At Mount Madonna School (MMS) values of respect, honesty, service to others and non-violence create a vital and safe community for learning. From the wonder of preschool through the rigor of twelfth grade, these students explore their world, celebrate community and build strong identities as citizens and scholars.As a valued member of our learning community, you are warmly invited to join us for the fall Open House on Saturday, November 21 at 11:00am. Come and see student work, engage with faculty, and enjoy the company of other parents. Families and guests with younger children are invited to attend the Elementary Garden Party at 1:00pm and enjoy food planted, tended, harvested and cooked by the students!
Open house is a great event for prospective families, too, and you are encouraged to bring friends, neighbors and associates who may be considering a choice of school for their children. New this year, any current family that brings a qualified friend (someone with a child of school age) to Open House will receive one free ticket to either the middle school show, Mulan Jr. or the high school production of Once Upon a Mattress . For details on the ticket offer, contact Director of Admissions, Benn?! Dimig.
Young children flourish in the Montessori-based pre/k program, that is nurturing, inviting and stimulating, and where play is valued as a natural learning process. Come experience how imagination, creativity and social skills are fostered as we explore the natural world and the foundations of a respectful community. The elementary program inspires meaningful exploration and supportive relationships through a rich array of academics, arts and play. Together, we are creating a community that encourages each child’s natural love of learning to unfold.
In our middle school, students develop their critical thinking, self-reflection and sense of responsibility as they transition to adolescence. Get a deeper understanding of how, through academics, performing arts, athletics, extended field trips, and outdoor education, our students are increasing their awareness of the world and their place in it.
Our high school program is academically challenging while supporting individuals to discover their unique gifts and talents. Come experience how our older students become leaders within the school, local and global communities. Get a tangible feel for how they learn to take responsibility for themselves and make a positive difference in the world.
Preschool parent Rebecca Kershnar said attending Open House helped to solidify her family’s school choice.‘Open house last year was our first visit to Mount Madonna,’ Kershnar said. ‘We were impressed with how thoughtful the school was in everything: schedules, routines, developing a sense of environmental stewardship in students, specific curriculum components to develop concrete life skills and develop good social and world citizens.
‘There was a great representation of teachers and current parents and students and this conveyed a love and investment in the school. Going to the classroom and the garden really helped us see why we would love to send our child (and eventually children) to Mount Madonna. The activities set outside for the kids were also great and showed a caring creativity and child focus. As a preschool parent, talking with parents was important, in particular concerning the bus as this was an initial concern for us.’
Middle school parent Paul Skogerson said attending the event also helped his family with their school decision.
‘An Open House last school year was my first visit on campus,’ shared Skogerson. ‘The experience was unexpectedly affirming. Generally, most open houses are too crowded with very little opportunity to interact or get a true ‘feeling’ for the environment or community your child will be learning and growing in. The staff at MMS made us feel welcome and part of a community even before it started. Faculty and staff approached us during the first few minutes of the ‘mingle’ period and introduced themselves and their role at the school with specifics that would affect our daughter’s learning experience.
‘The intimate forum made everyone feel comfortable, included and free to ask questions, and confident that the answers would be genuine,’ he continued. ‘The interaction stood out to me from other such events, where one would expect to be ‘presented to’ and ‘talked at’. The one-on-one interactions with faculty made it clear how invested they all were in the learning experience of every student and their mission to deliver on that promise with each child.’
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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Director of Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.
