CULTIVATING CURIOUS MINDSFOR A LIFETIME OF LEARNING

FROM TWO TO TWELVEOn that first day in September, we can see it starting

to happen. Big eyes. Intense curiosity. Small hands

holding on tightly to parents.

A little apprehension. A little concern. Maybe even a

tear or two. Slowly they come into our sunlit rooms

and find their place. What’s that? How do I work this?

Who is this person next to me? They start asking,

exploring, wondering, imagining. They make friends.

Soon there are smiles and even a few laughs. And then

for each child, in his or her own way, the enormous

satisfaction of learning to do it by yourself, for yourself.

Ten years later, on the day they leave us, much is the

same. Their eyes still shine. They are still filled with

curiosity. And they move on knowing they can do

and learn and understand anything. They know how

to ask questions. Find answers. Solve problems. They

collaborate and make connections. Their imaginations

are fired up, and their ambitions have grown bold.

From toddler to capable investigator, responsible

citizen, critical thinker, and trusted friend, they are

brimming with confidence.

• Kingsley has more than 40 full- time faculty members including co-curricular teachers in Art, Music, Science, Technology, Physical Education, and Spanish. All Early Childhood and Lower Elementary lead teachers have completed an accredited Montessori training program. The Upper Elementary has a combination of Montessori-trained teachers and traditionally trained educators.

• Our Montessori approach employs multi-age groupings that foster collaborative learning. At Kingsley, students also enjoy uninterrupted learning time, guided choice of work activities, and individual and group lessons.

• Montessori materials include special blocks and beads, child-sized furniture, household objects, and specimens from nature. Learning activities often include a “control of error” feature, which lets the child know if he or she has completed the task successfully.

• In a study of 5-year-olds, Montessori students were found to have better reading and math skills than peers who attended traditional schools. They also scored higher on tests measuring social development. The study was published in the journal Science (9/06).

Two simple principles are at the heart of a Kingsley education.

First, we know every child. We teach children as the individual learners they

are. We know that most children follow predictable milestones, yet each

child will develop in his or her own way. The very core of who we are and

how we teach is to respect children as young people, each one unique, each

one brimming with possibility and potential, eager to learn and know and do.

Second, we engage children’s natural curiosity about the world around

them. From the beginning, learning at Kingsley is inquiry-based and takes

the form of rich, multi-dimensional interactions involving the senses,

the mind, and the heart. Our youngest students learn through sensorial

activities and materials, which create a foundation for abstraction and

conceptual understanding. Older students build knowledge and skills

through independent and collaborative hands-on projects, real-world

experiences, and experiments. Our goal is for students to take ownership

of their learning and to advocate for themselves in their education.

We are always building on Montessori’s richness at Kingsley. The most

successful features of the Montessori approach—student-centered, multi-

age classrooms, an emphasis on concrete learning, and highly skilled

teachers trained in Montessori techniques—are enhanced with computer-

based learning, expanded academic challenges, and a focus on leadership

and community roles. The result is an education that prepares students

extremely well for the complex academic and social challenges of middle

school, high school, and beyond.

Maya Bodick (right) came to Kingsley in the Second Grade and is now in the Sixth Grade. She is just starting to think about next-school options. “Wow. I have grown up A LOT. I used to be so shy, and I didn’t really like school. Now I know who I am. I want to learn and to ask questions and explore everything. I love to read. I love the concept of gravity, and I love knowing about magnetism. I love dance and art and math. I love history and our city. I love it when things click. And I want to be a leader. I know I could be a good leader, and I can make a difference.”

Dylan (left) is a student in the Kingsley Preschool and is almost always excited to come to school every day in Boston.

EDUCATION ONE-AT-A-TIME

EDUCATION ONE-AT-A-TIME

• Kingsley’s exclusive “Montessori Plus” educational model combines proven Montessori practices with a rigorous, integrated curriculum. At Kingsley, inquiry-based learning, individual and collaborative projects and advanced academic challenges bring multiple disciplines together.

