Mission

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Cedar River Montessori is a place where students engage their innate love of learning to realize their potential for social, emotional, and academic growth. Our community teaches independence, responsibility, and peace through care of self, others, and the world around us.

Profile

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CRMS serves 115 students ages 3-9th grade. We are located 3 miles east of I-405 off the Maple Valley highway. Our students come from Renton, Kent, Maple Valley, Issaquah, and surrounding communities. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. We have three early childhood classrooms (ages 3 - 6), two lower elementary classrooms (grades 1-3), an upper elementary classroom (grade 4-6), and a middle school (grades 7-9 with an option to graduate at 8th grade). The school is approved by Washington State OSPI and is licensed by the Department of Early Learning. CRMS is a member in good standing of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools and the Pacific Northwest Montessori Association, and is an American Montessori Society affiliate school.

History

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In 1978, Narda Farrell, her husband Bill Farrell, and sister Melissa Baker decided to start a school. Narda realized that traditional education methods were not always successful in meeting the needs of children. Sparked by Maria Montessori's writings, she researched best practices in teaching and learning and chose Montessori. Cedar River Montessori School was founded in 1980-1981 on its present site, chosen for its peaceful location and home-like setting. Throughout its history CRMS has served early childhood and elementary students, and has previously offered middle school.