The journey of a lifetime begins here
Maria Leon Kershner with Sky Kershner and former MMS students David
and Maria-Celeste Kershner-Leon

It's hard to find a community like this
A school is more than a building and books. It's a community.

And at MMS, our community is a family, connected through a shared commitment to serving the child and learning with and from each other year after year.

Since 1976, that tradition of connection and community has been nurtured by our caring and dedicated staff, who empower the unique potential of each child and inspire a bright future for our students--and world

"The journey of a lifetime starts here," the 2022 MMS Annual Appeal, provides essential funding that enables us to sustain our very special community through the year ahead and beyond.

As calendar year draws to a close, we invite you to invest in the future with a make your tax-deductible donation today-... simply text mmsjourney to 76278 or visiting the campaign platform.

Our goal is $20,000 and we plan for 100% participation to get there. No gift is too large or too small to make a difference!
As part of our campaign, students, families, teachers and alumni are sharing their Montessori story to highlight the impact and gift of an MMS education.

This is the story of the Maria Leon Kershner, a primary assistant and our Spanish teacher. Maria earned the American equivalent of a masters degree in early childhood education in her native Costa Rica.


How did you become part of the MMS community?

I toured Mountaineer Montessori when I was looking for a preschool for my own children. It was amazing. I loved the materials and the presence of the teachers. At the time, I was an early childhood educator, and being a teacher, you want to be a part of the education of your children. A position opened up and I started as a primary assistant. That was 17 years ago!

Not long afterwards, there was an opening for a Spanish teacher, and so I began working in primary in the mornings and Spanish in the afternoons. I’ve been here ever since.
 
How did you see MMS impact your own children?

I loved seeing the independence, creativity and strong foundation for learning grow in my own kids. They are capable and have a strong sense of self. 

MMS introduces second language studies at a young age. How does this enhance their education?

It is much easier to learn language at a young age. Children are sponges and the earlier the better.

I see kids grow from primary through middle school. Our school is multi-cultural and some of our students already speak a second language at home. Through the years, the students grow in writing, comprehension, and communication in Spanish. It makes me happy to follow their progression.

Our lessons are not just language but include cooking and games. The kids love cooking. So do I!
 
 
Any favorite Montessori moments?

I still get so much joy from welcoming children to school in the mornings. And it was very special to be a mom and have children here and watch them grow over the years. 
What makes MMS special to you?

I am so grateful for our directors and staff over the years. It’s incredible to be around amazing people and continually learn about Montessori and child development. I’ve learned so much from other teachers.

Working at MMS provides teachers with the opportunity to become credentialed in the Montessori method. Our school values the importance of its teachers being well trained. MMS teachers provide a consistent and high-quality experience for every student.

Another thing that is so special is the chance to get to know the children and their parents so well because you work with them for many years. We develop deep relationships with students and have a strong connection with them. I’ve been with many students from primary through middle school!

This place is like a family. I’m so happy to come to work in a positive environment. It’s very special.

The rich cultural diversity at MMS is also unique for a small private school--especially in West Virginia. It adds so much to the educational experience of children and their teachers.

It’s been amazing to watch the school continue grow over the years and to be in such a beautiful building and outdoor pace.
 
It’s hard to find a community like this!
 
Favorite Montessori quote:
 
“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.” 
Your tax-deductible donation is an investment in:

  • Facilities: continuing indoor and outdoor learning environment enhancements for all students, including new signage and facade upgrades at Staunton and a climbing structure for our toddler community.

  • Faculty: teacher appreciation and training funds and ongoing accreditation initiatives through the AMS Pathways to Continuous School Improvement process. MMS invested more than $75,000 in out-of-state and local Montessori training and professional development, teacher bonuses and contributions to the staff retirement funds last year--a number we hope to increase in 2022-23.

  • Families: widen community access to our programs by increasing financial aid and scholarships from $56,000 in 2021-22 to $72,000 in 2022-23.
 
This year's goal is $20,000 and we budget for 100% participation.

No gift is too small to make a difference.

It's as easy as texting mmsjourney to 76278