• Visual Arts at Kingsley involves real artists’ materials and high-quality instruction. Children explore different media and processes while teachers demonstrate techniques. We regularly display student art throughout the School.

• Kingsley students start using computers and other technology in Kindergarten. Naturally, this leads to questions about how technology works. Many children quickly take an interest in engineering projects.

• Music is everywhere at Kingsley. All students learn musical notation and composition. Every student sings in a grade-level chorus and learns to play the recorder, xylophone, ukulele, and African drums. More than 70% also take private music lessons at school.

• The Performing Arts curriculum focuses on bodily awareness, the human voice, and building personal confidence. Every student participates in dramatic and musical performances each year.

THE ROCKET FUEL OF LEARNINGCuriosity is the rocket fuel of learning. It is the Montessori way to prepare

the environment for learning and engage that curiosity. Learning

starts when we set up a classroom with specific activities and materials,

communicate expectations, and empower students to lead the way.

Teachers offer careful guidance and encouragement that helps students

turn observations and results into knowledge and understanding.

Montessori activities are sequential, thoughtfully designed, and tightly

connected. As children become more sophisticated, the prepared

environment grows more complex. Children move at their own pace

and acquire important skills along the way, such as fine-motor, literacy,

math, and planning skills. They add to their powers of critical thinking,

imagination, and careful analysis. Teachers oversee and guide.

As children mature, the materials of early childhood become the novels,

microscopes, and computers of elementary school. New academic

challenges spur creativity and critical thinking. Community service, sports,

and enrichment activities offer opportunities for leadership. Their curiosity

leads them to engineering projects, poetry collections, and research. They

work with peers and find their places as citizens in the school community.

In the process, children discover what they are good at, where they need

practice, and what questions they want to pursue. They take ownership of

their learning.

How far will they go? Often they exceed even their own expectations. They

amaze us—and themselves.

Cameron Russell (center) plays the saxophone, studies German, and runs cross country at Boston Latin School, where he is in the Eighth Grade. He attended Kingsley for six years. “When I look back at my first year of Boston Latin, I realize how well Kingsley prepared me for the rigorous BLS curriculum—how to produce quality work, how to study for exams, and how to remain organized and on track in chaotic times. I also know how I like to learn—I prefer to learn like a scientist, hands-on, visualizing the experiment, and analyzing what happens. When I come back to Kingsley for the 25th reunion, I hope to be pursuing my dream job and be happy doing it.”

First-Grade student Lincoln (right) says that when he wants to know something, he tries to find the answer in a book. “But if it’s not in a book, you have to test.” His classmate Athena (left) agrees. “I definitely want to be a scientist. You get to discover new things all the time.”

THE ROCKET FUEL OF LEARNING

Kingsley is an urban school by design—happily embedded in the history,

culture, and energy of our city.

Boston is a classroom, a laboratory, and an adventure for us. Learning

regularly expands beyond our buildings to include Boston’s many cultural

and educational assets. Students participate in activities at the Franklin Park

Zoo, the MIT Museum, Fenway Park, and more. They enjoy a play break on

the Commonwealth Mall, study dragonflies on the Harbor Islands, follow the

African American Heritage Trail, and make discoveries at the Boston Public

Library. From Boston archaeology to the design of the Zakim Bridge, city

adventures empower students and enrich their growing knowledge.

Second-Grade student Donal (left) comes from Quincy. “Boston is a cool city. I wouldn’t mind being Mayor, but it does seem like a lot of work.”

Sebastian (center) is in the Third Grade. “I love going outside and playing tag on the Mall. We also get to swim at BU and go rock climbing. And I love seeing the blimp when the Red Sox are playing at Fenway.”

