We Work to Understand Your Child's Needs
Dear families,
Thank you for your interest in Nature Walk Montessori School. We are very proud to offer an exceptional early childhood education program with a strong environmental component to the children of Northern Lake County.
Our 10 acres of land and a brand new building specially designed to meet the needs of the young students allow us to provide a natural, safe, and stimulating learning environment furnished with elements to spark children’s curiosity and invite manipulation and interaction. By following the principles of the Montessori Philosophy, Nature Walk strives to satisfy your children’s needs, allowing them to develop to their fullest potential while becoming independent, self-starting, responsible contributors to their community. As an eco-school, Nature Walk allows the children close interaction with their natural surroundings, so they may develop a strong social and environmental consciousness.
We understand that children nowadays are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world. This fact is so prevalent that a new term has been coined and is often used to describe the phenomenon: “Nature Deficit Disorder”. (Richard Louv, The Last Child in the Woods). Our students enjoy a wide array of activities outdoors and make use of the areas outside of each classroom as extensions of the indoor space. The school day starts with a nature hike. This time in connection with nature provides physical exercise and promotes better concentration for the rest of the morning.
“Children who have access to a variation in the outdoor environment are healthier, have fewer sick days, better motor skills, find it easier to concentrate, play more and improve their cognitive ability. They are less stressed, have richer imagination, develop their independence, get stimulated towards social interaction and play more creative games which promote both teamwork and language development “
(NCFF – The Swedish National Centre for Child Health Promotion)
Nature Walk Montessori School is a family business. We were fortunate to discover Montessori education when our oldest daughter was 4 months old. Both have attended Montessori programs since early on, starting with Parent-Infant. As an Infant-Toddler Montessori Teacher myself I hold a very special place in my heart for the weekly class for infants with a parent or caregiver. As a first time parent, I gained valuable information on topics such as allowing independence and growth, observing and learning from my children’s behavior, redirecting, feeding with love and confidence, facilitating toilet learning, choosing the right toys, etc. I also learned to separate and let them go when they were ready to move onto the Children’s House. And ready they were! They never looked back. They embraced Montessori, absorbing like sponges things that seemed impossible for a 3, 4 and 5 year old, such as reading and writing, skip counting, adding and subtracting (and even multiplying and dividing before they finished their kindergarten year), geography facts, botany and zoology, and so much more! But the biggest benefit has been the fact that they love learning. Still today, in 3rd and 6th grades, researching and presenting is their favorite thing to do. It’s been our dream to bring the joy of learning to as many families as possible. And to create a community where all have a sense of belonging: a big family! I hope all our families find in us and our staff not only teachers but guides; true partners in the education of their children. I hope you, too, embrace Montessori!
Vicki Promenzio (Head of School)
Edgardo Promenzio (Consultant)
Vision, Philosophy & Mission Statements
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Our Vision
Nature Walk Montessori School embraces environmentally sustainable practices and is committed to fostering in its community members a lifelong respect for nature and the environment.
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Our Mission
To provide a complete and authentic Montessori program which considers the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social development of the total child by addressing the uniqueness of each in a nurturing, emotionally secure and academically excellent setting.
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Philosophy
Nature Walk Montessori School is a group of students, educators, families, and community partners working together towards the common goal of educating our children in a mutually-supportive community while creating and strengthening ties to the larger society.
Our Sustainable Campus
To nurture the whole child to realize their full potential in a safe and prepared environment that meets their developmental needs, to partner with parents, and to promote respect of self, others, and the environment.
