Core Value: Preparing Students for a Global Community

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENVIRONMENT, EARTH

We believe:

• In a conservation program that fosters a love of the natural world through the care of animals, plants, forests, and ponds

In action, this value looks like:

• Students demonstrating a responsibilty to the earth in their conservation, gardening, and community-service projects

Portrait Of A Graduate

We believe:

• In creating graduates who are emotionally literate, lifelong learners, accountable leaders and responsible citizens

In action, this value looks like:

• Global citizens identifying and pursuing their vocation

Peace

We believe:

• In peace as a way of life and a shift of attitude from competitive to cooperative, from reactive to proactive

• In our role of teaching tomorrow's leaders how to create, sustain, and enjoy a culture of respect and peace

In action, this value looks like:

• Students resolving conflict through understanding and negotiation and by creating collaborative agreement

Core Value: Focused Governance

Board Of Directors Focuses On The Business Side Of Organization

We believe:

• In a board that brings the greatest value through expertise in finance and operations, not through teaching or curriculum development

In action, this value looks like:

• Developing a board that is small, brings individual expertise and loyalty to Montessori methods, and utilizes a Montessori board champion and Head of School

• Restricting the Board of Directors from making curriculum decisions

Head Of School Leads The Curriculum Side Of Organization

We believe:

• In the Head of School’s being an expert on Montessori methods and guiding all evaluation and development of curriculum

In action, this value looks like:

• Employing a Head of School who is a certified and experienced Montessori professional with Montessori elementary teaching experience

• Defining a process for discerning whether new methods are consistent with Montessori philosophy, research and faculty evaluations

Free the child's potential and you will transform him in to the world.

– Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952)

Clear Policies And Procedures Ensure Consistent Quality And Implementation

We believe:

• In establishing guiding principles from the beginning, using them, and remaining faithful to them

In action, this value looks like:

• Establishing policies prior to a problem or a crisis

• Reviewing policies periodically to ensure relevance

Economic Diversity And School Choice

We believe:

• In giving everyone a choice in education

In action, this value looks like:

• Offering tuition assistance without stigma

Independence

We believe:

• In Oak Farm Montessori School's ability to act in the best interest of the children

In action, this value looks like:

• Not compromising Oak Farm Montessori School's methods or core values for the sake of maintaining or increasing student enrollment

• Supplementing tuition fees by foundation support of endowment fund

How We Sustain Our Values

While defining values is key, they do not instill themselves or sustain themselves On a continuous basis, the staff and board leadership of Oak Farm Montessori School must ensure that the values are incorporated into new staff, teacher, board member, and funder orientations, discussed regularly, and looked to in times of decision.

Policies

• The Head of School is a certified and experienced Montessori professional with Montessori elementary teaching experience.

• The Board of Directors does not define curriculum.

Philosophies

• Oak Farm Montessori School Board members should be regularly trained in Montessori philosophy.

• Leaders and funders who value process are identified, because that is how the Montessori method works.

• With ongoing communication and training, the differences between the educational and business perspectives of the top staff and volunteer leaders are recognized.

• The Board and funders should not micromanage and need to appreciate that this is a long-term commitment that will take time to evolve and mature.

• Oak Farm Montessori School will strive always to have a long-term Montessori Board champion who can bridge the transitions and the ongoing development of the school.

And so we discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.

– Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952)

Culture

• The Head of School and Board Champion are “keepers of the Montessori values.”

• The Head of School conveys values to board and staff.

• The faculty and administrative staff at all levels understand and are committed to Montessori.

• Teachers convey values to parents.

Training

• Values in Action are regularly highlighted to parents, staff, faculty, and board.

• Each board member’s orientation, training, and support are steeped in Montessori philosophy and methods.

• Each board member will engage in regular communications such as Values in Action and case studies of other schools succeeding and failing.

• Board members have a long-term commitment.

• There will be staggered transitions between members for the sake of continuity.

• The board’s leadership will regularly recheck the commitment of all board members.

• Board members will train in most common educational alternatives to Montessori and why we are committed to Montessori.

• An immersive experience will be researched and created for board members.