THE PLACES WE GO

Being out and about with teachers, Kingsley students encounter the full

spectrum of urban life. Their compassion and curiosity grow. They ask

questions about social responsibility, history, and economics. They discover

their natural desire to make the world better, greener, healthier, kinder, and

more just. The city infuses their education with a sense of connection, and

Kingsley students grow up knowing what education is for.

To make the world a better place is a bold ambition, one that requires a

sure foundation. By tending to that foundation and nurturing students’

confidence, we are educating children who will grow into adults with fiery

intellects, full hearts, and passionate purpose.

Adam Vartiker (right) attended Buckingham Browne & Nichols after Kingsley. He then went to Harvard and graduated in 2014. “As a Kingsley kid, I found it exhilarating to go into the city each day for school. It made what we were learning feel important and inspired a sense of purpose. I still feel that strong connection to the city of Boston. Now I work in local politics and community initiatives. I’m involved in volunteer community service. And I’ve founded a start-up that provides micro-financing to local small businesses through crowdfunding.”

• Kingsley occupies two historic Back Bay buildings. The Early Childhood Program is located in the beautiful four-story Saltonstall mansion. The Elementary Program is housed in the former Exeter Street Theater building, originally a temple designed by Henry Richardson. It features large airy elementary classrooms and stained glass windows.

• Kingsley Sixth-Grade students lead a year-long study of the Charles River for younger students to learn about the history of Boston, study the environment, and participate in community-building exercises.

• At Kingsley, we strive to give back. In partnership with Boston Medical Center, students participate in programs that focus on issues of hunger, literacy, and the environment. Service learning activities include annual clean-up activities as well as food, book, and clothing donation programs.

THE POWER OF PARENTS + FAMILIES

• More than 95% of current parents are involved in the Kingsley Montessori Parent Teacher Association (KMPTA).

• Every Kingsley classroom has three volunteer Class Parents, who help organize activities and support other parents.

• Kingsley parents enjoy regular speakers on parenting or education-related topics hosted by the School.

• Nearly 90% of families support the Kingsley Annual Fund each year.

Dominic Jones is a member of the customer insights team at iRobot and father of Preschool students Rowan (fourth from the left) and Hollis Jones. “I’ve greatly enjoyed introducing robots and robotics toKingsley students. The staff worked closely with me to create a plan for my visits to maximize the benefits for everyone—it’s a great example of the thoughtfulness Kingsley brings to everything they do.”

After Kingsley, Zachary Bean (left) attended Boston College High School and is now studying engineering at Drexel University. His BC High robotics team won two awards at the Boston FIRST Regional Robotics Competition. “Kingsley prepared me exceptionally well. They see students as individuals and adapt to their needs. For me, that meant advanced mathematics and science.”

Also pictured are siblings Sophia and Achilles, students in the Kingsley Early Childhood Program.

From the child’s perspective, life is defined by family and school. From

our perspective, partnering with families is an essential component of our

success. When family and school collaborate effectively, children gain greater

confidence because learning is reinforced both at home and at school.

Parent collaboration helps teachers better support students as individuals.

Teachers share what happens at school every day through conversations,

emails, and private classroom blogs. Formal parent-teacher conferences

take place three times each year, but we welcome and will seek out regular

conversations with individual parents less formally.

We want parents to know when their child is eager for more responsibilities

at home, needs to practice a skill, or when new interests emerge. We also

work with parents to help give children the support they need at school

when challenges arise at home. In addition, Kingsley offers strong next-

school placement and counselors who can advise families about learning

styles and differences.

Parents also have an important role in helping to define Kingsley’s future

and character. Parents serve on our board and committees and organize

events. They regularly share knowledge and expertise in our classrooms—

inspiring our students. Large and small, the generous contributions of our

parent community are deeply valued. Their active collaboration and support

help us to be the vibrant community of learners we are.

THE POWER OF PARENTS + FAMILIES

CURIOUS MINDSWe know that the best learning is inquiry-based—responsive to student

interests and questions. It combines choice with high expectations, and it

empowers children to undertake new challenges. At Kingsley, we encourage

students at every age to reach higher, ask harder questions, learn by doing,

and persist. In our supportive environment, learning can be fearless.

