Who We Are
The Surrey Montessori Society (SMS) is a BC-registered society dedicated to supporting the publicly-funded Montessori programs in the city of Surrey. Membership is comprised of families, educators and Montessori enthusiasts who believe all children should have access to the Montessori method of teaching and philosophy.
The SMS was formed in 1981 after dedicated parents successfully lobbied the Surrey School Board to offer Montessori as an alternative choice in the public school system. The program has grown from one classroom of 20 children to over 500 combined at Latimer Road Elementary, Mountainview Montessori and Sunnyside Elementary.
A strong Montessori program has a wide range of unique needs, such as specialized teacher training, hands-on materials, outdoor education and extra classroom support. While the program is housed in publicly-funded schools, the school board does not receive additional funding from the Ministry of Education to allocate to its choice programs.
Through regular meetings, educational workshops, volunteerism and fundraising, the SMS works throughout the year to support the program and ensure its continued existence for Surrey families.
The AGM is held in the Fall each year (October or November).
What We Do
* Participate on the District Montessori Advisory Committee (DMAC), which meets three times per year. Committee members include the Director of Instruction (chair); a school trustee; school principals for Sunnyside, Mountainview and Latimer Road; DPAC/PAC reps; and teacher reps from Sunnyside, Mountainview and Latimer Road. These meetings give the SMS an opportunity to liaise with the committee regarding the program’s unique needs and to ensure the program continues to exist as a viable educational choice for Surrey children.
* Liaise with preschools throughout the community to build awareness regarding Surrey’s public Montessori programs.
* Organize workshops and presentations to educate parents and the general public about the Montessori philosophy and curriculum.
* Maintain an informative website with newsletters, articles and videos.
* Ensure the Montessori resource sections in the school libraries are well-stocked with a wide range of books, DVDs and curriculum manuals for parents and teachers to borrow.
* Organize school-based committees to support the teachers with additional assistance when needed, such as material making, classroom assistance and inventory management of Montessori materials.
* Organize fundraisers and an annual donation drive to ensure financial support for the program is available when needed.
* Provide teachers with support for their ongoing Montessori professional development and specialized training.
* Network and dialogue with other Montessori societies, Montessori teachers and schools that house publicly-funded Montessori programs throughout British Columbia.
* Maintain membership in MACTE, AMI and other reputable associations so SMS is well-informed of the Montessori community worldwide.