Charles Hakes

Children’s Kiva Montessori School in Cortez has been named the American Montessori Society’s Spotlight School, earning recognition for fostering a global approach to education, curiosity and community connection.

“We are in a very rural, low income area of Southwest Colorado, but we offer the most global approach to learning that I have ever seen,” Kiva Montessori Head of School Lurleen McCormick told AMS in an interview. “We have four highly esteemed international teachers, two from Colombia and two from Jamaica, who share their backgrounds and culture with our staff, families and students.”

The school for kindergarten through eighth grade students was highlighted for its approach to educate the whole child, supported by a passionate team. The school’s commitment to Montessori principles has resonated locally and globally, according to AMS, showcasing how a rural campus can make a significant impact.

McCormick also highlighted Kiva staff go above and beyond to make children feel welcome and safe on campus, adding that a highlight from this year was seeing a sixth grade student learn to read.

“I love how our staff members meet the needs of our students and families. We have three to five staff members in the ‘Hug and Go’ lane every morning and afternoon to welcome each child and see them safely off campus at the end of the day,” McCormick said. “We personalize instruction to meet our students where they’re at without causing them shame. Seeing a sixth grade student finally learn to read brought us all to tears this year.”

The school atmosphere was also shared as a special part of Kiva.

“Most of all, I love that we are extraordinarily unified. Visitors often comment that they can feel the love when they walk in our doors. At staff meetings, my greatest joy is having to wait five full minutes to let the laughter fade down before continuing whatever we’re doing.”

Though the school says farewell to students after eighth grade, the school takes extra steps to ensure the students feel loved as they head to high school.

“At the end of the year we also have a ‘moving-on’ ceremony for our eighth grade students. Each student gets a certificate and a candle to remind them that while we did our best to help spark their learning while they were with us, it’s up to them to keep their light burning and take it into the world for others to enjoy and add to,” McCormick said. “The other students, staff members and families make the bridge by connecting hands at a peak across from each other and the eighth grade students walk under a human formed bridge as they exit our building for the last time as students.”

The school’s story is featured in an AMS spotlight interview at https://hubs.ly/Q03tqHmm0.