Inspire a Love of Learning through
Montessori Education
The History of St James Episcopal School
M
arie Mosely and Father Fleener began St. James Montessori School in the summer of 1967. There were 54 children ranging in age from 2½ to 4. Marie laid the foundation for the school and even after her retirement in 1987 and passing in 2008, remains a driving force in each class-
9845 McCree Road Dallas, Texas 75238
214.348.1349
room. The high level of academic achievement so common in Montessori schools is a natural outcome of experience in such a supportive environment. The Montessori method of education is a model which serves the needs of children of all levels of mental and physical ability as they live and learn in a natural, mixed-age group which is very much like the society they will live in as adults.
Mothers Day Out
St. James Mother’s Day Out is an extension of St. James Episcopal School, dedicated to the goal of providing a nurturing and caring Christian Montessori environment in which each child can learn and grow, as we strive to provide quality care through age appropriate activities and play.
Mother’s Day Out began in August 2004, and accommodates children between the ages of 18 months through 3 years. Each class consists of a maximum of 18 children to 3 teachers, and is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.�
- Maria Montessori
Toddlers
� The things he sees are not just remembered; but they form a part of his soul. �
- Maria Montessori
St. James provides a rich Montessori five day a week toddler program. We have three classrooms; our smaller classroom houses twelve toddlers and our two larger classrooms hold fifteen children. We have a 6:1 ratio, with a lead teacher and assistant(s). St. James offers a half day and a full day program. The toddler Montessori curriculum was designed with sensitive periods in mind. We focus on care of self and care of environment, relying on the toddler’s “do it myself” mode of thinking to increase their own independence.
Gross motor is key for the toddler. Works in the classroom encourage movement with a purpose. Our Natural Playground allow for toddlers to practice balancing, climbing and running. Our Children’s Garden not only is a place for walking paths, digging, planting and harvesting‌ it also is a place that reveals the power of creation as we actively participate in the life cycle of the butterfly and the seed. Click here to watch a video and learn more about the St James Episcopal School Toddler Experience
Primary
” Free the child’s potential and you will transform him into the world. ”
- Maria Montessori
S
t. James Episcopal School is committed to the Montessori approach to education providing freedom within a prepared environment, stressing
academic individualized learning and development for the young child. The children are grouped age 3 to 6 to evoke the true Montessori environment of peer learning. The Montessori Method of education develops the child’s five senses, through manipulative materials in the classroom. Each classroom is equipped with shelves that surround the room and contain hands on educational materials. These materials are arranged in a progression of graduating difficultyallowing the child to see his own progress. The Montessri Curriculum is based on “observation”, scientific observation accompanied by detailed note-taking. A lesson is presented by the Teacher; then it is the Student’s turn to “do” the lesson as presented. Because the materials are self-correcting, the Student can evaluate his or her own progress.Through observation, the Teacher determines whether to re-present the lesson, isolating the difficulty, or to progress to the next lesson in the sequence. Repetition of each lesson is encouraged until the Student is ready to move on. Click the video above to learn more about the St James Episcopal School Primary Experience
Chapel
I will sing to the LORD all my life.... Psalm 104:33
The loving guidance of our St. James faculty helps our students grow in their relationships with God, with the world of knowledge, and with each other. We believe these relationships are vital to every child’s success in school and in life. The toddlers begin learning the Bible stories in their classrooms through felt board stories. The Primary children attend Chapel together twice a week and celebrate the Eucharist on the first Wednesday of each month. The Chapel services are geared toward a child’s understanding of God, and combine singing, Bible storytelling, and lessons that model and teach Christian values
OUTDOORTIME
We believe a child thrives when they are allowed to play and work outdoors. We have an expansive play space with one of Dallas’s first Natural Playgrounds and a beautiful Children’s Garden.
www.stjamesdallas.com
phone: (214) 348-1349