Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, – The Clay Montessori Academy (CMA) will be organizing an open house on Friday, February 1st from 4pm to 7pm. CMA invites the community to get to know the school by attending the Open House on Friday February 1st from 4pm to 7pm. The school is located on Grenada Road #25 in Madame Estate.
CMA was founded in 2011 and the first school year began August of 2012, starting out with just one student. The school was founded on the foundation and principles of God. The objective is to focus on the whole child, molding them into being the best persons they can be as part of a community.
“We took a look at our community and saw the need for a facility that offered a program that catered to all children albeit special needs or regular students alike. We created an environment that is safe, warm, allows students to be themselves and, grow independently.” – Franchi Felix, Vice-Principal Clay Montessori Academy
The founder of CMA, Dagma Doncher, always knew she wanted to be a teacher. However, she desired to be the type of teacher that made a real difference in children’s lives. As an adult, she saw the many ways in which she could have personally benefited from the Montessori method. The extra attention, the comfortable and safe environment and the hands-on approach. Following the Dr. Maria Montessori curriculum and approach, Doncher, in partnership with Franchi Felix, created an environment and a curriculum that was specifically centered around the individual student’s needs. The goal of the curriculum is to help each child develop mastery of self (both physically and spiritually), their environment, self-discipline, and social competence.
CMA offers a variety of programs. A toddler program (18 months to 3 years old), a primary casa program (3 – 6 years old), lower elementary program (6 – 9 years old), and lastly the upper elementary program (9 – 12 years old). This fall CMA will add an infant program (3 months to 18 months) to the schedule.
