Merrimack Valley Montessori School Celebrates 30 Years

For decades, people travelling on Route 38 in Salem have driven by a big white house with a giant wooden ship in the yard - the mysterious word ‘Montessori’ on a sign. Many of those drivers have a vague idea of Montessori education but most probably think of it as an obscure offshoot of a typical preschool and kindergarten.

But with currently over 22,000 Montessori schools in more than 110 countries, and most public schools utilizing portions of Montessori philosophy, nothing could be less obscure. And the preschool/kindergarten teachers at Merrimack Valley Montessori School are living testimony to that as they celebrate thirty years of adhering to the living tenets of Dr. Maria Montessori teachings. “Free the child’s potential and you will transform him into the world.” This quote from Maria Montessori is at the essence of all Montessori Schools.

This 30 year anniversary milestone defines Merrimack Valley Montessori as one of the longest running Montessori Schools in New England.

MVMS has maintained its true Montessori curriculum throughout those thirty years. Christine Brown, owner and director of MVMS, feels that that longevity is well earned. “Montessori is a wonderful way to teach young children, and our staff are

very dedicated to this fine model of education.” Brown feels it is all about children and their love of learning. “There is a loving and respectful atmosphere that prevails at MVMS and we believe we have a profound impact on children’s long-term view of education. “

Generations of families have trusted the staff at the school to teach their children and grandchildren. MVMS teacher, Lisa Sauvageau, enjoys seeing families come back to MVMS. “It’s very gratifying to see our past students returning as parents themselves enrolling their own children in the school they still remember and love.”

Jen Makris is the President of the Parent Volunteer Organization (PVO) and is coordinating a celebration of MVMS and 30 years of learning. She and her committee members spend many hours giving back to the school. “For us, it’s an expression of gratitude toward MVMS and the staff for teaching our children so many valuable things in life, not just the ABC’s, but how to be independent, to care for oneself and others, and to be a good human being.”

For more information on Merrimack Valley Montessori School and Montessori education visit MVMS.org or the Merrimack Valley Montessori School Facebook page.

Submitted text and courtesy photo.