Mill Falls Charter School

s populated with materials and resources developed for the Montessori approach to help learners of all kinds reach their highest potential.

• Create mixed-age classrooms where peer-to-peer teaching and modeling is fully supported to enable the sharing of experience and knowledge, as well as the social and academic development of our students.

• Create an integrated learning environment that encourages connections across academic disciplines.

• Foster creativity and curiosity, leading to the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills.

• Develop individualized, student-directed learning, leading to engaged, empowered and self-directed students.

• Practice the Montessori approach of educating the whole child, leading to the development self-confidence, and inner-discipline among students.

• Develop 21st century learners through the use of technology and creative problem solving, leading to responsible and knowledgeable global citizens.

• Provide a peaceful, safe and secure environment for personal development with constructive conflict resolution.

• Foster a culture of respect, individuality and celebration of diversity of all kinds. KEY GOALS AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

• High Academic Achievement and Standards will be established through use and development of a curriculum that will integrate the NH Core Curriculum and the Montessori Scope and Sequence. With an emphasis on the mastery of materials across all areas of academic focus, our students will be expected to advance at
least one grade level per year and will be given standardized tests to demonstrate progress. In addition, Faculty will utilize a variety of assessment
methods in order to continually measure student growth, and planappropriately for students’ individualized learning plans. The academic program will integrate the development of community and responsible global citizenship; peaceful approach to conflict; and the integration of curriculum partners in areas of the arts, service and the natural world.

• Individualized Learning will inspire our students to seek their highest potential. Through the Montessori models for observation and evaluation, as well as state and independent standardized tests, each student’s instruction will be tailored to his or her ability and needs. Our teachers will work closely with students and their parents/guardians to establish and continually evaluate goals and progress.

• Respect will develop and flourish through the Montessori practice of grace and courtesy among students, faculty and parents/guardians.

• Celebration of Diversity will ensure that students, families and faculty of all means, needs and backgrounds will be welcomed into the school setting.

• Service-Learning Opportunities for students of all ages will ensure connection to community and the development of responsible and engaged citizens.

• Personal Growth and Development will flourish alongside the academic values of the Montessori method through the Practical Life and Service curricula. Students gathered in this safe and peaceful environment will become engaged and empowered learners.

• Successful Montessori Programming will define every aspect of the School. Our classrooms will be populated by Montessori-trained teachers who will utilize the Montessori approach to curriculum development and presentation, thus meeting students’ academic, social and emotional needs and expectations. Supporting our Lead Teachers will be Teaching Assistants committed to the Montessori method. All faculty members will be chosen in part for their ability to model core Montessori values. Ongoing team and professional development will be supported to aid in high teacher retention, ongoing success and growth of the Mission.

• Parent/Guardian Commitment to the School’s Mission and success will be a core element of building and maintaining our school community. Parents and Guardians will be integrated into the School’s function, thereby fostering a connection to the education and social development of their children and to the success of the School.