San Tan Charter School’s Montessori program celebrates 18 years – Daily Independent

Eighteen years ago, the Montessori preschool program started at San Tan Charter School.

As Cami Kerby, the new principal of San Tan Montessori School noted, the preschool program has been so successful that it has expanded over the years to include more grade levels.

Today, San Tan Montessori School offers an experience where children can start as early as age 1 in Montessori Preschool and then continue their education with the program through eighth grade.

“The inspiration behind expanding the Montessori approach beyond preschool was to meet the needs of families who want a seamless educational journey rooted in Montessori principles combined with the flexibility of offering gifted and mainstream programs,” Kerby said, adding , that the extended Montessori program allows students to experience a consistent, nurturing and community-oriented environment for up to 14 years.

“The community-led nature of our school and the strong relationships our families build with our teachers have been central to this growth.”

After completing the eighth grade, students who are at San Tan Montessori School are welcome to stay at San Tan Charter School for high school – either in the school’s traditional academic program or, starting next school year, in the Montessori program, which is planned to expand again.

As Kerby explained, the San Tan Montessori program will transition through ninth grade for the 2025-2026 school year. It will then expand to 10th grade for 2026-2027, 11th grade for 2027-2028, and then 12th grade for 2028-2029.

Kerby, who has taught in San Tan’s Montessori program for years, is excited about her new role as school principal and her goal of expanding the school’s sense of community.

“One of the key things I’m looking forward to is deepening our Montessori practices while integrating opportunities for creativity and collaboration across age groups,” she said.

“We are also focused on fostering strong connections with our families through communication, events and meaningful engagement in our students’ learning experiences. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that every child feels supported, challenged and valued as they grow with us.”

The other teachers and staff who work at San Tan Montessori School share Kerby’s passion for the program and working with children.

Britney Thrift, San Tan Montessori’s new assistant principal, is excited about her new role at the school.

“I am committed to supporting the growth of each student, the hard work of our dedicated teachers, and building positive relationships with parents,” Thrift said.

“My aspiration is to make a positive impact on children’s lives, hopefully impacting them as much as they have impacted me.”

In addition, Darling Hall was recently hired as an administrative assistant at San Tan Montessori School.

“I have been in Montessori for the past 10 years and I truly believe in Maria Montessori’s philosophy of respecting the child as a unique individual who is beautiful and capable,” Hall said.