The following was submitted by Orcas Montessori School

Knock on the door of the Orcas Montessori School and a trio of children will welcome you with a warm greeting. That’s just one example of the many ways in which the teaching staff works to foster concepts of courtesy and grace, dignity and respect, empathy and compassion.

“For more than 25 years, Orcas Montessori teachers have guided Orcas Island children, nurturing them to become caring and confident citizens of the community,” says director Theresa Chocano. “Montessori is a time-tested educational method specifically designed to respond to the needs and gifts of young children helping them to expand with their natural stages of development. Self-motivation and independence are characteristics of Montessori students.”

The school still has openings for children ages two and a half to five in the morning and afternoon classrooms for fall.

There are Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, Working Connections and tuition assistance opportunities. Call 376-5350 for more information.