Charleston Montessori School

10/17/2025

It’s a wrap!
Teacher Work Day allowed precious time for some deep cleaning, finalizing Progress Reports, sharing a delicious potluck lunch, updating the prepared environment and team building.

10/03/2025

The Binomial Cube Across the Montessori Journey

At CMS, the Binomial Cube is first introduced in the Primary classroom as a sensorial material. At this stage, the guide presents the work in silence, and the child experiences it as a puzzle—building concentration, order, and spatial awareness.

In Lower Elementary, the Binomial Cube is revisited with language. Now the child discovers that this familiar puzzle represents the algebraic expression (a+b)3(a+b)3. What was once only a hands-on experience becomes a bridge to abstract thought, as children begin connecting the concrete materials to symbolic math.

By Upper Elementary, the Binomial Cube supports deeper explorations of algebra. Students expand binomials, explore powers, and work with formulas. The same material they once handled as young children now serves as a concrete foundation for abstract reasoning, making advanced math concepts intuitive and meaningful.

At CMS, the Binomial Cube truly “travels with the child,” beginning as a sensorial exercise in Primary and growing into a powerful tool for mathematical discovery through 6th grade.

09/30/2025

09/23/2025

“The real preparation for education is the study of oneself training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than a learning of ideas. It includes the training of character. It is a preparation of the spirit.”
-Dr. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

09/23/2025

Staff Spotlight

Staci Lawson
Primary Lead Guide

Staci first joined our school community in August 2021 as a parent and quickly became an
invaluable part of our team. She began volunteering and was officially hired as an Assistant in
January 2022. During her early time with us, Staci supported every classroom and led weekly
Art Specials, showcasing her versatility and commitment.
In May 2022, she earned her Primary Assistant Certification from CGMS and took the lead in
running our Summer Camp. Her dedication and passion for Montessori education led her to
step into the role of Primary Lead Guide in April 2023. She completed her Primary
Certification from VCMS in August 2024.
Born and raised in Charleston, WV, Staci holds a degree in accounting and previously worked in
the banking industry before becoming a parent.
In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her friends and family, crafting, and
enjoying the pool.

09/22/2025

The University of Charleston Occupational Therapy Department collaborates with our school this year. Miss Angela shared the sensory benefits of the Montessori philosophy with the students at UC and they designed and installed a new Sensory Path. The process has been weeks in the planning phase and today, the install was complete!

The Sensory Path is a sensory motor intervention intended to enhance motor planning, fundamental skills, and sensory connections. It integrates structured movement to promote focus. The paths are implemented during transitions or breaks to help children manage emotions and prepare for learning.

Thank you, UC OT!

09/20/2025

We have Pepperoni Rolls, Rice Krispie Treats, cupcakes, brownies, pound cake and more!

09/19/2025

YOU are invited!

09/06/2025

The first Parent Education Workshop brought families together to discuss The Prepared Environment at Home.

09/05/2025

Happy Friday!