Where do I fit in?

Rikki Colon, High School Teacher & College and Careers Advisor

What comes to mind when one hears the word cosmic? Is it vast in size? Or, maybe something related to the universe? Looking back to the origin, the word cosmic is derived from the Greek word kosmikos, meaning proper order of the world. In Montessori philosophy, Cosmic Education reveals the ordered and global interconnectedness of all things. Cosmic Education creates context. It allows students to understand themselves, their lives, and how they relate to everything around them. It is the vehicle in which the child finds orientation and guidance in life. It seeks to provide answers to the existential questions that occupy our minds: Who am I? Where do I come from? And Why am I here?

The Montessori approach to Cosmic Education cultivates children’s fascination with the universe. It instills a vested interest in observing nature, humanity, and discovering more about the world that surrounds them. Most importantly, it allows the child to feel the interconnectedness of all things and ultimately guides him into his place in the world and his cosmic task.

Having a cosmic task gives children a real sense of purpose. It gives them a constant reminder of why they matter and it provides meaning to the activities they pursue every day. Whether our students are engaged in rigorous academics or real world pathways, serving their local community or the one here on campus, exploring Barcelona or navigating white water rapids in West Virginia- they are finding purpose. Here at Oak Farm Montessori High School, our end in mind is seeing our students transition into their cosmic tasks. We strive to help them understand the valuable role they play in the universe, provide them opportunities to improve their local communities, and empower them with the tools necessary to reach their full potential.