The Montessori School of Sanford exists to provide children with an environment in which they can be joyful, confident, self-motivated, and develop to their full potential.
We strive to provide an ever-growing and rich environment in the areas of language, math, sensorial awareness, practical life, geography, science, art, drama, music and movement. MSOS is dedicated to the promotion of a multicultural environment that is respectful of others’ beliefs and traditions. We believe firmly that each child is an individual composed of a spiritual/emotional, physical, and intellectual self, and we honor each individual’s uniqueness.
MSOS keeps its student/teacher ratio low to meet the needs of each individual student, and keeps the child at the center of the learning process. We provide a positive educational environment that encourages learning as a natural, fun, and satisfying process.
In August of 1992 a group of dedicated parents hungry for a new and different educational opportunity for their children collaborated to create the Montessori School of Sanford. Opening as a small children’s house program in a renovated house and playground space, the school outgrew its location after only a year. In 1993 the school moved to a space rented from St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church.
Other parents seeking the same kind of unique educational opportunity for their children joined the original group of parents. These parents shared their time and talents, expanding upon and growing the school and its programming.
In 1995 an elementary program was added, serving students in 1st through 3rd grade. In January of 2001, the elementary program expanded to include grades 4 and 5.
During the summer of 2003, MSOS moved to its current location on Charlotte Avenue in historic downtown Sanford. Concurrently, we became daycare licensed to serve the needs of our families. We now have a toddler program and programming up to 6th grade.
Our school operates on a modified year-round calendar.
MSOS is a parent-run school. The Board of Directors is made up of past and current parents, as well as community leaders. All parents are encouraged to attend the monthly board meetings and to consider becoming an active board member.
We are proud to have achieved such success, and to now be a part of the Downtown Sanford community.
MSOS is a non-profit agency, federal tax identification #561798063.
Quinn Griffin (age 16, attended 9 years):
Attending Montessori helped me outside of school because its more similar to life. There are natural consequences rather than embarrassment if you make a mistake. We learned to write our feelings during conflicts in a Peace book. The teachers are more like family members since you spend three years with them, guiding you rather than punishing you . I learned from experiences and had guidelines. I learned to be my own person, work at my own pace. You become very close to your peers and look out for each other and become better people. You don't get lost in the mix or feel like a nobody.
In a Montessori classroom you're like a family and you take care of each other, especially if someone is upset. Academically, Montessori definitely put me ahead. In joining public school my sixth grade year I was horrified to find out that some of my classmates were not strong readers and could be so uncomfortable in many of their classes. Personally, I felt very prepared and had a solid understanding in all my subjects.
Quinn Griffin
Kelly Griffin (age 12, attended 6 years):
Montessori used such creative ways to teach us that I had FUN learning. When I was learning about compound words, Montessori made it easier by using objects and little letters to work with on a rug. If I was learning ladybug, I had a lady and a bug. I chose the letters to "write" each word on the rug, cards to check my spelling and a lady bug to show the new word. It was fun. I took from Montessori, a lot of responsibility and desire to control my actions.
My teacher would ask me to write in the peace book if I did something wrong and it made me think about my actions. She didn't lose her temper, she would get both sides of the story by asking each child to explain their actions. Since the teacher did this, I would not repeat my actions. It's because of Montessori that you are able to think outside the box and be creative.
Kelly Griffin
Dylan Quinn (age 13, attended 5 years):
I remember a lot of what I learned at Montessori which is surprising since its been a long time since I attended. Montessori put me way ahead in my grade level. I remember "The Continent Song" from Preschool and have used it many times to name my continents. I used it this year in 7th grade to help locate the continents in something we were studying.