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Introduction
Virgin Islands Montessori School offers a unique environment and learning experience to close to 200 students from two to fourteen years of age.

In 1963, the concept of a Montessori school in the Virgin Islands captured the imagination and support of a group of St Thomas parents. A one-room building emerged in January 1964 with a preschool class of 12 students. Over the ensuing 42 years, our school has grown steadily to meet the needs of our St. Thomas/St. John community. Today, our beautiful 6.5 acre campus offers instruction for Toddlers through Upper School.

VIMS’ first Preschool Class was located on half an acre of land, generously donated by Bill and Jim Evans (both of whom had children in that class). Our early growth focused on additional preschool classes.

Lower and Elementary Classes were added in the early ‘70’s, moving our program upwards through the sixth grade.

Responding to the needs of our parents and students, we added our Toddler Program for two-year-olds in 1994. This program is called LA Casa “Learning Activity House”. We also initiated an afternoon enrichment center in our LA Casa location that same year. This center is designed to be a “home away from home” by offering quality, loving and friendly care with fun activities for students until 5:30 p.m. each school day.

The long-awaited addition of our Middle School became a reality in 1997. With a 7th grade class introduced that September, the eighth grade was added the following year. Our Middle School combines the Montessori approach with traditional methods to ensure a smooth transition to Upper School and beyond.

Our Upper School began in Sept. 2004 with the addition of the 9th grade. Beginning with the 2006-2007 school year, we are in the preliminary phase of the adoption of the International Baccalaureate Organization’s (IBO) programs for our Upper School:

• IB Middle Years Program for grades 9 – 10
• IB Diploma Program for grades 11 - 12

The IBO has a mission to “create a better world through education” and offers a curriculum that is a perfect complement to the Montessori program.

The IBO is a nonprofit educational foundation motivated by its mission - focused on the student. It is a recognized leader in the field of international education, encouraging students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. Founded in 1968, it currently works with 1,763 schools in 122 countries. There are more than 943 schools in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean offering one or more of the IBO’s academic programs. For further information, visit their IBO website: www.ibo.org

Mission Statement
The Virgin Islands Montessori School is committed to providing an Education For Life consistent with Montessori principles, reflecting the richness of our diverse Virgin Islands culture and upholding global college preparatory standards.

Purpose and Aim
From Toddler through Upper Elementary, VIMS is dedicated to the Association Montessori Internationale’s (AMI) Montessori philosophy and method of education. Our Middle and Upper Schools are student-centered and built upon a strong Montessori foundation. VIMS is an active viable institution set upon a sold foundation of excellence in faculty, administration and facilities. Our purpose is to provide the fullest development and highest standard of learning possible in each individual child. Nondenominational and nondiscriminatory, our school welcomes children from all backgrounds.

Our Objectives
To provide an excellent learning environment and guidance to help children develop:

Organization
Virgin Islands Montessori School (VIMS) is a private non-profit 501©(3) school governed by a Board of Trustees, most of whom are current parents; two are non-parents to bring balance to the group. The school administrator conducts the day-to-day operations of the school.

Accreditation
VIMS is accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) for the Primary level. Dr. Maria Montessori founded AMI in 1929. The organization is directed by an international board, and is supported by distinguished scholars and statesmen throughout the world.

AMI/USA was founded to conduct the business of AMI in the United States. The yearly dues we pay go to the United States Office in Rochester, New York. A portion is sent to the International headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

AMI strictly regulates the standards to be met by member schools and teachers through their consultation program. They offer and run teacher-training programs, and organize national and international workshops and conferences. A team of specially trained consultants visits each school at least every three years. AMI is the reliable authority on authentic Montessori theory and practice, and since its inception, has been the coordinating agency of growth and development in Montessori. For more information about AMI, visit their website: www.montessori-ami.org

• The VI Department of Human Services accredits VIMS Toddler and the After School Enrichment Program.
• VIMS is proud to be accredited for PK – 9th grade by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Memberships

• Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
• North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA)
• AMI Elementary Alumni Association (AMI/EAA)
• National Center for Montessori (NCME)
• Caribbean Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
• National Association of Independent Schools (affiliate member)
• National Middle States Association (NMSA)
• St. Thomas/St. John, USVI Chamber of Commerce

Nondiscriminatory Policy
VIMS admits students regardless of race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin. It does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletic or other school administered programs.

For More Information:
Campus Map
(View PDF)

School Calendar
(View PDF)

Tuition
See Enrollment Process section

Contact Us:
Please feel free to contact us at: info@vimontessori.com