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Elementary

ELEMENTARY (AGES 6-12)

Learning joyfully in Elementary

  • Centered around 8 core constructs:  social, emotional, intellectual, aesthetic, physical, moral, creative, and "school success"

  • Designed to develop both independence and interdependence in a safe, supportive environment

  • Nurtures curious, compassionate, lifelong learners

Learn More

A teacher demonstrates a science experiment to a group of young children gathered around a small stage to watch

  • A group of young children sit on the floor in a circle working together
  • Two children work at a table with small seedlings
  • Children work together at a table with Montessori math materials
  • Two children sit together on a wooden playground piece
  • A child works at a table with Montessori math materials
  • Children gather around a stove watching a pot

Text reads "The Biomes Lower Elementary (Ages 6-9) over lays a scenic view of a lush, green landscape with mountains and a river.

Multi-Age Environments

Multi-age groupings give children the opportunity to learn from their peers, develop leadership skills, and form strong, diverse communities. 

Teachers are able to support each individual's unique needs over a 3-year learning cycle, all while fostering lasting partnerships with families.

 

Click here to learn more about our multi-age classrooms.

Text reads "The Gemstones Upper Elementary (Ages 9-12) over lays a collection of colorful gemstones fills the frame, with text overlayed.

Elementary Staff


Beginning my Montessori journey in 2015, I feel truly blessed to be part of the CM family. My background experience at the Clark Y of Southern Indiana from 2009-2016 first inspired my love and genuine happiness of working with children. I graduated from IU Southeast with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in December of 2013 and then earned my CGMS Montessori certification. Whether I present lessons, play games, supervise crafts and activities, sing, or just engage in meaningful conversations with children, I find a satisfying purpose and fulfillment.


I’m Alex, the co-teacher in Desert at Community Montessori. With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University Southeast, I am passionate about children’s creativity and curiosity. When I am not in the studio, I love to hike, camp, or backpack with my partner and friends. I also love to spend time with my partner, our cat, Zuko, and our dog, Rover. I am excited to be a part of the community and I am looking forward to a year of learning together!


My first experiences in Montessori were in Arizona as an assistant in a 3-6 class for a year and a half. Mary and I started Ellipse together and our time with our learners has been one of the best experiences of my life! My Montessori certification is for ages 2.5 to 6. I studied at Montessori Northwest, an AMI program. I am currently pursuing my M.Ed from Loyola University Maryland. I love to sing, write, be in nature, and spend time with my friends and family. I find being a Montessori teacher to be a daily inspiration and reassurance of the vast potential of the human mind and spirit.


I joined Montessori in 2021 and what an incredible journey it continues to be! I earned my master's in Elementary education in the Spring of 2023 and will be completing my Montessori education from CGMS this fall. I have had many fantastic opportunities to work with a wide variety of children including three years of volunteering at Riley Children’s Hospital, and subbing for a school district for several years. In my free time, I spend time with my family enjoying camping, hiking, and going on new adventures, and I have been working to get back into volunteering.


I am privileged to have been a member of the CM staff family since 2010.  I earned my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from IU Southeast.  Since being at CM, I have also obtained my 6-12 Montessori certification.  In my spare time, I love spending time with my family as well as listening to and playing the piano.  I also enjoy reading historical fiction and seeing how different people lived, spoke, and interacted with one another.


I started my teaching career following my passion of working with children over 12 years ago, with teaching experience in Nigeria and England. I joined Montessori in 2021 after constant self study in the most effective ways to build life-long learning and each day the beauty of Montessori reflects gracefully in diverse ways in the lives of both learners and teachers. I earned my Masters degree in Education in England with an endorsement in Inclusion and Social Justice. Being at Community Montessori is a dream come true for me as I start my journey in becoming a Certified Montessorian. When I am not working, I enjoy going on a trip, spending time with my kids and friends. My favorite place is the beach

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I joined Community Montessori as a parent in 2008 and began volunteering in 2009. I have 2 teenage children that started in Early Ed. I have subbed at every level and nearly every studio. I love observing how each child develops into their own individual person. My family and I live in southern Indiana with our 3 dogs, 2 leopard geckos, and 5 tarantula. You never know what could be crawling around our house!

I joined the CM team in 2020 after moving to Louisville, Kentucky from my home state, Virginia, where I graduated from VCUarts with two Bachelor's in Art Education and Craft & Material Studies. As I learned more about Dr. Montessori's teachings, I realized it was the philosophy I believed in and wanted to practice as a teacher. I'm excited to be part of your child's educational journey and am proud to have the opportunity to shape them into capable, independent young adults. I am currently in the process of receiving my Montessori training and certification from CGMS.

I joined CM as a parent in 2006, and accepted a teaching position in the 6-9 program in 2010. I transitioned to the 9-12 program in 2021. My daughter graduated from CM in 2019, and my son has attended since 2010. I have a BS in Elementary Education and an MS in Library Media Education, both from Western Kentucky University, and have taught at various grade levels in traditional school settings prior to my time here. I particularly value Montessori's emphasis on respect for the individual and environment, as well as its approach to peace education. I enjoy traveling, hiking, singing, gardening, viewing and critiquing films, watching my children grow into fascinating humans, and relaxing with a book outdoors.

