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Public Charity: Children First Montessori School is an approved public charity classified as a 501 (c) (3) organization under IRS tax laws and listed as a Non Profit with the State of Washington.

Mission Statement:  Our mission at Children First Montessori School is to provide a specially prepared Montessori environment, which encourages children to become enthusiastic, confident, self-motivated and independent.

School History:  The school was started by Dorothy King in St. Luke’s Methodist Church over 25 years ago. The school began as The Country School Montessori and later was changed to Children First Montessori by Cindy Duvall.   Mrs. Duvall served as director for approximately 10 years, and the school transferred directorship to Karin Bortisser and Karmen Penrose in 2008.  During this time, the school also moved to its current location.  The school is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving children an excellent education and promoting a healthy community environment. Our goal is to have children learn through exploration and movement and to love learning.

ACCREDITATION:

Children First Montessori School teachers are:

* Approved by The International Montessori Council

* Approved by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education

Children First Montessori School is:

* Approved by the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction as an in-service agency

* Member of PNMA (Pacific Northwest Montessori Association)

Montessori Method: The Montessori Method is a method of teaching that allows a child to learn by doing, move at their own pace, and make choices of their own. The Montessori materials teach useful knowledge and skills, attract the child’s interest and give each individual child a sense of their own purpose and worth. The method builds independence, self-confidence, enthusiasm for learning, and self-motivation.

Admissions: Enrollment is open to all children over the age of 2 ½. We are nonsectarian and non-discriminating relative to race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin. We begin new enrollment in March for the following year and accept applicants on a first come basis.  We do request that all students are toilet trained. Click here for an Application for Admission.