History of MCH
Montessori Children’s House opened its doors in September, 2010. The first school year started with two small toddler communities and one primary classroom and an enrollment of 24. Since then, MCH has rearranged and expanded its footprint to create larger classrooms. Our current set-up includes two toddler communities serving 20 children and two primary classrooms with 49 children.
During the Summer of 2018, the school was converted to a 501c3 non-profit organization. In the spring of 2019, the staff and administration, with support board, created an Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist Commitment and Values Statement.
Our Neighborhood
Our school is located in the the ground floor of the John Ross Condominiums on Portland’s South Waterfront (map), an area nationally known for its green building practices, diverse mass transit options, and community of diverse residents of all ages. The children enjoy trips to Elizabeth Caruthers park, growing flowers (for classroom Flower Arranging activities) in our raised bed in the South Waterfront Community Garden, walks along the Willamette Greenway (featuring close-up views of the Willamette River and Ross Island with its heron rookery), and visiting the residents at Mirabella, a senior-living community.
Why Montessori?
Montessori education builds a child’s capability to become a fulfilled and productive adult able to contribute to the world – at home, at work, and in their community. Maria Montessori’s observation of human development from birth to adulthood led to an education approach that supports children’s natural development, providing the skills and support to reach their full potential in life. With a strong emotional, behavioral, and moral foundation, children become motivated, active, and independent learners who are prepared for the real world.
Montessori develops the whole child. Academics and knowledge-building are key qualities of Montessori, as is the ability to think creatively and understand the needs of others. When these fundamental skills are fostered early in life, children gain the capability to problem solve, persevere, and interact well with others in any circumstance.
Montessori teachers are experts in child development, guiding children to learn independently and reach their unique potential. Children have the freedom to engage in their own learning experience and the Montessori teacher is there to support the child throughout this process.
Montessori learning environments are designed to fit the specific needs of each child’s stage of development. Learning is all about the activity and independence of the child to find out what they need at each particular moment.
Building an Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist Community
At MCH, we aim for each child to express comfort and respect for human diversity, to increasingly recognize injustice, and to have the will and the skills to act against prejudice. As adults, we must do the same. Our goals cannot be achieved without recognizing and dismantling the systems of bias that continue to marginalize Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. That means committing – individually and collectively, again and again, to reflect and grapple with the racism in ourselves, our organizations, and our society. Read our entire ABAR Statement