Welcome to St. Christopher's By-the-Sea
Montessori Episcopal IB Candidate School | K–6
We are a nurturing, faith-based learning community where curiosity and compassion grow side by side. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, we encourage children to explore, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning from the earliest years. Our Episcopal identity grounds us in the values of kindness, peace, and service, embracing every child as a beloved and capable learner.
As a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), we are preparing to launch the PYP curriculum starting next school year—combining our hands-on Montessori approach with a globally minded, inquiry-based framework.
A Different Kind of Classroom. Student Led, Teacher Guided.
In a Montessori classroom at St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea, the environment is the “third teacher”—intentionally designed to support independence, exploration, and concentration.
Every material, shelf, and space is carefully chosen to meet the developmental needs of children at each stage. Classrooms are calm, orderly, and beautiful, inviting children to take ownership of their learning.
Child-Sized & Accessible
Everything in the classroom—from furniture to learning tools—is purposefully designed to fit the child. This supports independence and allows students to take ownership of their learning experience.
Hands-On Materials
Montessori materials are beautifully crafted and self-correcting, allowing children to experiment, problem-solve, and repeat activities until they reach mastery—all without needing constant adult correction.
Freedom Within Limits
Children are free to choose their work from a range of thoughtfully prepared options. This nurtures confidence, focus, and responsibility, while the teacher provides clear structure and guidance.
Mixed-Age Classrooms
Students learn in multi-age groupings, where younger children are inspired by older peers, and older students develop leadership and empathy by mentoring those around them.
Respect for Concentration
Three hours of uninterrupted work periods help children build deep focus and flow. Teachers intentionally protect this time, fostering independence, creativity, and intrinsic motivation.
Space for Reflection & Resolution
A special area where children can go to calm their minds, resolve conflicts respectfully, or take a moment to reset. It nurtures emotional intelligence, empathy, and personal responsibility in a peaceful, respectful way.
The teacher’s role is to observe and guide, not to direct. Lessons are given individually or in small groups, and the classroom is always ready to support each child’s next step—academically, socially, and emotionally.
This thoughtfully prepared environment empowers students to become independent thinkers, compassionate classmates, and joyful learners.
Tradition
Leadership
Inclusion
