The Cottonwood School is a joyful learning community which was founded in 1995 by parents and teachers who sought to improve educational opportunities for New Mexico's children through an independent, non-sectarian school that provided whole child learning through fully integrated subject areas.
Cottonwood School is a non-sectarian, non-profit, 501(c) 3 tax exempt, educational organization, which serves and educates children 18 months to 12 years of age.
Vision
The vision of Cottonwood School is to help our students reach their full potential as life-long learners who will take their place as respectful and compassionate citizens of a global society.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage the potential of each child through an interdisciplinary curriculum which cultivates intellectual achievement, physical and artistic abilities, social learning, and creative reasoning in accordance with Montessori philosophy.
Guiding Principle
To view the child as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in supportive, purposefully prepared environments. We value the independent human spirit, and strive to respect and guide the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive with love, skill and compassion.
School Objectives
Promote Academic Excellence
Teach Social/Emotional Learning
Integrate Arts and Sciences
Model Universal Values
Present Global Perspectives
Develop Leadership through Community Service
Statement of Quality
Cottonwood School is a quality organization dedicated to continuous improvement through professional development which allows us to create data driven change and to plan, execute, study and implement effective and innovative educational practices that are theoretically sound and supported by current research.
Belief Statements
We believe our school exists to educate children, in cooperation with families, to become self-sufficient, responsible, productive, life-long learners.
We believe all learners should have the opportunity to reach their full potential in a safe, caring, engaging and respectful community where fun is a part of learning.
We believe a challenging, comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum which emphasizes basic life skills along with integrated arts and sciences will ensure the highest quality education for every child.
We believe positive open communication and a trusting partnership of families, community and schools are keys to building and maintaining a strong learning community.
Purpose
The Purpose of Cottonwood School is to:
1. ENCOURAGE:
- Responsibility of oneself, for others and for the environment.
- Joyful, self-directed learning
- Interdependence with all living creatures
2. PROVIDE:
- A safe, respectful, nurturing community
- Experiential learning in a multi-age setting
- Opportunities for discovery
3. DEVELOP:
- Self-sufficient, independent thinkers
- An appreciation for world art and culture
- Enthusiastic, life-long learners
4. SUSTAIN:
- Open communication and partnerships with families and communities
- Respect, honesty and accountability in all relationships
- Safe, facilities that support and enhance learning
ABC’s of Our Core Values
- Attitude N. Non-violence
- Beauty O. Opportunity
- Compassion P. Play
- Diversity Q. Quality
- Equality R. Respect
- Friendship S. Simplicity
- Generosity T. Trustworthiness
- Humor U. Understanding
- Integrity V. Vision
- Justice W. Wisdom X. Xeriscape
- Kindness Y. You Z. ZEST
- Leadership
- Mentoring
Cottonwood School is a non-sectarian, non-profit 501(c)3 tax exempt educational organization which does not discriminate in educational programs, admissions, financial aid or school policies on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, gender, physical ability, sexual preference or religion.