AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) is the international accrediting organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1927. Childpeace is accredited through AMI and is visited by an AMI consultant every three years. Childpeace is also a member of Oregon Independent Schools and is a state recognized private school.
Montessori classrooms are designed for a three year age mix to allow for both individual and social development. The more experienced children share what they have learned with those new to the group. Each child's unique personality is encouraged, and each child is respected as an important member of a community. The adult-to-child ratio in the Toddler Community (for 15 months to 3-year-olds) is one to four, with a total of 20 children enrolled in the program. The average size of our Children's House (for 3 to 6-year-olds) classrooms is 25 children with two adults (a Montessori guide and an assistant) and a designated support staff person. The Elementary classrooms are also arranged as mixed age groups (6 to 9-year-olds and 9 to 12-year olds). The classrooms have approximately 30 children and two teachers (one Montessori-trained guide and one assistant). The adolescent program is for students 12- to 15-years old, and we currently have about 16 students with two full-time teachers.
Certified Children's House and Elementary Montessori guides must hold a Bachelor's Degree prior to entering a one-year Montessori training program. Upon completion of the appropriate Montessori training program, guides are certified to teach at infant/toddler (2 months-3years), primary (3-6 year olds), or elementary (6-12 year olds) level. All Childpeace guides are fully trained and certified through the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Many of our guides also hold Masters degrees in education. Our middle school teachers have completed the NAMTA Orientation to Adolescence.
Childpeace is run by a Head of School, Sue Pritzker, who is responsible for the program at all age levels. We have an eight-member Board of Trustees, composed of Childpeace parents, community members, and Montessorians, who bring a variety and wealth of professional, business, legal, and Montessori teaching and Board experience. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the long-range planning and financial soundness of the school.
What are the tuition rates?
Our tuition rates are comparable to many private educational institutions in the Portland area. We survey similar programs to help us to determine our tuition. (Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Schedules) To help keep tuition costs affordable to more families, Childpeace families and staff work to raise about 5 - 10% of our general operating expenses through fundraising efforts.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we do offer scholarships. Our goal is to offer as generous a scholarship program as possible so that families, who might not otherwise afford it, can benefit from a private Montessori education. Childpeace Montessori Community recognizes that an economically and ethnically diverse student body helps prepare young people to live in an increasingly multiracial and multicultural society. We welcome a broad diversity of backgrounds, values, and viewpoints as an integral part of a stimulating intellectual and cultural learning environment.