About Our School
Mission Statement |
Curriculum |
Board Members |
Public Participation |
Admissions Info
Career Opportunities
M.E.C.S. Mission Statement
The Montessori Elementary Charter School of Key West is a public school, open to all children, striving to reflect the diversity of our community.
Our innovative academic program, rooted in the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, challenges the student, individually, in a safe and nurturing environment.
Students are guided in the development of self-discipline, self-confidence, cooperation and responsibility; and are instilled with solid foundations in intellectual growth, humanitarianism and peace.
Curriculum
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"If education is always to be perceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be gained from it in the bettering of man's future." Dr. Maria Montessori |
To see a comparison of a Montessori Education
versus a Traditional Education, please click here.
Curriculum Overview
At MECS, we believe the best foundation for a strong education is learning how to learn. Our students are actively engaged in the learning process through guided exploration and discovery. We recognize that elementary students possess the ability to think abstractly, have a tremendous appetite for knowledge, and powerful imaginations.
The underlying philosophy of the elementary program, known as Cosmic Education, is designed to help children search for their place in the universe and recognize the interrelatedness of all living things. This is accomplished by tying the separate disciplines of the curriculum together in an integrated thematic approach that encompasses the physical universe, the world of nature, and the human experience.
Fundamental skills in reading, spelling, language arts, and math are studied within this meaningful context. Students gain cultural literacy with a basic core knowledge of the sciences, history, geography, great literature, and anthropology. Additionally, as a public school we cover all the Sunshine State Standards. We do this by identifying and teaching the concepts embodied in each standard. Our focus is on understanding rather than mere memorization of facts.
Concepts are introduced and revisited at increasing complexity and abstraction throughout the child's years in the class. Subjects are taught in an interdisciplinary manner, rather than the traditional approach where topics are compartmentalized and considered once at each grade level. This approach nurtures the child's innate curiosity and imagination.
Students are given the opportunity to explore topics that interest them. They engage in individual or small group research projects learning how to use the library, reference materials and the Internet to gather information. They also learn how to organize and present their findings in written reports and oral presentations.
Each of our classrooms is a mixed age community of children, which provides a warm supportive academic atmosphere. These learning environments are created to develop independence and intellectual development. Known as the prepared environment, each contains a set of beautiful concrete learning materials designed to be developmentally appropriate to the age of the children. These materials allow children to explore concepts first in a concrete way then move to abstract understanding at their own pace.
Montessori is often described as an education for life. Our students learn to collaborate with children of different ages and abilities to accomplish goals cooperatively. Children learn to both contribute ideas and listen to the ideas of others. Students compete only against themselves to achieve their personal best. Mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, and students know they can try again without embarrassment. These real world skills serve the student well throughout their school and work careers.
Curriculum by Subject
Practical Life Skills
- Time management and organization skills
- Conflict resolution tools
- Personal hygiene
- Cooking, sewing, gardening, cleaning
- Plant and animal care
- Earning and using money
Language Arts
- Reading taught with both phonetic and whole language approach.
- Grammar studies present the structure of language coherently, so the child will learn to speak and write well.
- Library and reference books are used for research and pleasure.
- Handwriting begins with hand control exercises
- Manuscript, cursive, calligraphy offered
- Creative and expository composition skills develop from level to level.
- Spelling taught by analyzing generalizations and rules.
Mathematics
- Always moves from the concrete to the abstract.
- Builds a mathematical mind.
- Develops understanding of concepts through sensorial exploration of concrete materials.
