Montessori Community School (MCS) is an engaged educational partnership of children, parents, teachers and community that nurtures a child's love of learning and sense of social responsibility using the Montessori philosophy and curriculum to develop the academic, physical, social, artistic, and emotional strengths inherent in each child.
At MCS, the faculty and staff help students develop the qualities of perseverance, self-efficacy, and a work ethic through a rigorous academic program, community service, and independent learning. Blending the SC College-and-Career-Ready Standards with the Montessori methodology encourages collaboration and teamwork to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Students are provided many opportunities for choice and creativity, building student ownership of their learning during a three year cycle in each classroom.
Keys to the success of students in a Montessori environment begin in the Primary classroom when students develop the skills to become independent learners. By including independent work time during the school day, the students practice time management, problem-solving, and practical skills related to life and career success.
As students progress to the Lower Elementary classroom, they develop a growing interest in socialization and are encouraged to learn both with peers and independently. Creativity and imagination are nurtured as a path to thinking and learning.
Students continue into the Upper Elementary classroom where they begin to transition from concrete thinking to abstract thinking. Students take charge of their own learning and dig deep into topics of interest through creative research projects.
The final stage at MCS culminates in the Adolescent classroom for seventh and eighth-grade students. The middle school program offers an environment for adolescents to be active, self-directed learners by practicing organization, prioritizing, time management, and communication skills. Students collaborate frequently in small group settings and engage in various project-based activities and problem-based learning.
The impact of the programs and the work done by students show in their academic performance. In the 2022-23 school year, MCS received an overall rating of “Excellent” for the elementary grades and “Excellent” for the middle school grades. Both levels received ratings of “Excellent” in the areas of Academic Achievement and Preparing for Success. Additionally, the middle school program scored “Excellent” in Student Progress and School Climate. In literacy specifically, the MCS community works toward the Charleston County School District goal of all students reading on grade level by 5th grade in 2027 in a number of ways: by using assessments and intervention at the pre-k level to identify and support student needs, by using multiple Tier 1, 2, and 3 strategies for reading with students at all grade levels, and by integrating literacy instruction into math, science, and social studies content. To support students in other important areas, MCS has a strong visual arts program, Strings, Band in 5th through 8th grade, and several athletic teams. Both Upper Elementary and Middle School classes have annual extended field trips (2-3 days) in addition to local excursions into the community.
Montessori Community School embodies a community spirit and partnership among students, parents, and faculty. A shared philosophy of academic excellence and a commitment to Montessori education has enabled us to have a common vision and a strong, positive school culture.
Rachel Young, Principal
Lauren Padjen, SIC Chair
