Montessori School

🌟 Key Highlights: Montessori School of Chattanooga

The Montessori School of Chattanooga (MSC) is a private, independent school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, committed to providing an authentic Montessori education that nurtures the child’s natural curiosity and lifelong love of learning. It is dedicated to fostering independent, competent, and compassionate individuals.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Independent School (Montessori Method)

• Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee (Riverview neighborhood)

• Grades Served: Toddler (Age 18 months) – 8th Grade

• Enrollment: Approximately 200–250 students

• Core Mission: To honor the child’s inherent love of learning and provide a prepared, stimulating environment in which to develop the maximum potential of the whole person—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

• Accreditation: Recognized by the American Montessori Society (AMS), and fully accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

• Focus: Full scope of the Montessori curriculum, from Toddler through Adolescent (Middle School) programs.

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

MSC is defined by its adherence to the comprehensive Montessori model and its focus on developing the whole child through age 14:

• Authentic Montessori Methodology: Dedicated to the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. This includes multi-age classrooms (e.g., Toddler, Primary 3-6, Elementary 6-12, Adolescent 12-14) and extended, uninterrupted work cycles where students engage in self-directed, deep concentration.

• Adolescent Program (Middle School): The Middle School utilizes the specialized Montessori “Erdkinder” (Children of the Earth) approach. This curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, practical work, entrepreneurship, and integrated humanities/sciences to support the adolescent’s need for social and self-discovery.

• Hands-on, Specialized Materials: The learning environments are stocked with the full suite of self-correcting Montessori materials, enabling individualized, concrete learning across all subjects, including advanced mathematics and science.

• Individualized Pacing: The multi-age environment allows students to work at their own optimal pace, promoting mastery and internal motivation, while the lead teachers hold specific AMS certifications for their age levels.

• Community Focus: The school culture promotes peace education, grace, and courtesy, teaching students the social skills necessary to thrive in a collaborative community and contribute to the world.

📞 Contact Information