- Discovery based
- Includes arithmetic, geometry, algebra, problem solving, history of mathematics
Geography
- Physical – land & water formations, maps & globes, hydrosphere, biomes
- Cultural – continent and country studies
- Economic – natural resources and their uses, interdependence of nations
- Building a concept of time and historical time
- Development of life on Earth
- Ancient civilizations
- Pre-Columbian Indians, Native American cultures
- Age of exploration, US Colonial period
Science
- Includes cosmology, chemistry, astronomy, geology, paleontology
- Extensive biology nomenclature study
- Classification of living organisms
- Ecological viewpoint – the interdependence of all life
- Using the scientific inquiry skills
- Development of observation skills
- Health and nutrition
Board Members
Todd German, Banker
President
Community Member
Term: February 2008 - June 2011
Carl A. Schutze
Vice President
Parent Member
Term: May 2009 - May 2012
Candace Estep, Fine Wine Specialist
Treasurer
Community Member
Term: May 2008 - May 2011
Doreen Eppy, Owner/Artist Paradise Tattoo
Secretary
Parent Member
Term: May 2009 - May 2012
Robert Wilcox, Retired
Member at Large
Parent Member
Term: May 2010 - May 2013
Karine Leroy, Waitress
Member at Large
Parent Member
Term: May 2009 - May 2011
Markham McGill, Business Owner
Member at Large
Parent Member
Term: May 2010 - May 2013
Kevin Madok, Assistant Finance Director, Monroe County
Clerk of Court
Member at Large
Community Member
Term: June 2010 - June 2013
Shawn Smith, Key West City Attorney
Member at Large
Community Member
Term: June 2010 - June 2013
Public Participation at Board Meetings
Addendum to MECS 2008-2009 Parent Handbook
Board Approved September 8, 2008
These procedures are meant to encourage you to participate in an MECS Board of
Directors’ meeting. They’re designed to keep discussion orderly and provide an
opportunity for a fair presentation of views and opinions.
How to Address the Board:
MECS encourages family participation in our school community. For complaints about
school-related issues, however, the board appreciates that families talk first to the
employee closest to the problem—usually a teacher or principal. Should a satisfactory
solution still not be achieved, please submit your concern to the Board.
The Board has provided 2 ways for you to address members about issues of interest:
1. By placing an item on the agenda,
2. By commenting on items already on the agenda
1. How to get on the Agenda
The Board can only act on items included in the formal agenda (which is posted at least
72 hours prior to the meeting during which action is sought). If you want the Board to
formally discuss or act on an item, your item must be placed on the official meeting
agenda. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Notify the board secretary a minimum of 5 work days before the board meeting
when the item is to be considered. Requests must reach the board secretary by 4:00
p.m. the previous Monday (meetings are usually on a Monday).
2. Identify yourself and/or all individuals who will speak on the agenda item.
3. Provide summary information so that the Board can be prepared to address the item. Written documentation is preferred because it reduces the chances of error or
misinterpretation. The board packet, which will contain the agenda, narratives,
recommendations, and supporting documentation, is usually prepared 5 days prior
to regular meetings. Packets are sent to Board members 3 or 4 days before the
meeting.
When you submit items for the agenda, you and other speakers will be invited to sit at the board table and address the Board members. Discussion limit is 10 minutes, unless the
Board agrees to extend the time.
The Board generally deals with an agenda item as a discussion item at one meeting and as
an action item at a subsequent meeting. This allows time for reflection and further staff
and community input. If agenda items, questions or problems relate to legal issues, state
law permits the Board to go into closed session to receive such presentations.
2. How to comment on Agenda Items
You may also present information, ask questions, or comment on topics already on the
agenda.
With agenda items, usually the Board hears recommendations and data by the
administrative staff and then discusses the topic before taking action. Your time to speak
will be after the Board members’ discussion and before their action on that item.
The Board secretary will invite speakers to the board table. To address the Board about
an agenda item, you should take these steps:
1. Sign your name on the “sign-in sheet” found on the board table.
2. Identify the agenda item you wish to address. The Board secretary will invite you
to speak when your item is being discussed.
In the interest of time and to avoid duplication, it is suggested that groups wishing to
speak should select a representative to speak for all. Representative speakers will be
given extra time accordingly by the Chairman.
Late Additions to the Agenda
Due to the importance of a posted agenda for public access to Montessori meetings, last
minute additions are to be discouraged. When it is necessary for an item to be added, it
must be sponsored at the beginning of the meeting by a Board Member. Once sponsored,
all late additions must pass by a two thirds vote of the Board to be accepted as an
addition. If passed, the item will be officially added to the agenda by the Chairman.
Click Here for Printable Version of these Guidelines
Admissions Info
Click here to download our 2010-2011 Student Application Packet.
Career Opportunities
The Montessori Charter School seeks teachers for our growing program. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree, elementary Montessori teacher certification, and Florida teacher certification. We will sponsor a qualified applicant for Montessori teacher training. We offer a very competitive salary, 401k plan, and health benefits. If you are enthusiastic, dedicated to promoting a love of learning, and enjoy working collaboratively please send a resume and cover letter to
lynn@keywestmontessori.com
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