Our Philosophy
The Montessori Method is a child-centered, hands-on educational philosophy that supports each child to reach their fullest potential.
Cultivate Independence
We believe an independent child is a confident child. A child who is independent and confident is primed for academic success and a deep love of learning. We practice skills from pouring, preparing snack, putting away belongings, dressing oneself, and learning how to be a cordial part of a community that respects all living things.
Instill Confidence
An independent child naturally becomes confident. The Montessori philosophy is based on practice, using mistakes as learning opportunities, and routine and consistency (which we all thrive on) creating confidence from the inside out.
Create a Love of Learning
A child who completes all three years of the Montessori Early Childhood program will leave ready for first grade feeling independent, full of confidence, and encompass foundation for a genuine love of learning .
Meet Our Team
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Stevie Clark
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR & LEAD TEACHER: FOX DEN CLASS
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Alicia Pratt
CO-TEACHER: OWLS CLASS & ADMIN TEAM
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Emily Cortopassi
LEAD TEACHER: HONEYBEE CLASS & ADMIN TEAM
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Katie Sharp Bavasi
LEAD TEACHER HONEYBEES
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Kayla Givens
ASSISTANT: OWLS CLASS & FOX DEN
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Sierra Harrison
ASST. TEACHER: OWLS CLASS
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Breanne Hyde
CO-TEACHER: CHICKADEES CLASS
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Alli Klein
CO-TEACHER: FOX DEN CLASS
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Anna Shepherd
CO-TEACHER: CHICKADEES CLASS
FAQs
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Dr. Maria Montessori developed her style of education over 100 years ago. Just as Montessori knew 100 years ago, and studies and research from Harvard still prove today that the first six years of a child's life are the most critical building blocks for their foundation and their continued success in life. Thriving Day Academy believes every child is unique and understands that what they learn during their time with us is pivotal to their future success.
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The best way to see the difference is to visit our beautiful school. Our school is furnished with curated Montessori learning materials that excite and invite children to learn.
From the pink tower to the moveable alphabet, the golden beads to the living specimens for our zoology studies, you will feel like you've walked into an interactive kids museum when you enter our school.
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A mixed-age classroom has many benefits.
Mixed-age classrooms mirror the way our society actually works. We all learn at different paces and work with people of varying ages and different sets of knowledge and skills.
We learn from people who know more than us and solidify our learning by teaching others.
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Freedom within limits is the way that order is maintained in a Montessori environment. Children have the choice to choose what they want to work on as long as they've had a lesson on how to use the material and they are respecting the ground rules of the classroom environment.
Typical Ground Rules usually include:
Respect for all living things
All living things deserve our respect. We work hard to teach children that even the smallest ant that makes it into the classroom has the right to be moved back outside to where it belongs. Respect for all living things is taught and reinforced through our zoology and social studies lessons.
Inside Voices
Children are encouraged to use inside voices, so they don't interrupt the other children who are working.
Walking Feet
There are many learning materials in the classroom, and children are encouraged to use walking feet in the classroom as it is a busy place, and running could be hazardous. (Although we have a large movement space where running and getting your wiggles out is also encouraged!)
Putting away work when finished
In a classroom full of materials, children are encouraged to put their work away before moving to something new to foster their sense of order and self-discipline.
History
The journey for Thriving Day Academy began when Ms. Stevie started elementary school and disliked it.
Why should any young child dislike learning and school? She was determined to find a better way.
We know from experience that education begins at home with parents, but teachers and school play a huge role in the foundation of our children.
In her search to find an education style that would ignite a child’s natural curiosity, Ms. Stevie found the Montessori method. It’s a unique style that meets the needs of a child through a custom curriculum, that supports each child’s independence, self-esteem and confidence.
Thriving Day Academy focuses on the individual needs of our children and less on how children perform on a standardized test.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a tour today!