About Gaowa

Mission statement

The mission of Gaowa Montessori School is to provide a nurturing environment in which children can experience the excitement of learning, encourage the natural curiosity of every child, instill a love of learning, promote self-esteem, and strengthen the development of the “whole child” in accordance with the principals and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Our philosophy at Gaowa Montessori is to adhere to the teachings and principals of Maria Montessori through prepared environments and teachers that meet the needs of every child by cultivating their natural desire to learn. At Gaowa Montessori School children learn how to observe, think, and evaluate while experiencing the joy of learning through various exercises in a thoughtfully prepared learning environment that values the individuality of each child. We are committed to assuring the child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs are met while also providing a safe and nurturing environment.

Our Core Values

• We believe that all children deserve an environment that is nurturing, safe, and intelligent.

• We believe we are in partnership with parents in the education of their children.

• We believe that our own behavior is a model for the child. • We believe that every member of our community has a fundamental right to be treated with respect, regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, sexual preference, religion, race of disability.

• We believe that intelligence is not rare but a state of the healthy mind to be encouraged.

• We believe in the whole child approach to education.

• We center the programs and curriculum around the natural needs of human development utilizing the practices and principles developed by Maria Montessori.

• We describe the learning environment as active with children functioning as active agents in the learning process by making choices and learning to be responsible for those choices.

• We believe that the first six years of life are crucial in a child’s development as they establish an understanding of themselves and their world.

• We offer a flexible learning environment that responds to individual needs, has an adaptable curriculum and honors diverse learning styles.

• We strive to create a true balance among freedom, order and responsibility in each classroom.

• We believe that children can learn constructive problem solving and conflict resolution thereby creating a peaceful learning and living environment.

• We believe in multi-age classrooms where the older children mentor and role model for the younger ones.

• We nurture an extended family community within the school.

• The student possesses self-respect, is self-confident, and is self-empowered. They can function with or without the presence of an external authority.

• The student knows how to express their ideas and emotions clearly and constructively.

• The student is a skilled problem solver, open to change, and adaptable to new circumstances and conditions.

• The student possesses a strong sense of internal organization and self-discipline.

• The student exhibits concentration, precision, accuracy, and task completion skills.

• The student is tolerant of diversity and upholds the dignity of all. The student can work well independently as well as working collaboratively in groups.

• The student demonstrates a sense of independence, self-discipline, and sensitivity to things around them.

• The student has a positive attitude towards school and learning.

• The student shows initiative and persistence.

• The student has a sense of imagination, wonder, and joy.

• The student is kind and courteous. • The student knows how to observe, question, and explore ideas independently.

• The student pursues knowledge and skills most relevant to them at a pace that is most comfortable.

• The student demonstrates a sense of personal responsibility for the world in which they live.

• The student has developed fine and gross motor skills, including well developed hand eye coordination, refined senses, good balance, and strong muscle memory.