Inquiry-based learning is about gaining confidence when you may not know

something. It’s stepping back to try again when something doesn’t work.

It’s about connecting ideas, skills, and knowledge in new ways. It’s thinking

critically, collaboratively, and intelligently about your work. It’s asking, not

just answering, insightful questions. It’s being willing to fail in order to learn.

At Kingsley, when we think about the education we are providing, we think

in terms of the Foundational Decade—the critical years from two to twelve.

During that time, we can set the stage for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence,

and accomplishment. We can empower students to take ownership of their

own learning and become learners for life.

It starts by giving students increasing responsibility for organizing their

work, managing their time, and contributing to the school community.

The youngest children move freely around our classrooms. They choose

from sets of activities, and take pride in their own accomplishments. As they

grow, their freedom increases.

That kind of empowerment helps students move on from Kingsley with a

profound sense of self. They know what it will take to achieve their goals,

and they have the foundation they need for a happy and purposeful life.

Kingsley graduate Sofia Kinney (right) is now a senior at Noble and Greenough School. “In all areas, from writing to math, Kingsley not only gave me technical skills, but also taught me to approach problems thoughtfully. I always felt I was treated as an individual and that my own expectations for myself were what mattered most. I’m so excited to be applying to college now. I’m not yet sure what I’ll study, but I hope to be doing something that improves peoples’ lives.”

First-Grade student Alexie (left) is thinking about becoming a noodle chef. “I think my favorite thing at Kingsley is science because you get to ask questions and then figure things out. It’s really fun. And I love this school because everyone is so friendly.”

• Kingsley’s unique “Foundational Decade of Learning” blends proven Montessori practices with an innovative, ten-year integrated curriculum. It’s a progressive inquiry-based approach to education that provides students age two through twelve with the skills and knowledge they need to become successful lifelong learners.

• Kingsley uses some standardized testing to ensure every studentis making progress: the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), which provides important feedback on early reading skills; the Group Reading Assessment & Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE); and the ERBs, a set of standardized tests widely used by independent schools that also help students prepare for next-school entrance exams.

• Kingsley students are well prepared for the challenges of middle school. Each student in the Upper Elementary has a dedicated advisor who provides guidance on testing, school choice, applications and interviews.

• Our students enjoy an impressive acceptance rate to top local schools. In recent years, Kingsley students have consistently scored well above national independent school norms on the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).

• Founded: 1991

• Programs: Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary

• Enrollment: 300-320 students from 40+ communities

• Early Childhood Program enrollment: 130

• Elementary Program enrollment: 180-190

• Student Retention Rate: 93% average since 2012

• Student/Faculty Ratio: 5:1 Early Childhood 8:1 Lower Elementary 10:1 Upper Elementary

• Enrichment Programs: After School Program, Enrichment Classes, Extracurricular Program, and Summertime Program. More than 30 elementary enrichment courses.

• Location: Two locations in Boston’s Back Bay (Exeter left, Fairfield right)

• Accreditations:• American Montessori Society (accredited with non-traditional Montessori age groupings)

• Association of Independent Schools in New England

• Educational Records Bureau Certificate of Membership

• International Montessori Council

• Montessori Schools of Massachusetts

• National Association for the Education of Young Children

• National Association of Independent Schools

• North American Montessori Teachers’ Association

Kingsley Montessori School does not discriminate in any of its policies or programs on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, family composition, nationality, marital status, ethnic origin, or disability.

Produced by noodleandscribble.com. Principal photography by Richard Howard. Additional photography by Margaret Lampert and Bailey Lawless. Artwork by Kingsley students.

kingsley.orgEarly Childhood 30 Fairfield StreetElementary 26 Exeter StreetBoston, MA 02116617-226-4900