Desert Sky Montessori is a tuition-free Montessori school
in Bend, Oregon, and serves 180 students in grades K-6. Desert Sky is committed
to the development of the whole child by implementing a curriculum based on the
Montessori philosophy of education and human development; improving academic
performance and socio-emotional skills; and providing a nurturing and
stimulating environment for hands-on learning, joyful exploration, and
self-discovery.
We do this by guiding our students along their unique path
of pursuing knowledge through their own ideas and interests as well as learning
from each other. We encourage their growth as individuals, so they become
enormously creative thinkers with the freedom to move and make choices about
their work within an atmosphere of beauty and respect.
Our mission is to inspire our students to become confident
and capable lifelong learners, to instill a deep sense of personal and social
responsibility that prepares them for a changing world, and to empower them to
become productive global citizens and committed caretakers of the earth.
We foster a warm and inclusive community centered on grace,
courtesy, and peace, where children of all socio-economic levels have an
opportunity at a Montessori education.
Our core values emphasize active engagement of a child's
innate curiosity and desire to create. We believe in:
- The individuality and potential of each child
- A rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum where students learn by
doing
- Purposeful activity and meaningful work
- Interaction with the natural world and stewardship of the natural
environment
- Independence and self-reliance
- Compassion and mutual respect
- A holistic approach to diversity and belonging
- Families engaged in their children's learning and school community
- Continued personal and professional growth for all staff
