James Simons Elementary School is a Title I Montessori school located in downtown Charleston in a beautifully constructed state-of-the-art building. James Simons has six primary classes, five lower elementary classes, five upper elementary classes, and two middle school classes of 7th and 8th graders. It is easy to see that the highly qualified staff is passionate about serving children when one experiences the positive nurturing school environment. Initiatives in place for continued improvement include 21st Century technology enhancements and a rigorous Montessori curriculum designed to meet children at their learning levels and accelerate achievement.
In addition to ensuring James Simons’ students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, the staff is continuously growing professionally as they learn more about the teachings, instructional best practices and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. The staff’s journey to develop personally and professionally is rewarding and enlightening.
The Montessori program focuses on fostering a hands-on, self-paced, and collaborative learning experience for all students. This method engenders a sense of curiosity in learners by teaching them to use trial and error to build on ideas. Montessori students are encouraged to experiment and independently problem solve as challenges occur.
Students at James Simons develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills at an early age and progress in their development of these skills throughout their years in the program. Early exposure to open-ended, non-literal questions helps mold their intellectual and cognitive development. At James Simons it is not unusual to hear a teacher answer students’ questions with questions in an effort to promote self-reliance and critical thinking. Current data indicates an improvement in students’ reading and mathematics skills over the past year in almost every class.
Our educators help students formulate their critical thinking skills by providing classroom environments that are student-centered with developmentally appropriate materials to promote exploration and analysis skills. These community-focused classrooms encourage students to collaborate and build independence which develops the whole child in order to prepare each for college and careers.
Various events held this year for our school community include a Wellness Fair, Parenting Partners program, Parent Education Nights, Career Day, and several Parent Literacy events. Additionally, the staff and students benefited greatly from the many programs sponsored by our community partners such as Rotary Reads, Rotary Educator and Student of the Month, Backpack Buddies, and Kids Well Clinic. The staff greatly appreciates the support of the Friends of James Simons, PTO, School Improvement Council (SIC), Rotary of Charleston, Communities in Schools, Charleston Promise Neighborhood, and The Citadel. The students, staff and parents look forward to continued collaboration and success.
Christine C. Ryan, Principal
Aaron Whitney, SIC Chair
