Community Montessori was founded in 1997 as an additional school choice for the Southern Indiana community. In August 2002 the school became a Charter School, having received sponsorship from Ball State University. The “charter” designation makes us a FREE, independent, non-profit, public school for learners in grades K-12. In addition to our Charter School, we offer a tuition-based Early Education program for children ages 3 and 4, and infant/toddler care through The Community Nurtury allowing the unique opportunity for our learners to spend their entire school career in a consistent and supportive environment. Mission Respecting children. Engaging families. Encouraging thoughts. Embracing the community. Community Montessori gives children an environment that respects all people and ideas. We also give families a vehicle to learn cooperatively, have fun, and promote peace with their children. As a school family we continue to expand our minds and use this knowledge to make an impact on our community. Vision We believe in holistic education which goes beyond teaching and helps children and teens expand their minds with a focus on cooperation, peace and respect. We believe that giving learners a safe, consistent and enriched learning environment will nurture their need to be independent, critical thinkers and problem solvers. We believe they should be given time to practice and repeat new skills in a collaborative and self-correcting atmosphere. We believe in assisting each learner in developing self-respect and self-monitoring behavior instead of only making good choices when someone is watching. Each child and teen is given the opportunity to continue learning through the Montessori philosophy by offering a full educational program from birth through graduation.