About STA Montessori
Dear Families,
Your child’s educational journey determines their destination. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child and your family. We are honored that you have chosen St Augustine Public Montessori School to be a partner with you in your child’s education.
Eleven years ago (2012), STA Montessori opened its doors. We are one of three charter schools in the prestigious St Johns County School District. We continue to honor Montessori traditions and values and intend to bring the best of innovation in education to our students. Our aim is to provide a warm, nurturing, stimulating, safe environment that inspires students to be global collaborative citizens, committed to a better world, not merely good students. That is why our curriculum fosters grace and courtesy, independence, peace, honesty, integrity, respect and honor.
I look forward to getting to know each one of you and sharing the next phase of our journey together.
In the service of the child,
Diane M. Dodds, Director
diane.dodds@stamontessori.org
Our mission is to provide students with a learning culture that is grounded in Montessori philosophy and practice that inspires a love of learning; and respect for self, others, and the environment.
History & Overview of the School
St. Augustine Public Montessori School was founded by Jean McDowell in 2012 as a high-fidelity Montessori school that follows the philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori. Our Charter School is a free, public school of choice that is part of the prestigious St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) . The school is governed independently by a non-profit organization Board of Trustees, but is accountable to the SJCSD, the State Department of Education, the children and families of the school and the public. Being a charter school means that we have received approval from the SJCSD to teach children using the Montessori Method. The state and federal governments allow the use of alternative approaches in hopes that every child’s learning style might be accommodated, and every child will have a successful school experience. As a school established under the charter laws, STA Montessori is required to have a Governing Board that holds the charter contract with the SJCSD and meets periodically to make sure that the mission and vision originally proposed and set out in the charter contract and Charter School applications are being followed.
St Augustine Public Montessori School serves children aged 3 years through 12 years, in 3-year cycle programs of Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary. Our Montessori-trained teaching and administration staff implement Montessori programming in its entirety, building upon the great success of other public Montessori schools across the nation and Florida.
Prepared environment of Montessori materials and curriculum
Mixed age classrooms in 3-year spans
Student choice of activity and uninterrupted cycles of work time
Integrated instruction where all curriculum subjects are connected
Individual self-paced, regardless of ability level or age
A focus on cooperation rather than competition
Active involvement of children, parents, local citizens and organizations
Montessori-certified teachers
We emphasize the following essential Montessori Principles
