Mission Statement Providing a learning environment where diversity of thought and global perspective empower students to be inquisitive, knowledgeable, independent, compassionate and effective. School Summary The oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, FMSA was established in 1963 to provide the highest standard of Montessori education, serving ages 1 ½ years to 14 years. A group of visionary Atlanta parents, looking for an alternative to traditional education for their children, started a small Montessori classroom of eight students in the basement of Pace Academy. The parents sawed the legs off adult furniture to create appropriately sized seats and tables for the classroom. They sent a teacher to training in Europe. First Montessori Class of Atlanta, as it was then known, was born, as the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast. A waiting list was established as word spread of the class, which had grown to 30 children by the end of the first year. Additional classrooms were added through the years, and the location of our school moved around the Buckhead area from churches to temporary spaces. Ten years after our founding, First Montessori School of Atlanta moved to our current seven-acre, wooded campus on Long Island Drive in Sandy Springs. The main building, constructed especially to promote and feature Montessori educational principles, was cited for excellence in design by Modern Schools magazine. It includes large outdoor garden spaces for all Primary classrooms, so that children can study nature first-hand, while caring for the earth. The Middle School was opened in 2002 to extend the Montessori options for families through the adolescent years. First Montessori is recognized by AMI as an accredited school. Every three years, the school is reevaluated by AMI, which was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori and is recognized as the authority on Montessori education. Thousands of students have experienced the joy of learning at First Montessori through the years. Alums of our school, many of whom are now parents, are now choosing FMSA for their own children’s education. They have also served on our school’s Board of Trustees, helping to ensure a solid future for families to come. We are also accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SAIS/SACS). SAIS /SACS schools meet the highest standard in education for independent elementary and secondary schools. FMSA is reviewed by these accrediting organizations every five years. First Montessori is a member of Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS). We are a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. It is tax exempt as described by Georgia statute and the Code of the Internal Revenue Service, and contributions to its programs are tax deductible as described by current tax law. We are non-sectarian and governed by a Board of Trustees. First Montessori is an inclusive school and welcomes families without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin. Families joining the First Montessori community come from all over the world. This cultural and ethnic diversity is celebrated in our school and woven into the classroom studies.

	Core Values at First Montessori School of Atlanta

	Engaged Learning
	Our school culture of engaged learning is built upon an appreciation for the child’s sense of wonder, the trust to freely choose one’s work and accountability, all of which fuels creativity, curiosity and innovative thought.   Students collaborateutilizing their social skills, sense of self and knowledge to become effective in life pursuits

	Stewardship of the Environment
	Understanding the complex relationship between people and the earth is important to the child’s knowledge of the environment. Through the integration of a natural world into classroom study, students become advocates for the world around them. Students are guided to develop an awareness of the natural world and each person’s responsibility for it.

	Creativity
	Innovative thought, imagination and creative expression are encouraged through hands-on learning experiences in beautiful surroundings and rich social interaction all of which fuel enthusiastic learning. Students are guided to adapt creatively to a changing world and to prepare to have a positive impact on it.

	Authenticity
	A true sense of character and self awareness is supported through open dialogue, conflict resolution and collaborative work. Through these experiences our learning environment encourages the development of the unique individual. Students are guided to value both knowledge and a sense of self in order to develop strength of purpose and conviction.

	Gift of Time
	Investment in the time to repeat and explore leads to a depth and breadth of knowledge which will serve one’s whole life. The importance of mastery is balanced with the importance of progressing in stages. Students are guided to discover meaningful experiences with a depth of understanding that will ignite their imagination.

	Global Awareness
	Knowledge is valued as the vehicle for creating a path to peace by developing awareness and care for the people and cultures of the world. Diversity of culture and thought is embraced and woven into the fabric of our school community. Our students are able to see beyond themselves and want to lead socially useful and purposeful lives.

	Mutual Respect
	Respect for diverse perspectives and a proper regard for all people are fundamental to our school community. All stakeholders are empowered and act interdependently, working toward a common goal. Students pursue an appreciation of others and trust that they will be heard regardless of differences of opinion, person or learning style.