Mission Statement
Our Mission
Through the Montessori Philosophy we provide an environment of learning that honors each individual child's goals and dreams, in a diverse community that nurtures growth, respects students, and supports families.
Areas of Responsibility
All members of the school community have the responsibility to ensure and maintain the stability of a positive learning environment. Trust, acceptance and concern for each individual must be fostered in order to achieve this climate in school. A collective responsibility for guiding individuals and recognizing their positive efforts is key to building and maintaining a peaceful community.
School Staff - All school staff have primary responsibility for providing a teaching-learning environment which contributes to the atmosphere of grace and trust within the school community. School staff is responsible for modeling and teaching their students the community expectations for the classroom and the school as a whole. They enforce the school/district rules and regulations and continually recognize positive efforts to show grace, act responsibly, and build peace.
Parents/Guardians - Parents/guardians are responsible for reinforcing behaviors consistent with the Cottage School Climate and Community Expectations and district policy with their children. Parents/guardians function in a partnership with school staff regarding decisions directly affecting their children and the well-being of the school as a whole.
Students - Students are responsible for following community expectations and procedures established by the Cottage School Climate and Community Expectations. Positive student attitudes and actions are an essential to the establishment of a peaceful and productive school climate.
Cottage Philosophy
The staff at Cottage School is committed to preparing our children for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning. Through the Montessori philosophy, our students receive a broad academic education in the context of a carefully planned, stimulating community and environment. We are committed to helping children develop within themselves the foundations, habits, attitudes, skills and ideas that are essential for achieving this goal.
Research shows that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking questions, showing enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new situations.