with the North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA).

The Oregon Environmental Council certifies our school as an Eco-Healthy Childcare. This national program “ensures that child care settings are as happy, healthy, safe and green as possible by reducing children’s exposure to toxics.”

The school’s grounds have been designated as a Certified Backyard Habitat. This program is a collaborative effort by the Columbia Land Trust and Audubon Society of Portland. It credits our work to remove aggressive weeds, create wildlife habitats and garden responsibly.