Corvallis Montessori School

This school is a true interdependent community. Where else can you buy fresh laid organic free range eggs from a 2nd grader's farm project? Children don't have to be put through the SUCCEED extruder -they thrive on the respect they receive for their own authentic interests; trust is in the process of child development which keeps teachers and parents from intruding. I can see a difference in the kids who attend - they're so confident and work hard because they are genuinely excited about the work they do.
--Submitted by a parent

CMS is raising the next generation of peace makers!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending for just over a year (primary). Her experience at first was great, but then things began to deteriorate. She was never happy going to school, ceased to care about learning, didn't feel she had friends, and eventually began to complain that she was 'scared' to go. I think it's true that the school administration was pretty bad, but some new folks on the board seem to be very motivated and are really turning things around. There have been significant changes in administration, and I'm optimistic about the school's future. The school has great resources and facilities, committed and involved families, good art, music, etc. The after-school care is awesome. Many of the teachers are great, although a few will be new next year. We are staying there for next year (with a new guide), and my daughter is excited about it.
--Submitted by a parent

My three children have spent 7 yrs, 5 yrs and 3 yrs respectively at CMS. They have truly blossomed in the Montessori environment under the leadership of the staff at CMS.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son attended CMS from age 3 thru the elementary program. We were very pleased with CMS's adherence to the Montessori method, its teachers and staff. The community of parents we met continue to be our friends. I have recommended CMS to several people and will continue to do so.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended CMS for 3 years while we lived in Corvallis. This environment was a wonderful asset to our family. As a new parent there I really appreciated the rich opportunites to meet other parents and carry-over the montessorri method in the home. Now we have moved to Seattle, and I really miss this school!
--Submitted by Heather Rose, a parent

This is a great learning environment - wholistic education for children and their parents! Creativity, structure, autonomy, guidance... all in perfect balance! Fosters thinkers and dreamers and doers and believers in community and personal success!
--Submitted by a former student

My son has been in Corvallis Montessori School since he was three; now he s almost 10. He s gotten an encouragement of curiosity and the tools to transform that into learning. At CMS he s gained an appreciation for different ways of being, and a wide range of cultures. He s deepened his understanding of his own being. He's able to get big concepts. That's encouraged. The work challenges them to problem-solving . . .And it's all embedded in a culture of cooperation. They learn instrumental skills for carrying a task out, daily management skills. I appreciate the encouragement of peace and conversation, working things out. I'm happy with his moral development and sense of justice. I get a sense of how problems are solved in the school. The environment is very caring. CMS is a child-centered environment, which people shouldn't take for granted there are schools that are definitely adult-centered.
--Submitted by Larry Roper, a parent

Montessori is truly a unique and wonderful alternative for children. It is surprising to me how many people have inaccurate beliefs about what the education methods and philosophies are--if you want another viable choice in education come observe and learn more about Montessori from the people who have trained and studied it. My child is now in the lower elementary and he loves his teacher and loves going to school. The teacher is dedicated to the children and her incredible organization and depth of knowledge shows in everything she does. He is developing incredibly in math, science, language and in social interactions. He is also practising self-inititation and responsibility. He gets to make choices in what he learns all the while working towards competancy in the basics. We would never make another choice! If only there was a Montessori infant and toddler program available here in Corvallis!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to this school from preschool through 6th grade. It was a warm and caring environment with very involved parents. She benefitted from the small size in that she was able to be a leader. She was able to explore things that interested her and learned to work with groups that included both older and younger children. The Montessori method of teaching math is fabulous. My daughter has such a thorough understanding of math concepts that she finds it baffling that other people have a hard time with math. The accademics must have been adequate, she was valedictorian of her high school and is now in the Honors College of her university.
--Submitted by a parent