Orcas Montessori School

The Montessori Method

"The Montessori classroom offers children a wealth of hands-on activities," explains school director Teresa Chocano. "Each activity is presented individually and in keeping with each child's needs and abilities, under observation of a trained guide."

Orcas Montessori School helps its 20-25 students create a "community of learners" in which the younger students observe the developing skills of the older students, while the older children develop leadership skills and help the younger students. This approach fosters independent learning and a lively, cooperative system.

When children encounter interpersonal differences, we seek to help them work out those differences without relying on an external system of rewards and punishments, but by developing their own sense of discipline and community.