I have a B.A. from IUS and am licensed to teach in Indiana. I'm currently working toward my Montessori Certification. I love teaching outdoor and survival skills. I was a whitewater raft guide in the Smoky Mountains for 7 years on the Nantahala, Ocoee, and Pigeon rivers. I have been a swiftwater rescue technician as well as a Wilderness EMT. I also had an internship with a professional sculptor in Costa Rica, leading to being a commercial sculptor and mold-maker for several years. I worked as a sign language interpreter and at an orphanage for deaf children in Thailand for three years. Recently I spent 5 months in Nepal working at a deaf school. I started working at CM in 2012 and adore this school!

I joined Community Montessori in 2021. I have a Bachelors degree in Chemistry education and a Masters degree in Educational management, from the University of Lagos Nigeria. My love for Maria Montessori's philosophy made me acquire a Montessori certification, and I feel honored to serve in this beautiful community. In my free time, I love to sew, play table tennis and ride a bicycle.

My journey began as a parent in 2013 when my eldest son started in Trapezoid. Along the way I have had several roles at Community Montessori including:  Studio Coordinator, PIP Council, and substituting. Each capacity has taught me something new and exciting about this amazing school. Growing up in a military family I have lived all over the globe, but Georgia is where I spent the majority of my formative years. I attended Georgia Southern University where I received my B.S.. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in conjunction with my Montessori certification.

I spent my early years as a homeschooler, exploring fields, traveling the world, crafting, reading, and writing. This upbringing fostered my curiosity about people and a love for words and learning. After graduating from Anderson University in 2004, I worked in early education and nonprofit roles, but mostly focused on educating my five children. Our family joined the CM community in 2022 and felt at home. After two years as a substitute in various studios, I became Co-Teacher in Moonstone Studio in 2024.


I have been part of the Community Montessori family since my eldest son entered the Early Education program in 2009. I earned my B.A. in English from IU Southeast in 2012 and proudly joined the CM staff in the Fall of 2017. I have a passion for literature and cross-disciplinary learning.  I love sharing this with children, in honor of Maria Montessori's words: "We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity."


I am a CM graduate. I started my job at the Community Nurtury in the fall of 2022. During my time here, I’ve learned a lot - not only from the staff but from the learners as well. I love being outside and sharing my passion of being in nature with the children!

After student-teaching at Community Montessori in the 2024-2025 school year and getting to know the incredible people here, I truly felt I had found a caring and supportive community. I was thrilled to accept the offer to join the 6–9 Developmental Specialist team! Outside the classroom, I enjoy drumming and spending time with friends and family—especially while watching a good show or movie.

My family has been part of the Community Montessori family since 2019. I come from a beautifully neuro-diverse background. I have experience working with people on the Autism spectrum and those with Down Syndrome. Having a non-verbal child has made me passionate about finding creative ways to connect with people who face communication challenges. I am also a visual artist. I like to use art as a form of non-verbal communication.

I bring a strong background in people-centered work, with experience analyzing needs, implementing effective solutions, and supporting individuals and groups in fast-paced environments. My career has emphasized collaboration, adaptability, and thoughtful problem-solving. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana University East in 2017. My wife, Kaitlin, and I have four children who all attend CM. I am excited to support students and families and to be an active member of the CM community!

I have been part of the CM family since 2022 when my son joined Early Ed. I joined the staff as a Developmental Specialist in 2023. I obtained my Associates Degree from Thomas Edison State University. I am the proud mother of one boy and step-mother to 2 girls and 2 boys. I enjoy playing and collecting video games, enjoying nature, spending time with family, and traveling.

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I have been a member of Community Montessori since 2002. I graduated from Indiana University Southeast from which I attained a Bachelor's Degree in 2002. While attaining my teaching certificate from Indiana Wesleyan University, I began my career here with CM as a teacher with 6-9 year old's. In 2010 I transitioned into the 9-12 program. During this time I earned Montessori certification. I have taught all levels ranging from 6-12 years of age. I enjoy boating on Lake Cumberland with my wife Heidi and our kids Alex. Jaden, Damon, and Ellie. I am proud to be a part of a school that is redefining education one learner at a time.

I have been counseling and teaching skills (coping, emotional, educational, and practical living) to children, teens and young adults ages 4 to 22, as well as families and other caregivers, for 12 years through community-based services in Louisville, KY. Many of the needs have included autism spectrum, developmental delays, cognitive differences, attachment disorders, emotional disturbance, drug use and history of neglect and abuse. I am a proud dad, and I play, teach, and compose music. I am the creator of Liberation Living Room, Children’s Concert and Web-series. I am very happy to be part of the incredible Community Montessori team.

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