How do you blend Montessori and Christianity?

• Montessori Education, often referred to as "Peace Education" incorporates the teachings of Christ into the classroom.  Students are taught to love and respect others and their environment.  "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."  Matthew 22:39.  In the early classroom in Barcelona, Maria Montessori made her greatest advances in her curriculum, including religious education.  The children were shown how to worship, the chapel housed child-scaled furnishings and Dr. Montessori created materials about sacred history.  The children harvested the wheat and baked the bread to prepare for their first communion.

What can I do to volunteer?

• We encourage family involvement!  Whenever possible to be involved, we welcome assistance in our garden and bird habitat as well as sharing a travel experience, storytelling and substituting in the classroom as needed.

When was Montessori West Christian School founded?

• Montessori West Christian School was founded by Wayne and Virginia Plylar in 1992 as a sister school to their first Montessori School (Montessori Academy).

Where are the teachers trained?

• The teachers at Montessori West Christian School have various undergraduate - graduate levels and specialty degrees.  They receive Montessori Certification from training centers as diverse as South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and England.  The teachers also attend workshops and training seminars during the year, keeping them updated as well as meeting DSS regulations.

What are the school hours?

• Our academic hours are from 8:30 a.m. -until 3:00 p.m.  However, the school opens at 7:15 a.m. and offers a Studio Program from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

How can I learn more about the Montessori method of teaching?

• We offer an extensive list of reading and video material than can be checked out of our resource department.  This includes Montessori philosophy, information on curriculum materials used and home environment enrichment.  We also send home informative materials and newsletters during the year to coincide with what the children are doing in the classroom.

Can I visit a classroom?

• We have an "Open Door" policy for interested families and current parents.  Our classrooms are video monitored and may be observed from the office any time.

What if I have a concern?

• We recommend speaking with the child's team of teachers first.  However, the Director and the Assistant Director are available as well to handle any concerns.  We do encourage the "team" approach.

How is discipline handled?

• If a child needs to reflect on his actions, the child is removed from the others and is spoken to privately about such inappropriate action.  We also believe that sharing what God's word has to say about our actions will help to shape character and encourage good behavior.  When the child is ready to return to his work or play, he may do so.  Many refer to this form of discipline as "time-out".  We like to take it a step further by using Scripture and speaking with the child as he takes "time-out" to think about his behavior.

What is available for children in the summer?

• We offer a Summer Session similar to our Studio Programs.  Our summer hours are 7:15 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Are your students involved in the community?

• Teaching children to be "servants" allows us to place emphasis on community service.  We have been actively involved in The Downtown Rescue Mission, Operation Warmth, Meals for the Homeless, and the Spartanburg Human Society.  "...Who gives food to the hungry."  Psalm 146:7