"An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of [people], the enhancement of [their] value as individual[s], and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”

These are the words of Dr. Maria Montessori, delivered to the International Office of Education in Geneva in 1932, as Europe began its descent into World War II. These words are as relevant today as they were in 1932. The Asheville community values Montessori education, and they have seen its benefits for their school age children, yet there are currently only two very small private schools that offer Montessori education for the elementary years. Mountain City Public Montessori is excited to bring public Montessori education back to the Asheville community.

Mountain City Public Montessori initially enrolled 106 students in grades K-6, and will expand to nearly 200 students at full enrollment at our present location. We utilize a shared leadership model, which is the practice of governing a school by expanding the number of people involved in making important decisions related to the school’s organization, operation, and academics. Rather than relying on a singular head of school, MCPM divides leadership responsibilities among a Curriculum Director, an Operations Director, and a Teacher Directorate. Shared leadership encourages the professional aspirations and growth of all members of the school organization. This model also nurtures the development of leadership experience and skills within the school, thereby cultivating the next generation of school leaders.