SACRAMENTO MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Under the direction of Julie Steele, Gardener with Peas and Harmony, parents and children prepare the Organic Garden in early Spring. Throughout the year, the children, under the direction of Ms. Steele, plant and harvest vegetables. The flowers that are grown in the Garden are harvested and placed in vases on the children's lunch tables. The children take the harvested vegetables to the School's Chef, Steven Magana, who uses them in preparation of breakfast, lunch, and morning and afternoon snacks, as appropriate. Chef Steven also works with the children to empty their compost pots in the composter. The earth taken from the composter is put back into the Garden for planting. The Garden has butterfly- and hummingbird-attracting plants. The children enjoy working in the Garden with Ms. Steele and Chef Steven and taking quiet time to observe the butterflies and birds.

To provide excellence in Montessori infant, toddler, and early education programs

Sacramento Montessori School is committed to the pedagogy, philosophy, and methodology of Dr. Maria Montessori. Her work in the late 1800's and early 1900's laid the groundwork for the perfection of curricula which are exceptionally effective and celebrate the development of the whole child. Dr. Montessori's commitment to peace in education and ecology are extraordinarily relevant today. At Sacramento Montessori School, we work hard to live the ideals and philosophy of Dr. Montessori. We are committed to this journey and hope that our children and their families experience this commitment each day. Our Children's Organic Garden embodies in some small measure the Montessori emphasis on respect for Mother Earth, recycling, growing our own food, and using our big muscles in some of our work.

The 12th Street Collaborative for Montessori Education is the parent company of Sacramento Montessori School. It took over ownership of the School in February 2005 and since that time has been working to realize the beauty and power of Montessori education.