The Montessori Children's School of Key West
Independent • Nonprofit • International • Montessori
Toddlers through the Eighth Grade
The Essential Nature of the School
The Montessori Children’s School of Key West is an independent, non-profit, international, Montessori school.
We nurture intelligence, curiosity, and imagination while supporting and developing each student’s unique talents. Our goal is to prepare students for both university and life.
Our school teaches universal values and instills a global perspective, responsible citizenship, and encourages an entrepreneurial spirit.
The aim is to graduate young people who are balanced between their knowledge and character: life-long learners, critical thinkers, and active leaders in their local community, their country, and the world.
In the Spotlight
“I do not believe there is a method better than Montessori for making children sensitive to the beauties of the world and awakening their curiosity regarding the secrets of life.”
Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Author, Nobel Laureate, Montessori Alumnus
A Note From the Executive Director
I have known and loved the Montessori Children’s School since 1972 when I first joined this extraordinary community of teachers, students, and families as a very small child. My parents were among the founding families, and we have always felt a deep bond to the school.
The years that I spent here are among my happiest memories. My own child, Mason, grew up here.
Nine years ago, I moved back to Key West and fell in love with the school all over again.
Over the last 50 years, the school blossomed, grew, and established an international reputation. For me, leading our very special school is a labor of love.
I appreciate the depth and breadth of our international curriculum, the patient guidance of its Montessori teachers, and the spirit of kindness, warmth, and mutual respect.
This is a gentle way to learn that leads to a world-class education without the stress, pressure, and needless competition found in most schools. It is a place where young minds grow organically in an unhurried atmosphere of inquiry and discovery.
For me, working with children, teachers, and parents to build excellent Montessori schools is a passion.
Amy O’Connor
Executive Director
“We must help the child to act for himself, will for himself, think for himself; this is the art of those who aspire to serve the spirit.”
MARIA MONTESSORI
Accreditation
The Montessori Children’s School is a candidate for accreditation by the International Montessori Council (IMC). The International Montessori Council (IMC) is an international organization that focuses on issues and concerns unique to Montessori Schools. Our school is committed to implementing the best and next Montessori practices.
The Montessori Foundation
Our school works closely with The Montessori Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1992 to create an independent source of assistance, encouragement, and support for the international Montessori community. The mission of the Montessori Foundation is to nurture, inspire, and support the development of strong, successful Montessori schools around the world.
The Foundation works with Montessori schools world-wide. Through its magazine, Tomorrow’s Child, books, videos, and other publications, it also works to promote interest and understanding of Montessori among parents, educators, and schools that are interested in learning more about Montessori education.
The Montessori Foundation sponsors workshops, institutes, online courses, and international conferences for Montessori educators, school administrators, and board members. The Montessori Foundation reflects a heritage of international education and a commitment to the highest standards of Montessori program and curriculum development, the implementation of cutting edge educational technology, the development of a strong sense of community and family friendliness within our schools.
In 1998, The Montessori Foundation organized and administers the International Montessori Council: an independent membership organization for Montessori schools, parents, and educators around the world. Through the IMC, the Foundation is able to offer a wide range of programs and support to Montessori schools around the world.
The International Montessori Council accredits Montessori schools, promotes best practices, encourages and recognizes innovative approaches to Montessori teacher education and professional leadership training.
The Montessori Foundation and International Montessori Council work together with Montessori schools, parents, and local and national Montessori organizations to promote the mission of the Montessori movement to encourage partnership-based parenting, partnership-based Montessori schools, and the highest standards of Montessori education.
Visit the Montessori Foundation’s website at montessori.org.