The Whole Earth Montessori School (WEM), established in 1986, is a Washington State approved Private School and an American Montessori Society (AMS) accredited Montessori School specializing in the instructional methodologies of Montessori education with the following goals in mind:

Developing respect for self through academic excellence: This begins at WEM with a prepared Montessori classroom that lends itself to student success; a clean, organized environment that includes an accredited staff and a full array of Montessori materials and learning activities in each classroom.

Global perspective by developing respect for others: WEM is fortunate to be centralized in an economically and culturally diverse community. Developing in each child a respect for others through an appreciation for the similarities, as well as the differences that exist among the people of the world occurs naturally in the classroom setting. This is enriched by both the Montessori curriculum and the parent volunteers who share aspects of their cultures with the students.

Respect for the environment through environmental awareness: Leading by example with the use of on-site Solar and Geo-Thermal systems, WEM offers students more than just a recycling program. The Whole Earth Montessori curriculum and campus offers students a hands-on experience and education from our 2.5 acre, natural environment. Activities range from stream-keeping, gardening and horticulture to studies in alternative energy.

THE MONTESSORI LEARNING ENVIRONMENT:

The learning environment is central to the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.  Acknowledging this, the Whole Earth strategy to advance the school’s mission is stated in the following manner: 

“Believing children to be the most valuable natural resource on Earth and the best hope for the realization of our vision, we will offer a prepared environment in which each child can grow in his or her own time and way toward their greatest potential; mentally, emotionally, socially, creatively and spiritually.”

“It is the child who is the future of humanity.  It is he who constructs the adult of the future.  He possesses powers of concentration and spontaneous learning that the adult does not possess; for this alone, he deserves a tremendous amount of respect.  He is smaller, but not inferior; he is one who is to be revered.”  - Maria Montessori