yRaintree Montessori Schoolx Raintree Montessori School was founded in 1978 by a small group of people with a vision for a beautiful place lovingly and intentionally prepared for children. Its founders saw a need in the Lawrence community for an optimum, all-day learning environment for kids with working parents. It is a member of the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA), the Association of Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS), which means it must follow the tenets of all of these associations. Its teachers, called guides, are required to have a bachelor’s degree and at least an AMI or AMS certification. “Maria Montessori’s work continues to be validated by current research,” says Lleanna McReynolds, Head of School at Raintree, a toddler (age 18 months) through adolescent (14 years old) school. “She was one of the first to design and use concrete learning materials, and just this year, a research study validated the importance of cursive handwriting, something Montessori students learn from the moment they enter Raintree.” Raintree follows a “triangle” model: teacher, child and environment. It places a heavy emphasis on emotional development, with teachers staying with their students for three years. The mixed-age classrooms are like families, working communities whose members care for one another. The school uses multisensory instruction, where children get lessons on an array of subjects at more and more advanced levels. Toddler and preschool classes offer one-on-one instruction, while elementary and adolescent classes are done in seminars. Students develop their own textbooks, and teachers have the freedom to adapt the environment and tailor lessons to meet the specific needs of students. Everything is laid out and available at all times, and students work at their own pace. There is also a focus on “lessons of grace and courtesy.” “What we are after is creating a working environment which allows the child to concentrate,” McReynolds explains. “The children have a choice, but within guidelines. Freedom, but with responsibility.” One of the most important aspects of Raintree, McReynolds says, is the study of peace. Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori school, was a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize three times, seeking a peaceful world through her work with children across the world. “From the moment children enter the school, they are encouraged to help each other,” McReynolds explains. “Tying a classmate’s apron, learning how to serve a guest or hosting a bake sale for others in need are simple yet profound gestures, all in preparation for life beyond the walls of our school. Just as Montessori envisioned: education for peace.” Top to bottom: Joe Sears works with student; Diego Klish, Will Hedges, Micaiah Mercado study group; Ann Anderson works with Kwabena Peasha on math; Sam Hutfles, Erkinder Class, feeding chickens Raintree Chess Club, placed 3rd at State and 7th at the 2015 USCF National Elementary Championships (L-R) Bryce Erickson, Dhruv Duvver, Coach Diana Ortega-Ariza, Sam Hertzog, Nathaniel Slemmer, Elijah Paden
57