Nature's Way Montessori School

🌟 Key Highlights: Nature’s Way Montessori School

Nature’s Way Montessori School (NWMS) is a private, independent school in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is committed to providing an authentic Montessori education from the toddler years through middle school, fostering independence, deep curiosity, and self-discipline within a community that emphasizes environmental education and outdoor learning.

🏫 Overview

• Type: Private / Independent Montessori School

• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee (North Knoxville Area)

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

• Enrollment: Varies by program level

• Core Mission: To implement an authentic Montessori curriculum that respects the individual child’s pace and potential, emphasizing stewardship of the natural world and fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery.

• Accreditation: Recognized by the American Montessori Society (AMS) or similarly affiliated.

• Focus: Full implementation of the Montessori curriculum with an added emphasis on environmental education.

✅ What Makes the School Unique?

NWMS is defined by its commitment to authentic Montessori practice and its integration of outdoor and environmental learning:

• Authentic Montessori Education: Adheres faithfully to the principles and practices of Dr. Maria Montessori, including mixed-age classrooms, three-hour uninterrupted work cycles, and the use of specially designed Montessori materials that promote self-correction and mastery.

• Environmental & Outdoor Focus: The school places a high value on environmental education. Learning is often extended into the outdoor environment, utilizing the campus grounds for nature studies, gardening, and ecological awareness, which enhances the hands-on curriculum.

• Prepared Environment: Each classroom is a “prepared environment,” meticulously organized and equipped to meet the developmental needs and interests of the children within that specific age group, facilitating independent learning and exploration.

• Comprehensive K-8: Offers the full scope of the Montessori curriculum, including the Erdkinder program in the Middle School (typically grades 7-8), which emphasizes practical application, integrated study, and micro-economy tailored for adolescents.

• Individualized Learning: The curriculum is individualized and self-paced, allowing students to progress through challenging materials as they master concepts, fostering deep conceptual understanding, especially in subjects like Mathematics and Language.

• Community and Character: Focuses heavily on developing strong character traits through Grace and Courtesy lessons, emphasizing responsibility, respect, and peaceful conflict resolution within the multi-age community.

📞 Contact Information