Statements

Mission

The Children's House is a Montessori preschool and kindergarten that guides a diverse group of children to be joyful, lifelong learners who respect others. Vision: Children's House students are extraordinary citizens: independent, responsible, unique and confident in their abilities to influence their world.

Background

On July 5, 1973, the Children's House Montessori School opened its doors to twenty-nine students in a renovated house. Two members of the first Board of Directors enabled the school to purchase the property at 3404 Belmont Boulevard, where the school stands today. Over the years, due to generous giving by Children's House families and community members and careful financial management by the Board, the school has thrived. Since that first day, the Children's House has grown to serve seventy-two children annually in three, multi-age classrooms. The population includes children who are 3-6 years of age. After building improvements 2003, the school now includes an art studio, volunteer work areas, and a multipurpose room which houses the before and after school program and an indoor large motor play area, used on rainy days. We provide a quality Montessori experience fostering the development of the whole child. The Children's House is recognized for its exemplary education program, including an impressive visual arts and art appreciation curriculum. Students' art pieces are displayed in galleries throughout the building. The programs and practices of The Children's House are based on the philosophy and pedagogy of Maria Montessori, a pioneer educator and investigator of child development. Working in the first half of the 20th century, Dr. Montessori underscored the importance of children's early learning experiences. She developed an approach to education which aims to develop each child's full range of abilities and talents while simultaneously celebrating his or her uniqueness and cultural background. The goal of our school is the development of autonomous and competent, caring and empathetic, responsive and responsible, adaptive citizens of life long learners and problem solvers. Respect, competency, self-initiative, responsibility, self-management, and the ability to view experiences from different perspectives are highly valued. Cultural, religious and racial diversity continue to be valued at the Children's House. Since its first year, the school administration and board has attempted to create a miniature of the community at large with a diverse group of students . Need based financial assistance for tuition is available to qualifying families.

Impact

Accomplishments during past fiscal year: 1. Continued growth of our outdoor classroom, garden and nature area offering children learning opportunities to include the outdoor environment. 2. Met our goal of 100% family participation in the annual House Fund Goals for the current fiscal year: 1. Continue community outreach, education and social opportunities for families to learn more about our school. 2. Generated sufficient donations through the annual Monte-Soiree auction and other fundraising endeavors to provide financial assistance for tuition and fees for every qualified applicant.

Needs

1. Raise at least 30K through fundraising and other donations to provide needed funds for tuition assistance in order to fully meet the needs of qualified applicants.

CEO Statement

Research during the last three decades highlights the increasing value of a quality early childhood education in promoting positive benefits to individuals and to society. The Children's House continues to invest in the community by providing the highest quality program for its young students as it has done for the past 45 years. When the school opened its doors in 1973, the intent was to offer a high quality Montessori program to a population which reflected the diversity of the Nashville community. Today, diversity continues to be valued at the school. We attempt to create a miniature of the community at large with a diverse group of students. We believe that children who experience diversity when they are young grow to accept and cherish differences in others and in themselves. Maintaining this high quality program and a diverse student population requires a carefully planned balancing act. Teachers are at the core of all successful schools, including ours. We offer scholarships to approximately 8 % of our student population and carefully develop a budget which assures that tuition and fees are sufficient to meet our program expenses. Over the years, due to careful financial management by the board and generous giving by those individuals and foundations in the Nashville Community who value early childhood education, the school has thrived.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Education  - Preschools
Secondary Category:	Arts, Culture & Humanities  - Arts Education
Tertiary Category:	Human Services  - Child Day Care

Areas Served

Located in the 12 South/Green Hills/Belmont area of Nashville, serving children in Davidson and surrounding counties.

TN - Davidson

TN - Dickson

TN - Robertson

TN - Rutherford

TN - Williamson

TN - Wilson