PHILOSOPHY
OUR MISSION
Embracing the Montessori philosophy, we nurture each child’s individual potential, passion for lifelong learning, and sense of world community.
OUR CORE VALUES
The Montessori philosophy informs everything we do: our approach to education and childcare, the professional development of our teachers, our relationships with our families, and our guidance and stewardship of our school.
We value and nurture the whole child: intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual.
We nurture academic excellence and achievement.
We acknowledge each child develops at his or her own pace.
We respect each child as a caring, responsible learner.
We foster independence and creative autonomy, encouraging responsible freedom of expression.
We provide a physically and emotionally safe environment where diversity is celebrated.
Recognizing the critical role of the adult in Montessori education, we encourage and support the professional development of all CVMS faculty and staff and provide opportunities for parents to learn more about Montessori methods.
We believe in a strong partnership of students, parents, guardians, and teachers.
We serve our community and are socially responsible.
We inspire and actively infuse these characteristics throughout our learning community:
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Curiosity
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Cooperation
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Confidence
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Compassion
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Citizenship
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Command of concepts
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Critical thinking
We support these core values through the renowned Montessori philosophy and methodology. Our Montessori-trained and certified teachers, multi-age classes, focused small group instruction, and hands-on learning materials have proven extremely successful, inspiring children’s curiosity and self-motivation, and fostering a depth of understanding that transcends “teaching for the test.”
Our culture is infused with genuine passion and enthusiasm for our school, our students, our approach to Montessori, and the successes of our alumni. We believe a partnership between CVMS and each parent or guardian is a critical component of a child’s successful Montessori experience. We’re developing curious, self-reliant learners; academic achievers; and respectful, responsible, compassionate individuals.
HISTORY
From the outset, Chemung Valley Montessori has been shaped by dedicated individuals with a passion for providing an excellent academic environment, coupled with a culture that nurtures the whole individual. What began as a single preschool classroom has evolved to a rich program for children from age 2 through 8th grade.
YEAR
1974-75
1987-88
1989-90
1991-92
1993-94
1994-95
1995-96
1997-98
1999-2000
2000-2001
2003-2004
2010-2011
2015
2016
FACILITIES & PROGRAMS
Founded Chemung Valley Montessori Association; operated a single Early Childhood classroom for 3 and 4 year olds in rental space
CVMA Parent Association founded
Expanded to lower elementary school level; purchased property and initiated plans for a building
Completed Early Childhood building
Expanded program to upper elementary level; completed original elementary building
Built gymnasium
Started toddler program; added 2nd elementary classroom
Added 4th Early Childhood classroom
Expanded facilities with Upper Elementary classroom and multipurpose room
Established Kaleidoscope to provide before- and after-school care and enriched educational programming
Reconfigured gymnasium into larger Upper Elementary classroom
Expanded education to Middle School level and purchased a turn-of-the-20th-century home to house the enlarged program.
Facilities now encompass 22,460 square feet indoors on more than 7 acres
Expanded program to include parent and child Montessori Beginnings discovery program.
Hosted the First Annual Homecoming; added security system and controlled entry to campuses.