We are so excited to announce that after two months of operation, we are moving out of the lower level of Kim’s house, and into a portion of the new Ascension building (the old Pit Surf Shop space). We will be sharing space with the shop, nearly doubling our current square footage. We hope to also double our current enrollment in the coming months, creating a learning community of about 15 students altogether. We are thrilled about the future of Outer Banks Montessori Collective, and how it can serve our beloved beach community. The last several months have been a beautiful period of transition for both Kim and me. We don’t take for granted that we feel invigorated and empowered each day when we go to work.
We know this isn’t true for all teachers. We know that the system doesn’t often work for teachers, students, or parents.
But what if we reimagined what school could look like altogether?
What if school was a beautiful, peaceful place? What if it was a warm, loving place where children and teachers both felt a deep sense of belonging? What if rather than coercing kids to learn based on our own agendas, we followed their natural curiosities and their particular developmental needs? What if children felt safe to try hard things or go outside their comfort zone to learn something new? What if we valued kindness and community just as much as academics?
This kind of schooling is possible.
When Kim and I formed Outer Banks Montessori Collective this past summer, we weren’t entirely sure what it was we were creating, and it has taken time for us to suss it all out. Although we didn’t have it all figured out, we knew a few things for sure. We knew it would be deeply rooted in Montessori philosophy. We are both trained Montessori teachers with years of experience in accredited Montessori schools. We also knew that we wanted it to be a joyful place for us to work and for children to come to learn. And finally, we knew we wanted it to have some flexibility built in for families who might not want full time schooling.
So, what exactly are we? The last two months have been incredibly clarifying for us, and now that we are expanding and moving into a new, larger space we have a much better sense of what we are and how we want to grow.
Recently, we read an article in Forbes that featured teacher-created learning centers around the country. These learning centers operate similar to a YMCA or other fitness gym. Families pay a membership fee (tuition) which gives students access to a range of educational services, including mentorship, classes, and access to facilities and resources. These centers are often started by teachers who leave the system, believing there is a better way to educate children. The mechanism by which these centers operate is **homeschooling**. By registering as a homeschooler, a child is no longer required to attend a traditional school. That child along with his or her family can create whatever educational plan they choose, including participating in a learning center.
Additionally, there is an ever expanding network of Wildflower Schools- small, teacher-led Montessori schools that operate in shopfront settings. I’ve had my eye on this organization for quite a while, fascinated with their model. By operating out of a shopfront, Wildflower Schools become deeply rooted in the community through the exposure of everyday foot traffic and the partnerships created with local businesses. They also operate through teacher-leadership, an exciting new model for the operational structure of schools. There is no traditional administration. Teachers work together in teams to manage all aspects of the school’s operation. In most schools there is a traditional hierarchical structure where those at the top make decisions and create mandates. The model of teacher-leadership is an example of how a “Teal Organization” operates. To learn more about Teal Organizations, take a look at the Reinventing Organizations website.
As we take this next big step into our expansion, Kim and I are merging these two models — teacher-created learning centers and Wildflower Schools — to fine tune our vision for Outer Banks Montessori Collective.
Outer Banks Montessori Collective is a learning center deeply rooted in Montessori philosophy. We offer full and part time schooling options to elementary and middle school aged children. Homeschooling is the mechanism by which we operate.
We will move over the Thanksgiving Holiday, reopening in the Ascension building on December 2nd. Once we make our big move, we will operate Monday through Friday from 9am until 1pm (a 9am till 3pm option is coming soon). We will continue to offer private tutoring sessions as well.
Our learning environment includes a beautiful, peaceful space for learning, authentic Montessori materials, and teachers who are steeped in the Montessori philosophy. Each child receives a personalized learning plan, and parents get frequent updates and opportunities to partner with us in their child’s learning journey. We have the background and resources to guide children in all core content areas, and we are always thrilled to learn along side our students when they become interested in something that’s new to us.
Take a look through the rest of our website for updated services and pricing.
As we grow and look ahead, we see ourselves becoming more deeply entrenched in our Outer Banks community. We envision partnerships with local businesses and organizations, community service work, and giving our students access to all the beauty and wonder the Outer Banks has to offer.
At our core, the most important work we do is with each child each day, promoting peace, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose.
Reach out to learn more or schedule a time to visit us. And, if you don’t already, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@obxmontessori) to see what we’re up to.
With love and gratitude,
Megan and Kim
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