HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

Montessori Tides began as a privately owned and operated Montessori school for children ages 3-6 years old. Kathy Graham, director and owner, founded the school in 1986, when the growing need for Montessori education became apparent in Jacksonville and the Beaches, and has played a major role in the expansion of Montessori in the public sector as a model school. From the beginning it has followed the traditional Montessori philosophy.

In 1997 Montessori Tides decided to expand its existing 3-6 program to include a full complement of ages from 18 months through elementary years (Toddler through Grade 3).

All the Lead teachers are trained and certified in the Montessori Method and the curriculum materials are consistent with the Montessori principles of education. In addition, the director holds an internationally recognized AMI Montessori diploma from Xavier University and a Masters degree in Mental Health from Nova Southeastern University.

We are licensed with the Florida Department of Child and Family Services, and fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the American Montessori Society, and a member of the North American Montessori Teachers Association.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

The Montessori method of instruction is available through six levels: 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-15, and 15-18. This unique pedagogical philosophy set out almost 100 years ago by Dr. Maria Montessori aims for the fullest possible development of the human potential as a preparation for life. Learning is a dynamic process in which the whole personality of the child must be actively engaged. In order to educate the WHOLE child, we must give the child freedom to develop physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Dr. Montessori realized that the only value impulse to learning is the self-motivation of the child. The teacher prepares the environment, directs the activities, functions as the guide and offers the child stimulation. The teacher then stays back and observes as the child begins to reveal him/herself through their “work”, which has become the motivating force, and not solely the teacher’s personality.

Keeping with the Montessori philosophy, the goal at Montessori Tides School is two-fold: first, we believe that each child should be allowed to experience the excitement of learning by his own choice rather than being forced, and secondly, we help him to perfect his natural skills for learning, so that his ability will be at a maximum in future learning situations.

"The senses, being the explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge." Dr. Maria Montessori