Parent Resources

Academic School Year 2024-2025

NEIM SCHOOL CALENDAR

Includes “Subscribe to Calendar” option!
Printable PDF Calendar
Public school calendar may differ. Calendar may change at any time.
Last update 8/20/2024.

Decorah Community School District Four-Year-Old Preschool Collaborative Partners – Program Policies and Procedures
Decorah Happenings – new info coming soon – (A resource from the Decorah Collaborative Preschool Partners)

Mission Statement

Northeast Iowa Montessori School develops an academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally educated community of students within the framework of acceptance, compassion, and understanding, all following the traditional Montessori curriculum and philosophy. We support each student in building a foundation for life-long learning in preparation for future educational endeavors.

Vision Statement

Northeast Iowa Montessori School offers an enlightening and nurturing Montessori environment to educate and support each child in reaching their full potential and inspiring a passion for learning. With this foundation, our students will become positive, contributing members of their immediate and global communities.

Core Values and Beliefs

The following core values define our beliefs and values.

The Montessori Method of education is scientifically based and provides key opportunities for development during a child’s Sensitive Periods, Planes of Development, and early years when the child has an Absorbent Mind, as described by Dr. Maria Montessori.

-Our authentic Montessori-prepared environments are developmentally appropriate by providing hands-on learning materials, freedom of choice, a mixed-age classroom, no rewards and punishments, uninterrupted work periods, and individualized instruction that supports each child’s growth.

-Diversity is a strength; everyone is welcomed, treated with respect, and support educational journey. Respecting others, the environment and oneself are the three basic guidelines for creating a safe space physically, emotionally, and intellectually at our school.

-Following a child with learning differences might require additional expertise and implementing a specialized learning plan in addition to the Montessori curriculum.

-That the adults in the Montessori environment model appropriate behavior and create a nurturing, peaceful, and orderly environment for the children.-Learning happens when children work independently and exhibit concentration and repetition through hands-on activity without adult interference.

-For optimal growth, the whole child must be supported in their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs. Adults can assist by being present to each child and offering kindness, empathy, and opportunities for growth, which are identified explicitly through observation of each child. Freedom of choice establishes a foundation for lifelong learning by fostering intrinsic motivation, curiosity, and joy.

-Our diverse population is celebrated, and our children’s cultural education is enriched so that they learn to value differences and listen respectfully to various ideas as a step towards supporting a more peaceful world. Conflict resolution starts with a child learning emotional self-control, an open mind to listen to others’ experiences, and the ability to respectfully communicate one’s feelings and needs. With these skills, the child will then need guidance and practice to resolve differences successfully independently.

-Education does not start and stop at the doors of our school. It takes the whole family and school community to work together to create an ideal learning environment for children.

Learn more about how NEIM is Fostering an Inclusive Community