The logo of the Montessori Education Centre (MEC) is comprised of both a seedling and a butterfly. It is imagery that speaks to the essence of Montessori and represents what MEC holds sacred. Each stage of development changes an individual. Given a rich environment, full of love and freedom, the child advances through his/her sensitive periods of growth (represented in the plant) and spontaneously changes into a new individual (represented in the butterfly).
Individualized education, independent work, intrinsic motivation, investigative exploration, interactive experiences, and inclusive community development are the guiding principles of learning at MEC. Implemented for decades throughout each level of our students’ engagement, from our infants to our sixth graders, these ideologies and practices have been part of developing children who serve others, achieve academically, steward their environment, respectfully challenge the norm, and operate with grace and courtesy.
Over one hundred years ago, Maria Montessori set in motion an educational revolution that put the whole child first, with teachers able to observe, nurture, and guide him/her for three years at a time, in a setting that allows the student to navigate and create, while being adaptable to scholastic demands and evolutions. MEC has been proud since 1996 (and an additional decade before our charter) to do our best for the children of the East Valley of Arizona in upholding what Maria Montessori started, which is why our young plants and butterflies become well-rounded citizens, perform well on state tests, and treat each other and the greater community well.
To receive the National Blue Ribbon School Award is one of the highest honors a school can receive. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. It includes key elements of successful school programs, from individualized student support, intentional instruction, collaborative cultures, and targeted curricula. Every year, the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning, and we are honored to be a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School.
We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff, and parents for their commitment to MEC and their part in elevating it to a community where growth and transformation truly happens.