The Montessori Community School Mission

The Montessori Community School is committed to the development of the whole child as an inquisitive, responsible, and spiritual being.  Through authentic Montessori education, we provide the tools for intellectual inquiry and conscientious action that empower the children to appreciate and promote the well being of their physical and social environment within and beyond the school community.

The Montessori Community School Vision

MCS is Committed to Montessori Pedagogy

• Cognitive Work Balanced with Experiential Work
• Functional and Intellectual Independence
• Collaborative Education
• Interdisciplinary Curriculum 
• High Standards for Lifelong Learning

MCS is Committed to Nurturing Community

• Human Commonalities and Differences
• Celebrations and Traditions
• Grace and Courtesy
• Peace Education
• Trust and Respect

MCS is Committed to the Stewardship of the Environment

• Interdependence of Life, Earth, Sun, Air, Water, and Civilization
• Outdoor Education
• Environment Awareness through Action

MCS is Committed to Creating a Sanctuary

• Peaceful and Joyful Environment for Learning at a Natural Pace
• Habitat for Birds and Native Flora and Fauna
• Green Space in the Midst of Development

Statement of Philosophy
A Montessori education emphasizes the value of productive activity and its subsequent impact on a person's character and personality. Thus, when a student leaves Montessori there is an inner drive to learn and excel that transcends external motivators. Montessori is often called 'education for life' because we honor the process by which social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth takes place at each stage of development rather than enforcing quantitative outcomes.
Montessori graduates possess emotional maturity, community mindedness and willingness to take responsibility for their educations. While we promote the value of working to one's academic potential at MCS, our main goal is to help students develop skills that will ensure success in life as well as in higher education.  

MCS Description and History
Montessori Community School is a non-sectarian co-educational day school serving children ages 18 months through 14 years utilizing the Montessori method of education. It is operated as an independent, nonprofit institution governed by a self-perpetuating volunteer Board of Trustees. MCS has an enrollment of about 175 students drawn from the Charlottesville area and outlying counties. MCS welcomes students and families of diverse abilities and cultural, racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
The school began in 1982 as the Elementary Montessori School of Charlottesville, Inc. in response to community interest in extending Montessori education to the elementary level (ages 6 to 12).  A group of Montessori teachers and parents established the private, nonprofit school with the help of grant funds acquired from generous donors. In 1991 the school moved to its current site atop Pantops Mountain and purchased the property in 2003. MCS enjoys over six acres of rolling campus and has been recognized by the Audubon Society as a bird sanctuary. Through the years, the Montessori Community School of Charlottesville, as the school was renamed, added Children's House classrooms, a Toddler level and a Middle School.  MCS is committed to responsible growth in order to maintain a nurturing atmosphere. 

Accreditation/Licensing/Recognition
Montessori Community School is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and is currently seeking accreditation by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). MCS' Toddler, Children's House, Before-School, After-School and Summer Camp programs are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. The school also strives to maintain pedagogical compliance with standards set by the Association Montessori Internationale in the United States (AMI-USA). Every classroom at MCS is staffed by a Montessori certified Guide from a credentialed training organization. MCS also holds the distinction of being certified as a National Audubon Society Cooperative Sanctuary.

Role of the Board of Trustees
MCS is governed by a Board of Trustees. Its goal is to ensure effective, strategic and committed leadership enabling MCS to accomplish its mission and pursue its stated vision. The Board hires, supervises and supports the Head of School. It establishes general policy, oversees long-range financial goals and provides continuity and direction for the school. Trustees serve MCS in multiple roles such as governor, sponsor, ambassador and consultant. The MCS Board elects new trustees and officers at the annual meeting each spring. Please contact the Chair of the Board Development Committee or the Chair of the Board for information related to the nominating process. A copy of the MCS bylaws and meeting minutes may be obtained in the main office. Issues to be presented for review by the Board must be submitted to the Chair prior to a meeting, with sufficient time for consideration. Board Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the fourth Monday of each month.

The Board encourages parent participation in committees such as Board Development Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee, Finance Committee, Fundraising Committee, Publicity Committee and Audubon Committee.

The Head of School
The Head of School manages the daily operations of MCS and leads the school in the areas of curriculum, personnel, financial management, internal relations, admissions and enrollment, program planning and development, external relations and capital development. The Head reports to the Board of Trustees and implements the general and financial policies of the Board of Trustees. The Head leads the Administrative Team in carrying out MCS' Mission and Vision and in advancing the Strategic Plan. The Head of School is supported by the Office Administrator, the Business Manager, the Communications Director and the Facilities Coordinator.

Organizational Chart

MCS Board of Trustees - supervises Head of School
   
Head of School - supervises all staff

Administration
Office Administrator -> Substitutes
Business Manager
Communication Director
Facilities Coordinator -> Facilities Custodian

Faculty
Middle School Leads
Upper Elementary Leads
Lower Elementary Leads
Children's House Leads
Toddler Lead -> Toddler Assistants
Specialists

Support Staff
Elementary After-School Director -> After-School Assistant
Children's House After-School Director -> After-School Assistants