Values and Diversity
From the very beginning, South Bay Montessori children observe and reflect the Montessori philosophy of grace, courtesy, respect, and openness to others. As the children move through our program, they are encouraged to think about their role within their community and their environment, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that benefit the larger world outside the classroom, and that reflect compassion, empathy, and a commitment to peace and justice. Drawing students from many countries and cultures, the school encourages families to share their histories and traditions during our multicultural week. For example, teachers and parents give presentations on Diwali, Lunar New Year, Cinco de Mayo and the Japanese tea ceremony. The school’s mission regarding diversity grows out of these fundamental values. The school’s diversity statement reads:
South Bay Montessori School is committed to welcoming, recruiting, sustaining, and supporting students and their families, faculty, and administrative staff from a diverse mix of racial, socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, family style, sexual orientation, learning style, physical differences, and religious backgrounds, in order to create an inclusive community and to prepare our children to be leaders in a multicultural world.