About Us
Child-Led and Play-Based Learning
In our single classroom, play and work go hand in hand. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of subjects using purposeful, engaging materials that make learning fun. Each child progresses at their own pace, allowing for a personalized school experience. With our small, inclusive enrollment, we strive to create a strong sense of belonging for all children and families.
Early Childhood Learning
Salem Montessori School is a licensed Childcare Center and an approved ERDC provider with the State of Oregon. SMS staff are certified and trained Montessori guides with education from the North American Montessori Center and members of the American Montessori Society.
Merged Age Groups
All of our students, ranging from 3 years old through kindergarten age, are in one class together. Students have the opportunity to encourage and teach each other so many things with the different experiences that come with being different ages and stages!
We like to keep in touch!
At SMS, we use Brightwheel to keep parents and families connected. This platform allows our staff to share photos of daily activities and accomplishments, while also providing an easy way to communicate important updates. Parents can track snacks, naps, incidents, and more, all in one place. Brightwheel also handles our billing, making i
At SMS, we use Brightwheel to keep parents and families connected. This platform allows our staff to share photos of daily activities and accomplishments, while also providing an easy way to communicate important updates. Parents can track snacks, naps, incidents, and more, all in one place. Brightwheel also handles our billing, making it a convenient tool for both communication and administrative needs.
The Prepared Environment
The Prepared Environment
We aim to create a calming and inviting environment for our students, featuring natural décor, educational wall art, and a variety of plants that children can discover and care for. Our learning and play materials are high-quality and thoughtfully designed to encourage purposeful exploration. With child-sized furniture and mostly free-ran
We aim to create a calming and inviting environment for our students, featuring natural décor, educational wall art, and a variety of plants that children can discover and care for. Our learning and play materials are high-quality and thoughtfully designed to encourage purposeful exploration. With child-sized furniture and mostly free-range accessibility, students have the freedom to work independently and engage with materials at their own pace.
A day in the life
Our Usual School Day
A typical day at Salem Montessori School begins with before-school care, followed by our regular arrival time as children settle in and enjoy play time with their peers. Once the classroom transitions into the day’s rhythm, children help with clean-up and come together for calendar and circle time, followed by snack and story time. The morning continues with a focused classroom work period, where children engage in hands-on learning activities at their own pace. After lunch, children head outdoors for play and movement before our morning students are picked up. In the afternoon, full-day students rest or nap, followed by another work period and an afternoon snack. The day winds down with pick-up for full-day students, and after-school care is available until closing.
Celebrating 50 years of SMS!
Salem Montessori School has officially been in business for 50 years! Serving the children and families of Salem for decades!