Our philosophy is based upon the work of Maria Montessori, Italian physician and educator, and her teachings which have been handed down through teacher education and certification through the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).
“Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.”
-Maria Montessori
Our Philosophy
At Pacific Crest Montessori School, we believe in fostering a love of learning through a child-centered approach. Our Montessori method nurtures independence, creativity, and critical thinking, allowing each child to develop at their own pace in a supportive and enriching environment. Montessori Education for Life combines the child’s natural love of life and learning with the values of hard work and self-discipline. Our students leave Pacific Crest with a capacity for self-knowledge, independence, and the ability to chart their course to adulthood.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a dynamic learning environment that exemplifies the principles of Montessori education. We foster independence, self discipline and joy in our students so that they are prepared to participate with confidence as citizens in a changing world.
Pacific Crest School provides the foundation from which students explore their wider community through service and extensions to the land at the Pacific Crest Farm Campus.
Opportunities to fully integrate their experiences are provided through our visual arts programs, creative writing, research, oral and written presentations. As a result students leave their Montessori education with a sense of personal vision and a belief in their ability to make the world a better place.
Our Vision
The vision of Pacific Crest School is that our urban and rural programs and campuses merge into a unified program with both components guided by the mission.
Our vision is to continue to refine our role as an exemplary Montessori program that is recognized as a model of Montessori education, past, present and future.
History and Accreditation
Our school was founded in 1985. From that initial class of 25 young children that met in a church basement, we have grown to a school of over 200 children and adolescents located on our beautiful urban campus on Bright Street. In 2003, we acquired our Farm on Vashon Island to provide essential outdoor opportunities for our children. Our students now extend their learning and their sense of place to include both urban and rural neighborhoods.
Pacific Crest is accredited through Cognia Global Commission. The accreditation process requires a six-year cycle of self-study that involves consultations with Pacific Crest staff, Cognia consultants, outside educators, and current and former parents. Selected areas of study become the focus of ongoing work during the six-year cycle.
All of Pacific Crest’s Primary and Elementary teachers are trained through AMI training centers. Our Middle School teachers attend Montessori trainings for the adolescent level; these are offered by the North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA) in partnership with AMI.
Our Community
Our school community is based upon:
Respectful and Caring Environments
Commitment to the Support of Human Development
Belief in the Potential of Each and Every Child
Support on the Path to Independence
Pacific Crest Montessori School is more than just a place of learning; it's a vibrant community of students, parents, and educators working together to support each child's growth. We believe in the power of collaboration and encourage active parent involvement through various events, volunteer opportunities, and open communication.
