Meadow Montessori School was founded in 1984 by Catharine Calder. During the past twenty years we have witnessed the evolution of a learning environment so incredible that even we are amazed.

What we are witnessing at MMS has been going on for many years in Europe, where the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori originated. In this country, MMS is one of a growing number of Montessori schools -- public, private and parochial. At MMS, a child enters an environment filled with appealing materials and learning apparatus. The child always first learns through the manipulation of three-dimensional objects. In time, he/she moves naturally to the abstract and learns to use the materials as checks or proofs of the work. A Montessori program emphasizes problem solving, creativity and independence. Children learn and grow in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Each Montessori classroom incorporates an age range of two to three years. The extended time the child stays with one teacher allows a strong and caring relationship to form between the student, the family, and the educator. The multi-aged environment benefits the students in other ways, as well. Older children help the younger ones to learn, in the process reinforcing their own knowledge. Conversely, the younger children idolize their older classmates and eagerly anticipate the day when they, too, will know "almost everything." Due to the caring and generous atmosphere that evolves among the children, the classroom is devoid of the petty cruelty and unhealthy competition that has become too common among children.

The school is affiliated with both the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS.) MMS is a member of the Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS). It is licensed by the State of Michigan and approved by the Michigan Board of Education.

Meadow Montessori School is a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status. MMS is supervised by a Board of Trustees, members of which serve without remuneration. While this Board is responsible for the business and financial affairs of the school, the operation of the school is under the direction of an Academic Administrator and a Business Manager. The Parent Guild of MMS makes school activities possible through their efforts and fund-raisers. The commitments of the Trustees, staff, parents and children make MMS a truly special place.