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ABOUT ARBORCitizenship:
At Arbor Montessori School we fly both the United States flag and the Earth Flag because we feel we are citizens of the global community as well as citizens of the United States of America. When we are civic-minded, we are at once diverse and unified. We feel it is important to keep the ideal of interdependence and global unity in our minds and hearts. By flying both flags, we publicly honor our country and Dr. Montessori’s work for world peace.
From 1969 until her death in 1977, Margaret Mead carried what she called “the flag for all people” with her whenever she went. “…It was not until we saw the picture of the earth from the moon,” she said, “that we realized how small and how helpless this planet is—something that we must hold in our arms and care for.” The message implicit in the image of our planet seen from space impels us towards the idea of unity and calls us to the task of world citizenship.
Conflict Resolution:
We realize that the example of how we live and work together is the most important aspect of a peace curriculum. So, at Arbor, we are committed to living, learning and teaching principles of community. Arbor’s Statement of Purpose says, “Arbor strives to be a model community, implementing Maria Montessori’s philosophy of respect for individuals, child and adult, in every aspect of school life.”
A student proudly displays Arbor's Peer Mediation Handbook
The attitudes and skills for win/win conflict resolution and problem solving that we help children construct in the early years provide the foundation they will need for making peace as adults in the 21st century. Complex social issues and increasing global interdependence place new demands on our capacities to work together. Our students go out into the larger community equipped to be team players, peacemakers and change agents for a better world. Our graduates give us hope for a positive future. It is important work that we share.
The generosity, hard work and commitment of our parents and staff will continue to fill the pages of Arbor’s memory albums with unprecedented growth and notable accomplishments. We are exemplars and trailblazers and will continue to be recognized at a national level as a school of distinction and a respected leader in the Montessori community.
Parent Observations:
Observations are a wonderful way for parents to become familiar with Arbor and to get a feel for what their children do during their time with us.
Middle School Program:
The Continuum. Arbor Middle School is a leader in the field of Adolescent Education. In fact, we are one of only two middle schools in the Atlanta area based on the Montessori teaching philosophy. According to the Carnegie Foundation, a middle school “should be a place where close, trusting relationships with adults and peers create climate for students’ personal growth and intellectual development. “ The Foundation suggest a small “one-house” school to eliminate fragmented learning and to encourage opportunities for teachers to develop “sustained personal relationships with students.” Arbor teachers act as coaches for project-based learning in each subject area as well as advisors for individual students. The small class size, one-room school and access to teachers as guides keep Arbor middle school on the cutting edge of adolescent education.
AMI Accreditation:
AMI/USA consultants evaluate the school, classrooms and staff every three years for AMI accreditation. AMI-trained teachers and coordinators observe, evaluate, and support classrooms on a regular basis. New teachers receive support and mentoring by coordinators and colleagues. The AMI-trained Education Administrator is also available for observations and consultations. Only AMI-trained professionals are fully qualified to evaluate Arbor’s programs and faculty. The “Cycle of Evaluative Inquiry,” found in the POLICIES AND PROCEDURES section of the parent handbook, reflects Arbor’s commitment to excellence and ensures that all students receive the Montessori education that Maria Montessori intended. Our expertise and commitment to the Montessori philosophy is one of the defining qualities of Arbor Montessori School and is what attracts and retains parents who are strong supporters of our community.
