About Chemung Valley Montessori School

Founded in 1974, CVMS offers a rigorous, fully-certified program for preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We are a  non-profit, non-sectarian private school.  Our calendar is similar to local school districts. We also offer high quality before and after-school programs for enrolled students.

Chemung Valley Montessori School is conveniently located in modern facilities on three partially-wooded acres in Big Flats New York. The middle school occupies its own building nearby.  CVMS is provisionally chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and proudly affiliated with the American Montessori Society.

Our Philosophy

The Montessori approach to education takes its name from Italian physician and educator, Dr. Maria Montessori.  Her insights into how children develop and learn are supported by modern scientific research.   There are thousands of Montessori schools around the world.

Dr. Montessori discovered:

  • children's education and development largely result from their own efforts. 
  • children possess a deep desire to explore their environment with all of their senses.
  • children require freedom to move and choose their own activities.
  • each child has a strong sense of order with a desire and need for purposeful work.
  • the child's environment plays a significant role in providing information and opportunities for exploration.
  • adult intervention should be respectful, offering what is needed by each child

 

Our Values

  1. We follow the philosophy of Doctor Maria Montessori.
  2. In our classrooms you will find:
    • individualized instruction
    • multi-age grouping 
    • materials designed for each developmental level
    • Montessori-trained and certified faculty
    • hands-on learning
    • a connection to the environment
    • opportunities for life skills
    • respectful, supportive community
    • collaboration and cooperation
  3. We value the whole child - the intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual.
  4. We value academic excellence and nurture academic achievement .
  5. We recognize each child must develope at his or her own pace. 
  6. We value and respect each child as a caring, responsible learner.
  7. We foster independence and creative autonomy, encouraging responsible freedom of expression. 
  8. We provide a physically and emotionally safe environment where diversity is celebrated. 
  9. Our staff is the cornerstone of our program. We encourage and support professional development.
  10. We believe in a strong partnership of students, parents and teachers.
  11. We practice community service and social responsibility.

The Benefits

Chemung Valley Montessori graduates possess:

  • strong academic foundations in science, math and languages.
  • initiative, self-discipline and self-motivation.
  • a love of learning.
  • self-confidence and poise.
  • real world life skills.