Stepping Stones Montessori School

08/23/2026

No, you are not watching another “zen” TV commercial break... 🌿✨

This is what an actual day looks like at our 110-acre middle school campus. From peaceful outdoor spaces to purposeful learning, our students enjoy room to explore, grow, and connect with nature every day.

Learn more: https://www.steppingstonesgr.org/middle-school-farm

08/21/2026

🎉 Big congratulations to Kate Caliri-Spiegel on earning her Association Montessori International of the United States (AMI/USA) Certification this summer! We're also excited to officially welcome her to the SSMS community as leader of our Elementary After School Program and Upper Elementary White Cedar intern.

With 20+ years’ experience including a master’s degree in education, a passion for outdoor learning, a soft spot for storytelling, music, art, and one very famous pet rat named Beverly Cleary, Kate is already making a wonderful impact. Welcome, Kate! 💚🐀🌲

08/19/2026

✨ Montessori Materials Spotlight: Golden Beads! ✨

In the Math area, Children’s House students explore the decimal system with the Golden Beads—building numbers and practicing all four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Even better, these lessons invite collaboration, making math both hands-on and social! 🔢💛

Check out those impressive 4-digit numbers!

08/17/2026

If you’ve found yourself driving north on College Avenue lately, these may have caught your eye! 👀✨

Pass the word along—it’s not too late! We still have a few spaces available for the 2026–2027 school year! 🎉

Know a family who’s looking for an authentic Montessori experience? Send them our way! 💚

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

It's always energizing to kick off a new school year by learning and growing together! This week, our staff came together for a morning of professional development with Beth and Sara K., exploring the important topic of Interoception and how it supports the success of those we serve.

We also enjoyed an incredible lunch prepared by Lindsay Schmidt of ‘From Paris with Love’. Very grateful for opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate as we prepare for an amazing year ahead!

08/12/2026

📐 Montessori Material Spotlight: Geometric Cabinet 🔷🔶

The Geometric Cabinet invites Children's House students to explore the world of shapes through hands-on discovery. With six drawers filled with a variety of geometric forms, children strengthen their ability to visually discriminate, compare, and recognize similarities and differences.

As students match each inset shape to its corresponding frame, they receive immediate feedback, allowing them to self-correct and build confidence through independent learning. Guides also introduce a tracing lesson, encouraging children to carefully follow the outline of each shape with their fingers. This simple movement refines the senses while strengthening the hand and wrist muscles essential for writing.

✨ More than just a lesson on shapes, the Geometric Cabinet is an indirect preparation for both handwriting and future geometry—demonstrating how Montessori materials build foundational skills through purposeful, hands-on exploration.

08/10/2026

Kicking off the year with a staff lineup from longest serving to newest team member--celebrating the experience, commitment, and fresh energy that makes our work possible.

Together, we're ready for a new year of impact, growth, and serving our community. 💙

08/06/2026

As Dirk begins a new and well-earned chapter in life, we want to thank him for eight years of dedicated service to our school community as the Facilities Director. His hard work, attention to detail, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our campus and everyone who walks through our doors.

We’re grateful for all he has done and for the strong foundation he’s left for Ant. Dirk is officially passing the torch (or should we say, the leaf blower! 🍂) and heading into retirement.

Thank you, Dirk, for your dedication, hard work, and the lasting impact you've made on our school community. We’ll miss you, but we’re excited for all that’s ahead of you.

Join us in congratulating Dirk and leave a note of appreciation in the comments!