Philosophy

At MCS we believe that children are capable, kind and connected to the world around them. We center experiential, project-based learning that is child-led and teacher-scaffolded. Taking inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach, we hold the belief that global citizenship begins at birth, and we foster connections to our cultural context. In our little mountain valley, this cultural connection may take the form of experiences in nature, partnering with local organizations and institutions, and connecting to Indigenous history, wisdom and culture. We believe that children of all ages are capable of navigating complex subject matter through inquiry and play, and it is our role to provoke and scaffold this inquiry in developmentally appropriate ways. By holding a strong image of children and viewing them as competent citizens, we create a space where their voices, ideas and wonderings are amplified within the community. As such, the school is a reflection of the culture, and in turn, the culture is impacted by the school.

  Our curriculum centers the following principles:

Radical Respect for Children: We recognize all children’s intelligence, creativity, sensibility, dignity and humanity.

A Sense of Security: We safeguard children’s physical, psychological and social-emotional wellbeing, building secure relationships for healthy development.

Meaningful Connection: We cultivate a responsive school community in which all children, families and staff fully include and support each other.

Citizenship and Responsibility: As capable citizens, we use our words, actions and energy to be a force for social justice and environmental sustainability.

Mastery in Early Childhood Education: We respect early childhood education as a professional field of expertise with high standards of excellence.