Our curriculum is tailored to each child; we "follow the child." Preschool - 8th.
GRADES: Preschool - 8th Grade | CAMPUS: 14+ acres: trees, meadows, pond, salmon creek | FOUNDED: 1951 by Madeleine Justus | SCHOOL APPROVED BY: WA State Board of Education, OSPI | BEFORE & AFTER CARE: Available | SUMMER SCHOOL: Available | TEACHER EDUCATION: MACTE-Accredited and WA State Licensed: - Early Childhood (ages 2½ - 6) - Elementary Courses (ages 6 - 12) | INTERNATIONAL: School and Teacher Ed Courses are approved to admit Foreign students. (We are approved to issue Form I-20.)
Keywords: Montessori, Preschool, Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, Summer School, Summer Camp, Math Camp
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
65 years
What is your primary product or service?
Educating children Preschool - 8th grade using the Montessori Method of Education.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Our Founder (Mrs. Madeleine J. Justus) became interested in Montessori while living in Europe. She even met Dr. Montessori and attended her lectures. Dr. Montessori's philosophy is "follow the child" - having the child advance at his/her own speed.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are the oldest Montessori school in the Pacific Northwest. We introduce all concepts first concretely (not abstractly), using as many senses as possible (see, hear, touch, smell, etc.). For example, in math, a child will use our unique materials to visualize what the math is doing. Our students don't MEMORIZE multiplication tables -- they know what the math is doing, so they UNDERSTAND it. It's a very important distinction, because you can forget something your memorized; you don't forget something you understand.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location in Federal Way, WA.
Provide detailed directions to your location
1. From I-5, take Exit #142B. |
2. Continue until you reach the 2nd intersection and turn left onto Pacific Hwy South. |
3. Travel south approximately 1 mile. Montessori Academy at Spring Valley will be on your right.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, check
Which areas do you service?
Federal Way, Northeast Tacoma, Milton, Fife
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
We are governed by a Board of Directors.
Our Academic Director (Gulsevin Kayihan) runs the school day-to-day.
What are your hours of operation?
BEFORE SCHOOL: 6:30 - 9:00am |
SCHOOL: 9:00am - 3:00pm (Upper Elementary & Middle School until 3:30pm) |
AFTER SCHOOL: 3:00 - 6:00pm
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
This was a post on our Facebook page: "I love this school. I remember going to get my children and finding them stretched out over the pond looking at spawning fish!! And the teacher that called and told me one of the girls was really interested in stars and she had made an appointment for her to look through a local telescope and would I take her....Of course I would take her! Love this school."
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
“The things he [the child] sees are not just remembered; they form a part of his soul.” AND "It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to each child the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities.”-- Dr. Maria Montessori
Contact Montessori Academy at Spring Valley:
