Montessori Journey & Discovery: Experience Montessori Through the Eyes of a Child

Two-Part Immersive Experience

Friday, January 22, 2027 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Participants must attend both sessions to experience the full Montessori Journey & Discovery.

What does Montessori education truly look and feel like from infancy through adolescence? How do the experiences of a toddler connect to the discoveries of a six-year-old, the intellectual curiosity of an elementary student, and the growing independence of an adolescent?

We invite you to discover the answers through one of the most meaningful experiences we offer at Mountain Shadows International Montessori School: Montessori Journey & Discovery.

This event is open to the public! We warmly welcome current and prospective families, parents, grandparents, educators, Montessori teachers in training, professionals working with children, and members of the greater Boulder County community. Whether you are deeply familiar with Montessori or discovering it for the first time, this experience is designed for anyone curious about how children learn, grow, and develop.

Why Is This Experience So Important?

Montessori Journey & Discovery is perhaps the most comprehensive introduction to authentic Montessori education that a school can offer. Unlike a traditional classroom tour, parent education evening, or presentation about Montessori philosophy, this experience invites adults to become the learners themselves.

Participants will explore the full developmental continuum, beginning in our Nido (infant) environment and continuing through Young Children's Community, Primary, Elementary, and Adolescent programs.

Through hands-on experiences with Montessori materials, guided observation, thoughtful reflection, and conversations with our educators, participants will begin to understand not only what children are learning, but how and why Montessori education supports their development at every stage.

You will discover how the earliest experiences of movement, language, order, and independence in infancy lay the foundation for the purposeful work of the toddler, the exploration and discovery of the Primary child, the reasoning and imagination of the Elementary student, and the independence, collaboration, and social responsibility of the adolescent.

This is the beauty of the Montessori developmental continuum: each experience builds upon the last, creating a cohesive educational journey that honors the changing needs of the child from birth through adolescence.

For current parents, this experience offers a deeper understanding of your child's daily work and the remarkable preparation taking place for the years ahead. For educators and Montessori teachers in training, it provides an opportunity to explore the interconnected nature of Montessori philosophy and practice across the planes of development. For grandparents, extended family members, other professionals, and those new to Montessori, it offers a window into an educational approach that can be difficult to fully appreciate through observation or explanation alone.

Whether you have a child enrolled in a Montessori program, work with children professionally, or simply have an interest in human development and education, there is something meaningful to discover at every level.

What Will You Experience?

• Observe: Explore Montessori environments and gain a deeper understanding of how the prepared environment supports children's natural development, independence, concentration, and curiosity.

• Experience: Step into the role of the child as you engage directly with Montessori materials and discover how learning progresses from concrete, hands-on experiences toward increasingly abstract thinking.

• Connect: Trace the remarkable connections between our Nido, Young Children's Community, Primary, Elementary, and Adolescent programs, discovering how each stage prepares the child for the next.

• Reflect: Consider your own experience as a learner and develop a deeper appreciation for the child's perspective, guided by our experienced Montessori educators.

• Discover: Understand the intentionality behind Montessori materials, lessons, classroom design, and the role of the adult in nurturing independence, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

An Experience for Our Entire Community and Beyond

We strongly encourage all MSIMS families to participate, regardless of how long you have been part of our community or the age of your child. Even families who have been with us for years often leave Journey & Discovery with an entirely new appreciation for the depth, intentionality, and interconnectedness of Montessori education.

We are equally excited to extend this invitation to the greater Boulder County community, including educators from other schools, Montessori trainees, early childhood professionals, prospective parents, and anyone interested in a deeper understanding of child development and authentic Montessori education.

More than an introduction to Montessori, Journey & Discovery is an invitation to see the child, the environment, and the process of learning from an entirely new perspective.

What Is Provided?

To make this experience welcoming and accessible, MSIMS will provide:

• Limited childcare for currently enrolled MSIMS students ages 12 months–13 years. Childcare is available at a limited capacity and must be reserved in advance. Childcare is not available for children who are not currently enrolled at MSIMS.

• Friday Evening: Light dinner appetizers for participating adults and children.

• Saturday Morning: Light breakfast for adults and children.

• Saturday Midday: Lunch provided for adults and children.

Please note: Montessori Journey & Discovery is intentionally designed as a two-part experience. Attendance at both Friday evening and Saturday's session is required to fully participate in the progression through our environments.

We look forward to welcoming families, educators, and members of our greater community for this extraordinary opportunity to experience the Montessori journey in the most meaningful way possible: through the eyes of the child.