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WHO WE ARE

We send our kids to LMS because the school believes in the things we want for our children as they become young adults: knowing themselves, having patience with others, treating others with care and respect. They learn that we must always be working for peace and for justice in the world, and that the adults at LMS believe in children's goodness and intelligence. - LMS Parent
Montessori @ LMS
Montessori Education is child centered. Montessori teachers study their students, listen for questions that children most urgently ask, and discover the learning activities that motivate the children in their classroom. At LMS, our teachers continually adapt the learning environment to provide optimal conditions for children’s self-motivated learning.

Montessori fosters independence and self-discipline. The LMS experience helps children grow into autonomous, self-confident individuals. Young children learn to take care of themselves and their environment and to choose work independently. As they grow older, they learn to manage their time and focus on projects that they design.

Montessori creates a nurturing environment. LMS gives children an environment in which they feel loved by friends and teachers. Our children learn to ask for help when they need it, and to give help when they can.

Montessori builds a strong foundation on conceptual understanding. LMS children work with carefully designed materials at increasingly abstract levels. They develop a firm understanding of concepts at a concrete level, and later build on those concepts as they mature into abstract thought.

Montessori cultivates respect and compassion. LMS teachers share a commitment to multicultural, anti-bias education. Our teachers encourage cooperative work and teach conflict resolution skills. Our children learn to identify and challenge bias, and to see themselves as part of the rich fabric of society.

Montessori inspires curious, lifelong learners. LMS encourages children to bring their curiosity to school. Whether they are inspired to learn to tie their shoes or learn about reptile behavior, LMS students receive encouragement for exploration, along with the skills they need to become independent in their learning.
The Advantage of Small Schools - Making it Personal
A small school (generally below 50 students per grade), has distinct strengths which benefit students, parents and faculty and staff:
 
Mission Focused  - A small school, with a strong and focused mission, is united around a common purpose, which drives the school on a daily and yearly basis. Its mission defines the school and its values, and bonds students, teachers and families. As a small mission-focused school, LMS is able to concentrate on providing the best Montessori elementary education possible in a diverse community.
 
A Close Knit Community – In a small school students, teachers, administrators and parents get to know each other well.  Deep connections are built between students, teachers and parents at all levels of the school. Toddlers and middle schoolers learn from one another. Classrooms become an extension of family. Parental involvement, shared educational values and close relationships sustain and are sustained by a small school.
 
Smart, Simple Finances – Because LMS is an independent school, and does not receive state or federal support, program is not subject to cutbacks. Because small schools generally maintain small endowments, they do not rely on investment returns to fund major portions of their operating budgets thus weathering economic downturns.  Small schools learn to be careful with their finances, running lean and focusing on what matters most – its teachers, curriculum and an excellent educational experience for children.
The Value of an lndependent School
Independent schools are governed by a board of directors. They are independently financed through tuition, charitable giving and endowment revenue. They independently draft their own missions and determine their academic and extracurricular programs.
 
Independent school teachers are passionate about teaching. In small class settings they are able to develop close relationships with children, getting to know each child as an individual personally and as a learner.
 
Independent schools, although unique from one another in terms of mission, are firmly committed to providing children with a safe environment in which they can feel supported, challenged, acknowledged and successful.