Spruce Pine Montessori School

March 2023

Nestled in the rural expanse of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Mitchell County, North Carolina, Spruce Pine Montessori School (SPMS) extends its reach to children spanning three counties. Within this tri-county area, the poverty level surpasses the state average by 5%, impacting 42% of their student body.

As stated in their application starting in preschool, teachers at Spruce Pine Montessori School guide students in peaceful conflict resolution and cultivate positive attitudes towards self and others. Each classroom serves as a meticulously crafted environment tailored to the developmental stages of its students. Specially trained guides facilitate exploration and discovery, utilizing beautifully designed Montessori materials that invite active engagement. SPMS is committed to investing high quality Montessori training for their teachers in order to carry out their stated mission. “Using the Montessori model, we nurture children's curiosity and empower them to become confident and self-motivated individuals with a strong sense of respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.”

Through a grant from MGGF, the classroom guides undergoing Montessori training will deepen their understanding of Montessori principles, enabling them to create enriched learning environments. This project not only supports capacity building but also aligns with the long-term goal of sustaining the Montessori philosophy within the school and the broader community.