Director's Message

This year we are Mapping the Americas with a year-long study of the Americas and the people who inhabited and migrated through them.

We invite you to join us on a joyful journey of learning through your child’s formative years. You are following in the footsteps of untold millions of brave sojourners who have courageously ventured out to discover “real life” education through Montessori schooling and not a one has regretted their course. As one former parent said, “I cannot think of a school more deserving of support. My son learned so much about creating community, solving problems, becoming independent, and living in harmony with nature. Thank you, thank you, to all of the wonderful teachers and administrators who make this such a special place!”

We look forward to mapping out a brilliant future for your child as we work this year to map out new trails together across North, Central and South America and make many new discoveries about our world that will amaze and inspire your child! We will awaken and cultivate their curiosity, critical thinking skills, conscientious sportsmanship, independent learning, cultural intelligence, global values and collaborative creativity! Together we will encourage and your child’s full potential by using content based on cognitive science and human development. We look forward to many adventures with you and your family in the days, months, and years ahead, so keep your compass heading set on Cottonwood School!

And sure to head our way on Sunday, August 16th at 1PM for our first MAP of the year…a campus-wide Candyland Game! That’s right! Our family orientation, is a board game adventure that will start our year by following our first map as we visit together, each classroom, library, playground and specialist lab.

The GAME, is a special event to launch or 31st year, and recognize our 30 years of JOYFUL LEARNING, and of serving our community with high quality childcare, preschool and elementary education! This orientation is also a birthday party and yes,  THERE WILL BE CAKE.

Dr. Montessori emphasized that "The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown to grow under the flaming heat of imagination” so let the imaginings begin! The game is afoot!

Ms. Trish Nickerson, Founder/Executive Director and the talented Faculty of Cottonwood Montessori School