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Ten Things We Love About MMS

At Marin Montessori School, we’re committed to creating an extraordinary educational experience every day.
 

Our approach is centered on guiding children to cultivate their individual enthusiasms, explore the world around them, and flourish as confident and passionate learners.

Here are ten advantages and some examples of how your child will experience them throughout their MMS journey:

#1: Future-Ready Scholars

We are dedicated to ensuring our students are academically prepared for the challenges of higher education.


Toddler and Primary: 

Early education focuses on literacy and numeracy to build a strong academic foundation. Children engage in activities like phonics games and math manipulatives.

Elementary: 

Blending academic rigor with real-world experiences, the Lower and Upper Elementary harness each student's natural tendencies to inspire deep, sustained, and purposeful learning.

Junior High: 

A challenging curriculum with advanced study opportunities ensures readiness for outstanding secondary education. Additionally, our dedicated high school placement counselor provides personalized guidance and support, helping students navigate the high school application process and find the best fit for their personal and academic aspirations.

#2: Tailored Learning Journeys

At MMS, we celebrate each child's unique path to academic excellence, adapting our teaching to their individual learning style.

Toddler and Primary:
 

Tailored literacy and numeracy activities ensure foundational understanding, respecting each child’s pace. For example, a child can explore the maps of the world driven by their curiosity, or they can practice reading and writing by exploring a subject of their interest.

Elementary: 

The "Five Great Lessons" ignite curiosity and allow students to explore history, science, and culture in depth. These comprehensive lessons serve as a springboard for individualized projects, enabling students to pursue their interests and develop a love for learning.

Junior High:

Personal Odyssey projects offer a platform for in-depth exploration, allowing students to delve into their passions. Projects include research, interviews with experts, and presentations on topics of personal interest.

 

#3: Skills for Life

We prioritize equipping our students with practical skills for real-world application, ensuring they are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Toddler and Primary:

 Through practical life exercises like pouring, sorting, and self-care routines, children learn essential skills like organization and responsibility.

Elementary: 

The 'Goings Out' program promotes independence, teaching students to conduct research and interact with the community. Students plan and execute field trips to local businesses and beyond.

Junior High: 

Entrepreneurial and economic concepts come to life through farm management, teaching business skills, and sustainability. Students run a farm stand, manage budgets, and learn the principles of supply and demand.

#4: Heart of the Community

We believe in the power of a supportive community to enhance learning and foster emotional well-being.

Toddler and Primary: 

Activities emphasizing cooperation and respect lay the groundwork for a strong community ethos. Children participate in group activities that promote teamwork and empathy.

Elementary: 

Collaborative projects and community service initiatives cultivate empathy and social responsibility. Students work together on projects like community gardens and local charity drives.

Junior High:

Active participation in Community Council and outreach nurtures leadership qualities and civic involvement. Students lead community meetings and organize service projects.

 

#5: Math Magic

We cultivate a deep understanding and love for mathematics through hands-on, experiential learning.

Toddler and Primary: 

Early math skills are developed using Montessori materials like number rods and counting beads, helping children understand numerical relationships.

Elementary:

Students engage in advanced math concepts through concrete materials, fostering a strong grasp of arithmetic, geometry, and algebra. Real-world math problems are integrated into everyday learning.

Junior High: 

Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry are taught with a focus on practical applications, preparing students for higher-level math courses. Students also explore mathematical reasoning and problem-solving in real-world contexts.

 

#6: Science in Action

Toddler and Primary: 

Early scientific concepts are introduced through engaging activities that promote observation and experimentation, such as exploring natural phenomena in the garden.

Elementary: 

Science projects like studying local ecosystems and participating in hands-on science experiments foster a deep connection with and curiosity about the natural world.

Junior High: 

Deep studies in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, integrated with real-world applications on the campus farm, prepare students for future scientific endeavors.

 

#7: Love for Words

Effective communication and a love of literature are key to personal and academic success and are central to our curriculum.

Toddler and Primary: 

Language development is nurtured through storytelling, phonetics, and interactive conversation. Children engage in activities like storytelling circles and using rotating manipulatives to name and specify all kinds of things in their world: types of shoes, flowers, plants, animals, machines, etc. 

Elementary: 

A diverse curriculum in creative writing, poetry, and literature fosters a lifelong love for reading and expression. Students participate in book clubs and writing workshops.

Junior High: 

Advanced grammar and literary analysis enhance students' writing skills, preparing them for eloquent self-expression. Students analyze classic and contemporary texts and write critical essays.

#8: World Explorers

In our interconnected world, we prepare students to be empathetic and knowledgeable global citizens.

Toddler and Primary: 

Early exposure to diverse cultures through art and stories fosters global awareness. Children learn about cultural traditions and celebrations from around the world.

Elementary: 

World history and geography studies, enriched by Capstone trips, broaden students’ global perspectives. Students explore ancient civilizations and modern global issues.

Junior High: 

Comprehensive study of global issues and foreign languages develops cultural sensitivity and international awareness. Students engage in activities and advanced language courses.

#9: Wise -- and Sparing – Tech

At MMS we follow the research, which continues to affirm that a low-to-no screen environment is best for children’s healthy development. In the older years, digital technology is judiciously offered in a limited way to support in-depth research and preparation for high school. 

Have no fear: We also know the key to learning how to code and develop digital skills is to build capacities first with language and logic. And we know this happens best with hands-on learning and deep concentration. 
 

Toddler and Primary: 

Our focus on hands-on, experiential learning fosters creativity and critical thinking without screens and devices.

Elementary: 

When the book resources on campus or in the library do not contain what they need, students will occasionally have access to computers for academic research

Junior High: 

While focusing on hands-on, project-based learning and face-to-face collaboration, the Junior High uses technology to support complex projects and presentations, preparing students for future academic and professional environments. We are a student cell-phone-free campus, ensuring engagement and social connection.

 

#10: Our Amazing Trips

Annual trips transform learning into an adventure, promoting environmental stewardship and cultural understanding.

Toddler and Primary: 

Nature walks and outdoor exploration encourage a connection with the natural world, sparking curiosity and wonder.

Elementary: 

The Headlands trip, a tradition for our Lower Elementary students, provides hands-on science activities and team-building experiences in a stunning natural setting. Other trips may include adventures in Yosemite and Costa Rica!

Junior High: 

The Odyssey trip challenges students to apply their knowledge in diverse settings, fostering critical thinking, self-discovery, and personal growth.