Our Philosophy
Dr. Maria Montessori, Education for a New World, p. 69
“We must help children to act for themselves, will for themselves, think for themselves; this is the art of those who aspire to serve the spirit.”
Our Purpose
Rock Creek Montessori School believes in cultivating a safe, beautiful, and enriching community where children can learn and grow holistically. We believe that fostering physical, social, and intellectual independence through purposeful work, freedom of choice, and grace and courtesy for children and adults can reshape our community and society.
Our Vision
We believe that when children from birth-6 years old are provided a beautiful, well-prepared environment and a trained adult guide, they develop life-long independence, curiosity, self-expression, positive friendships, and a love for the world. They are equipped to take ownership of themselves and their environment, work with joy, and feel confident in their abilities.
Our Mission
The mission of Rock Creek Montessori School is to enable children to pursue their unique interests through joyous exploration of the world around them. We seek to fulfill this mission through a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive dedication to the Montessori Method.
Dr. Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures, p. 213
“The adult, the child, and the environment are a trinity.
They should be considered as one.”
Our Approach
Intentionally Small
Rock Creek Montessori School is intentionally small because we believe that the best environment for children, families, and staff is one in which all are known, valued, and have a voice.
As micro-schools rise in popularity, Rock Creek is proud of its heritage as a 20+ year old small, teacher-led learning community with small class sizes and long-time staff!
Intentionally Inclusive
Our school culture is one rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We believe that the empowerment and creation of a stronger, more inclusive world begins with the education of young children. Anti-Bias Anti-Racism (ABAR), inclusion, and studying neuro-complexity remain core principles and priorities of the RCMS Staff’s continued learning and development as educators.
Intentionally AMI
Rock Creek Montessori School follows the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori and seeks to follow the authentic Montessori pedagogy as outlined by the Association Montessori Internationale, the oldest organization committed to furthering the Montessori Method in the world. We recognize the child’s need to discover all that there is to learn, to observe their environment, and to work independently and cooperatively in a community.
The Montessori Child is…
Curious
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Independent
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Responsible
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Creative
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Resilient
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Free-thinking
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Curious 〰️ Independent 〰️ Responsible 〰️ Creative 〰️ Resilient 〰️ Free-thinking 〰️
The Montessori Environment is…
Engaging
Purposeful
Child-Centered
Developmentally Appropriate
Multi-Age to support independence and social cohesion
The Montessori Adult is…
Patient
Knowledgeable
Observant
Compassionate
Dedicated