News
News
At Springmont, we’re proud of our school and like to share the accomplishments of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Here you’ll find information about Springmont, including recent school news, articles about our curriculum, and other interesting items. For additional press or media information, please contact Julie Strickland jstrickland@springmont.com or 404.252.3910.
Supporting the Explorer Model for Learning
January 20, 2026
Last week, Director of Admission Andrea Restifo shared some of the many reasons it makes sense to keep your children enrolled at Springmont through 8th grade. Simultaneously, I came across “Why Moving From Achievement to Exploring is a Better Formula for Student Success,” an article written by Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson in the National Association of Independent Schools’ quarterly magazine. As someone with a son just starting college this year, I read with great interest about how the push for academic achievement has had a negative impact on the success young adults are experiencing as they enter college and the workforce.
While doing research for their book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, the authors conducted numerous studies to determine why so many young people disengage from their learning. They identified four ways students show up in learning: Resister, Passenger, Achiever, and Explorer. Those in Explorer mode have the best outcomes. These students are driven by curiosity, build resilience through persistence, and build self-awareness and decision-making skills through agency.
Montessori is never explicitly mentioned in the article. Still, as the authors go on to explain the type of learning that encourages exploration mode, it’s evident that, once again, Maria Montessori had it right all along. By allowing students the chance to pursue passions, make choices about their learning and time management, and practice skills through authentic experiences, they develop the skills and habits that serve them well in our ever-changing world. The authors’ research also showed that nationwide, only 4% of students experience exploration education, giving Springmont students a distinct advantage as they move forward through life! Click here to read the full article.
It's Time to Sign Up for Primary & Elementary Classroom Observations!
January 20, 2026
As we did in the fall, we are excited to offer parents and guardians of Primary and Elementary students an opportunity to see their children's classrooms in action! All parents are encouraged to observe in their children's classrooms before Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences, which will take place on campus on March 20 & 27. Observations provide parents with a glimpse of their own child's day, as well as an overall picture of how a Montessori classroom offers children opportunities for creativity, engaged learning, authentic social interactions, and more.
Observations will begin on February 9 and continue on designated days through mid-March. Sessions will be available beginning promptly at 9:00 and 9:25. As they arrive on campus, parents should park in the spaces across from the Pavilion and come to the Front Office, where they will be greeted by Associate Head Patricia Jordan and Toddler/Primary Division Coordinator Dajar Showers. After spending about 25 minutes seated in the classroom, a short debrief and an opportunity to ask questions will be offered.
Springmont uses Sign-Up, an online reservation system that enables parents to select their preferred dates and times. To allow each family an opportunity to observe, we kindly request that parents select a single date and time for each of their children's classes and make every effort to bring only one vehicle to campus. Click the link in Springmont Weekly News to choose your preferred date and time.
Questions? Email Patricia Jordan at pjordan@springmont.com.
Toddler Classroom Observations
January 20, 2026
Classroom observations provide parents/guardians with an authentic glimpse of their child(ren)’s day – their friends, teacher, environment, and learning – and are an excellent way to prepare for Parent/Teacher Conferences and to learn more about Montessori. Because our youngest students are less able to maintain concentration when family members visit their classroom in person and may feel distressed when parents/guardians depart, observations of Toddler classrooms are done via Zoom.
Toddler/Primary Division Coordinator Dajar Showers will host the Zoom sessions, spending approximately 20 minutes in the classroom and leaving time at the end to answer questions. You may also email questions to her (dshowers@springmont.com) or your child’s Teacher.
There’s no need to RSVP - simply join the Zoom on the designated day and time. (The link will be emailed to families the day before.) Please join the session promptly so that Dajar does not have to stop her tour to admit parents to the Zoom meeting.
- Zaiba’s Class Zoom Observation - Tues, January 27, 9:30 a.m.
- Remzije’s Class Zoom Observation - Wed, January 28, 9:30 a.m.
- Toshia’s Class Zoom Observation - Thurs, January 29, 9:30 a.m.
Questions? Email Toddler/Primary Division Coordinator Dajar Showers (dshowers@springmont.com)
WANTED: Join the Auction Planning Committee!
January 20, 2026
Help us create another unforgettable Springmont auction experience! Our annual celebration brings together parents, grandparents, alumni, staff, and friends for a fun-filled evening that supports our school community—and we’d love for you to be part of the team that makes it all happen.
The 2026 auction promises elegance, excitement, and meaningful connection. As a committee member, you’ll play a key role in shaping the event experience, coordinating auction items, supporting décor and logistics, and helping ensure a memorable celebration for the entire Springmont community.
Whether you’re full of creative FUNdraising ideas, love organizing details, or simply want to get involved, there’s a place for you on the team!
Interested in joining or learning more? Reach out, and we’ll get you connected. You can email our event chair, Jinali Desai, at JinaliD@icloud.com or me at kpoyser@Springmont.com.
Together, let’s make this year’s Starry Garden Nights auction our brightest event yet!
'The But': Why You Shouldn't Walk Away from Montessori
January 12, 2026
We are delighted to know that so many families are committed to keeping their children at Springmont through Middle School. However, each January, I inevitably hear from some families who are considering applying their children to another school: 'We love Springmont, but...' This is hard to hear because most often these students are thriving and benefiting from their preK-8th grade Montessori experience.
The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review (among a slew of others) recognize the benefits. The WSJ reported that 'Montessori schools have a record of success,' noting that 12-year-olds in Montessori programs wrote more complex stories and were more socially adept than their peers in more traditional settings. Just last year, in an article titled 'The Surprising Health Benefits of Montessori Education', Forbes touted how this method reduces student stress and anxiety. And the Harvard Business Review (which often features positive writings about Montessori education) has recently published articles such as 'Montessori Builds Innovators' and 'How Do Innovators Think?', both pointing out that Montessori's focus on allowing children to follow their curiosity is a primary driver of success for the likes of Jeff Bezos (Amazon) and Sergei Brin and Larry Page (Google).
We all want happiness and success for our children. Montessori education allows for mastery and an individualized academic pace. It develops 'soft skills' and autonomy, provides stability and deep relationships, and prepares students for the 'real world'. In short, Montessori students often do better in high school and college because of these skills. By the time they leave Springmont, students have already learned how to take initiative, think critically, and manage their time. Aside from academic superiority (according to a meta-analysis of 32 studies), Montessori students also exhibit a higher degree of executive function - a strong predictor of life success - and overall perceive a significantly more positive school experience and greater love of learning than those in a traditional model.
So, let's forget about 'the but'... let's just leave it at 'We love Springmont!'
P.S. If you have questions or concerns, or you'd like to take a look at your child's next academic level, email me! arestifo@springmont.com.
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