Findley to Become Montessori K-5 and add 6th Grade in 24-25
In the 2024-2025 school year, Findley will be a pilot for 6th grade in DMPS elementary schools. After working with students, families, community partners, and district leaders, Findley recognized a need to offer 6th grade in an elementary setting. We are excited to be working with our partners and stakeholders to design the 6th grade experience at Findley.
Also in 2024-2025, Findley will offer Iowa’s only free, public, neighborhood Montessori school for K-5 students.
Why Montessori?
Montessori education is a child-centered approach that emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, and fostering a love for learning. Montessori is a curriculum that aligns to our current learning standards and blends seamlessly with our school’s Big Dream to provide an innovative and inclusive educational environment for all students.
One of the key components of Montessori education is multiage classrooms, where students of different ages learn together in the same environment. This approach allows for a more personalized and flexible learning experience, promoting collaboration, mentorship, and a sense of community among students.
In a Montessori classroom, your child will have the opportunity to:
- Learn at Their Own Pace: Montessori classrooms allow students to progress through the curriculum at their own pace. This ensures that each child receives the support and challenge they need. The support and curriculum are key here in that we are guiding students in appropriate ways and not leaving students to completely navigate their own learning.
- Develop Independence: The Montessori philosophy encourages self-directed learning and fosters independence. Students take an active role in their education, making choices and decisions that contribute to their academic and personal growth.
- Experience a Rich and Diverse Curriculum: Montessori education is aligned to the Iowa Core curriculum while including a broad range of activities that promote intellectual, emotional, and social development. This holistic approach helps students become well-rounded individuals.
- Cultivate a Love for Learning: By engaging in hands-on, experiential learning activities, students develop a genuine passion for learning. Montessori education aims to instill a lifelong love of knowledge and curiosity in each child.
We understand that change can be both exciting and challenging, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all our students and families. Over the coming weeks and months, we will provide additional information, host informational sessions, and answer any questions you may have.