Tucked into the Four Corners region of Cortez, Colorado, Children’s Kiva Montessori School is proving that a small, rural campus can cultivate a world-class learning experience. In a recent conversation, Head of School Lurleen McCormick, Ed.S., M.Ed. described Kiva as “a global village,” where international perspectives, outdoor exploration, and a deep sense of togetherness flourish—all while AMS resources keep its flame of curiosity burning bright.
A Pride of Lions, United in Curiosity
What makes your school community unique?
We are located in a very rural, low income area of Southwest Colorado, but we offer the most global approach to learning that I have ever seen! We have 4 highly esteemed international teachers, two from Colombia and two from Jamaica, who share their backgrounds and culture with our staff, families, and students. It’s wonderful experiencing the instructional enhancements that include their unique flair, and our families love it! I also have to brag about our outdoor experiences. Our teachers try to tie standards to real world experiences, and our elective teacher furthers those opportunities with at least one field trip per class per month. They may use it as a hook before introducing new learning or as a follow-up to end a unit. We are very fortunate to be within two hours of some incredible National Parks and science research areas, providing impactful off-campus experiences that foster curiosity and engagement.
What is your school most proud of?
Our students chose our school mascot last year, and they voted on the Kiva Lions. I was thrilled because I am able to say that I am so proud of our pride of lions! I love how our staff members meet the needs of our students and families; we have 3 to 5 staff members in the “Hug & Go” lane every morning and afternoon to welcome each child and see them safely off campus at the end of the day. We personalize instruction to meet our students where they’re at without causing them shame. Seeing a 6th grade student finally learn to read brought us all to tears this year!
Most of all, I love that we are extraordinarily unified. Visitors often comment that they can feel the love when they walk in our doors. We work hard to be a team of fun-loving professionals who celebrate differences, honors diversity, and values every person who walks through our doors. At staff meetings, my greatest joy is having to wait 5 full minutes to let the laughter fade down before continuing whatever we’re doing. I am so proud that children dealing with really difficult circumstances know that they can relax and have fun at school. My dream of modeling an enjoyment of learning and living is happening here. I’m so grateful!
Honoring Montessori Spirit Through Ritual and Reflection
Can you share a favorite school tradition or community ritual?
We gather for the International Day of Peace and join with parents, students, and community members to sing Sing Peace Around the World together. The last two years, we added painted murals each year for families to sign with their children as their commitment to peace.
At the end of the year we also have a “Moving-on” ceremony for our eighth grade students. Each student gets a certificate and a candle to remind them that while we did our best to help spark their learning while they were with us, it’s up to them to keep their light burning and take it into the world for others to enjoy and add to. The other students, staff members, and families make the bridge by connecting hands at a peak across from each other and the 8th grade students walk under a human formed bridge as they exit our building for the last time as students.
What advice would you give to a new Montessori school or educator?
I would advise them to let go of traditional expectations for what an educational setting should be like and honor Maria Montessori’s true vision of following the child to create an environment that honors and celebrates their curiosity for learning without stifling and criticizing their individual journey. I love seeing how a child’s and adult’s imagination can flourish with encouragement and support.
A Partnership That Powers Progress
What are the AMS resources, events, or initiatives that your school especially values?
I must say that attending the AMS Montessori Events the last two years in Orlando and in Denver is what I value most about AMS as a school leader. Attending amplified our progress, connected us to other Montessorians across the world, and fanned the flame of our enthusiasm to keep learning even more! We all brought back knowledge that was eagerly shared, and we have really enjoyed seeing ideas being applied and making a difference in classrooms. Our time off campus together solidified our team even more and watching videos together when we returned kept that team-bonding going for several weeks afterwards.
As an administrator, I was incredibly humbled to see our staff members sharing ideas in the halls and getting so excited with their own “Ah-ha” moments, meeting on weekends to help each other create new shelf work, and seeing them in our basement sorting through materials and gasping when they found items they’ve learned how to use. AMS has elevated our academic environment by providing specialized learning experiences unavailable in our area, thus significantly enhancing the educational opportunities at our school.This helps us challenge students to reach their full potential and better prepare them for higher education and/or future career paths.
In what ways does being part of AMS help you demonstrate your commitment to high-quality Montessori education?
AMS membership signals our adherence to high standards, assuring parents of our program’s quality. AMS is known worldwide to provide invaluable resources and support to schools with training, curriculum support, and professional development, all of which improves teaching and student outcomes. Affiliation with AMS has elevated our school’s reputation internationally and locally. We have even discovered that our AMS membership has attracted new parents seeking a trusted Montessori environment!
What would you tell another school considering joining AMS?
This organization truly cares about you and your school. They will go above and beyond to assist when and where needed. I love the personalized touches, and how being a member brings people together who would have never had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Sharing resources, experiences, and knowledge in such a safe and supportive environment has meant the world to a Montessori beginner like myself!
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AMS School Membership links Montessori schools of every size to shared resources, professional learning, and a network of peers who celebrate successes and tackle challenges together. Whether you’re renewing or joining for the first time, membership keeps your school’s ideas and questions in ongoing conversation with colleagues across the globe. Learn more about school membership here.