Cultivate Philosophy of Education 

The foundation of Cultivate's educational philosophy is based in respect, care, observation, and community.  Our work is inspired by the work of Dr. Maria Montessori. Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and education innovator developed a method based on human development from birth to maturity – a unique combination of philosophy, psychology, educational theory, materials and methods. Today, Dr. Montessori’s approach is more relevant than ever. A Montessori education develops the whole person to become an engaged learner and thinker for life. 

Taking our lead from Dr. Montessori, we believe in the following principles when we teach and when we lead and support at Cultivate: 

• Wholehearted respect of the individual is the center of our educational and leadership work.  The ideas, tools, creativity, and experiences that students of all ages have are valuable, seen, and honored.  

• Independent thinking with support is key.  We create a framework for learning but encourage students to form new ideas, expound on 

• Art making and creative problem solving are critical thinking and prepare students for the complicated, demanding world ahead.

• Community-based learning environment - we offer mixed-age classrooms, groups, and opportunities.  Fostering older students to be leaders, and younger students to ask the older students for help and guidance creates a community within the classroom.  Students of all ages are both mentored and trusted to support others in their learning experiences.  

• Cultivate believes in connecting community, and does so with a supportive and collaborative connection with faculty, parents/guardians, and staff.  Our parent/guardian connection group supports the leadership team in decision making, course decisions, and 

• Observation and intrinsic satisfaction:  Our teachers, mentors, and leaders use language based in observation. By offering language in questions and observation, we encourage students to come to new conclusions and ideas, thus ensuring a level of confidence and self-assurance with their educational practice.  

Our academically challenging curriculum, our high-quality art and learning materials, our classrooms, and our community are all designed to meet the needs of the whole person, presenting purposeful work for the head and the hand, as well as a preparation for life as a citizen in a dynamic, complex world.