What "Holistic" Means 

Our holistic school starts with a Montessori classroom and the unique Montessori manipulatives and materials; then adds stations for learning through multiple intelligences (spatial, musical, auditory, visual, kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, logical, mathematical, etc); plus the flourish of Waldorf creativity, daily and seasonal rhythms, and imaginative play; and finally we add to this the unlimited great outdoors and nature education.  Being a "holistic" school also means nurturing the whole child for who they are.

Sustainable Path to Growth

In order to be sustainable, we initially opened our doors to just 18 students on any given day, in one 3-6 year old class.  In the 2009-2010 school year, MSCS will welcome the addition of a 6-9 year old class of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders.  We're following in intentionally progressive steps over a period of time. With multi-age classrooms, we will eventually provide education from preschool through eighth grade. We welcome opportunities to integrate homeschool students at every stage.

Tuition in a Nonprofit School

Tuition is necessary at a private school to make the school a reality, but our intention is to make enrollment possible for any student through alternatives such as financial assistance, part-time enrollment, or work exchange.  We are incorporated as a nonprofit organization.

A Different Morning Drop-Off 

One of the unique things about our school starts at the moment parents drop off their child.  Instead of parents walking children in and then leaving, which can feel like abandonment to a child, we have a teacher walk outside to greet the children and bring them in.  In this way, it is the child's choice as to when to say goodbye to Mom or Dad, and thus the child is empowered. 

About Brevard

Brevard, NC, is blessed with many families of young children who have high ideals, dedicate themselves to work that embodies their personal values, work hard to balance such professional interests with quality time with their children, are actively engaged in outdoor activities and the natural world, and who strive to leave the world “better than how they found it.”  

Brevard is situated in the valley of the mountains, a half hour from the Asheville airport. We are lucky to live around the corner from Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Holmes Educational State Forest, not to mention the rivers.  Neighboring towns include Hendersonville, Etowah, Horseshoe, Penrose, Rosman, Toxaway, and Balsam Grove. Transylvania County has more waterfalls than anywhere else in the United States.  It's a beautiful place to live, work, play, and raise kids! www.brevardncchamber.org 

ASPIRATIONS

Some long term goals we have...

• Foreign language opportunities
• Offering parenting workshops such as Conscious Discipline, Positive Discipline, nonviolent communication, Partnership Parenting, etc.
• Owning our own building in the woods somewhere
• A foundation to provide funds for scholarships
• Having parents prepare a lesson from their own knowledge for the kids

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Mountain Sun strives to:

...Utilize teaching techniques developed by leaders in experiential and holistic education and philosophies such as John Dewey, Rudolph Steiner (Waldorf), Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, and Ron Miller as well as the teacher’s intuition.

...Be a community of active learners in an open classroom setting along with a fluid daily schedule created to provide diverse learning experiences, including dedicated project time and regular field trips.

...Discuss student progress without the use of traditional grading and report cards—instead, using one-on-one conferences between teachers and parents, with student input and regular, on-going communication.

...Value diversity and being open to any sexual orientation or religious, racial, ethnic, or economic background.

...Have active and participatory parents working with teachers and administrators on many levels to advance the school’s mission, modeling desired student outcomes, and creating a climate of cooperation, innovation, and creativity.