A vision of the future Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School
THE VISION explained click on images to enlarge |
|
Entry Plaza and Drop-off |
The architectural concept for the Master planning of the Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School connects the student with nature, providing an aperture for the student to learn within the natural world. The philosophy and approach of Montessori education as described in the charter is both student-centered and community oriented. The new plan for the school reflects these objectives. |
|
As described in The Whole-School Montessori Handbook by Kahn et al., and as reflected in the school’s charter, education occurs in a complete learning environment, not just a classroom. A unique feature of Montessori education is the idea that virtually all instructional activity should occur within a single classroom space. Within that space and with guidance from the adult director (instructor), the child moves from lesson to lesson, rather than moving from classroom to classroom. Therefore, in a Montessori school a large, well-designed classroom is an essential design feature. |
Community Amphitheater and Multipurpose Building |
View from 6-9 pod looking west |
Consistent with our Montessori charter, our plan calls for classroom space that will maximize the effectiveness of the Montessori curriculum while also eliminating wasted space such as hallways and ancillary rooms. This plan also calls for three Pods of three classrooms each and shares a single ganged restroom to increase efficiency of space. The classrooms surround a shared outdoor educational area, and each pod incorporates a shared kitchenette, providing the opportunity for “practical life” lessons as prescribed by the charter. |
The Multipurpose Building houses the library, the projects laboratory, a multipurpose room used for Physical Education, Arts, and Music, and a small meeting area. As discussed in our charter, this building allows for family and community involvement with the school. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for education of the whole child in an assembly setting. |
Overall Master Site Plan |
Inside Learning Room |
The design for the administrative Building houses the typical administrative offices and support areas that help the school reach the charter’s goal of providing an exemplary Montessori education. Additionally, this building accommodates a training center as prescribed in the charter. This center reflects the charter’s directive to address the local community by developing excellent Montessori educators in addition to the school community by providing continuing instructor education within the school. |
