School Profile
Mission Statement
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.
Basic Information
- CRMS serves 110 students ages 3-6th grade.
- We are located 3 miles east of I405 off the Maple Valley highway and 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 primary-level classes (ages 3 - kindergarten). Each class has 20 students and two adults.
- We have a lower elementary class of 34 students(grades 1-3) with two teachers and two assistants.
- We have an upper elementary class of 15 students with a teacher and an assistant.
- Tuition for 2010-2011 is $8,200 for elementary students, $8,050 for primary students, and $6,200 for primary half-day students (age 3 only).
History
In 1978, founder Narda Farrell, her husband Bill Farrell and sister Melissa Baker had the idea of starting a school. Miss Narda realized that traditional educational practices were not always successful in meeting the needs of children. Sparked by ideas in Maria Montessori's writings she researched best practices in teaching and learning and chose the Montessori method.
Cedar River Montessori School was founded in the 1980-1981 school year on its present site, chosen for its peaceful location and home-like setting. Throughout its history CRMS has served both primary and elementary students, and has previously offered 7th and 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, the Pacific Northwest Montessori Association and is a American Montessori Society affiliate.