2018 Annual Appeal Ambassadors: The West Family
At Mountaineer Montessori School, we’re spreading our wings!
Our elevated approach to education fosters learning without limits, freeing children to go as far and as high as they can.
We’re nurturing West Virginia’s future community builders, problem solvers, innovators, business leaders and peace makers…creating a brighter tomorrow…today!
Founded in 1976, Mountaineer Montessori is West Virginia’s original and largest Montessori school, offering a world-class educational experience to 140 students ages 3-14 right here in Charleston–the heart of Appalachia.
“Spreading Our Wings,” the 2018 MMS Annual Appeal, will provide critical funding to help us meet the growing demand for superior academic options in our community and sustain our 42-year tradition of excellence and innovation in education.
As part of our “Spreading Our Wings” campaign, students, teachers, alumni and families are sharing their stories, telling what MMS means to them and how Montessori education lifts up children, our community and our world.
This is the Janell West’s MMS story:
When I was a teenager, my mom picked up a friend’s child from a Montessori school- I was impressed with the array of concrete learning materials, and the child’s confidence socially and academically. My husband has fond memories of his own Montessori education.
When one of our children seemed to need more than we could offer as homeschoolers, we immediately considered Montessori. A perusal of the the MMS website quickly endeared us to its philosophy and programs.
We enrolled our second grader, who immediately felt befriended and needed as an important part of the school community. The individually driven and paced environment, created by the kind and enthusiastic staff, eliminated frustration and encouraged her to explore her interests at her pace and comfort level. She receives extra reading help through the Wilson program; we are so pleased with her progress. The art program at MMS has given her wings to fly, where her drawing abilities blossom, and her creativity delights us.
We soon realized our first grader needed the MMS experience too. Despite her late enrollment, the exceptional staff and students swept her into the school community; again, the student driven pacing and intriguing activity choices were just what she needed to blossom. Soon she was involved in a class play that showcased her hitherto unknown ability to memorize lines, which she delivered with panache!
Our middle schooler soon became envious of the exceptional education her younger siblings received. As we looked into MM Middle School, we realized it offered opportunities for our 8th grader to expand horizons. She craved a more challenging and diverse experience. The Middle School staff are exceptionally credentialled and overflowing with productive and intriguing curriculum.
I love that my children’s teachers see each of them as a unique being, perched daily on the ledge of the learning experience, ready for guidance on how to spread their wings and fly to the adventure of their choosing.
This year’s MMS Annual Appeal goal is $25,000. Your gift will help us:
- Increase community access through financial aid. Our annual tuition support fund is approaching nearly $50,000!
- Fund expansion of the early childhood program and enhance programs at all other levels. We have maintained a waiting list for Primary classes for several years.
- Benefit our teacher appreciation and training funds.
At MMS, potential unfolds and possibilities take flight. With your support, we can continue to elevate education and our community in the year ahead. The sky’s the limit.
