Traditional American schools tend to focus so much on math and reading that too often science, social studies, and the arts trail behind. This year's Maker Month in February put a much-deserved spotlight on our STEAM program and the lasting impact it has on our students.
At Hudson Montessori School, our curriculum is infused with science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. We are preparing our students to be innovators and critical thinkers as we advance into the 21st century.
Our school was accredited by the National Institute for STEM Education in 2019 and was the first STEM-accredited elementary school in New Jersey.
To achieve accreditation as a “STEM” school, we met rigorous criteria that demonstrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics were deep-set into our curriculum. At the same time, STEAM teachers Dr. Grace Sanvictores and Michelle Velho achieved their certification as STEM teachers.
Hudson Montessori School doesn’t stop at STEM. We are a STEAM school; the added “A” is for the arts. Creativity is an essential element for artistic expression, problem-solving, prototyping, and public presentation skills. "STEAM" learning is more well-rounded, energizing both sides of the brain—creative and analytical.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, “In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it’s more important than ever that our nation’s youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions.”
Our teachers employ project-based learning to excite and engage our students in the classes and extracurricular projects. STEAM learning activities include our elementary students’ participation in the Day in the Life of the Hudson River longitudinal study, Code Night, Maker Faire, and entering the Hudson County Science Fair STEM Showcase, and much more.
The value of being a STEAM school is evident by our students' strong desire to learn more. Our children are engaged, making real-world connections, and understand concepts that form the foundation for analytical learning in their later schooling years.
To learn more about Hudson Montessori School’s interdisciplinary, theme-based learning approach to education, the Montessori philosophy and methodology, or how the school fosters the love of learning for children age 2 to sixth grade, visit our STEAM program page or sign up for an open house tour most Tuesdays at 9 a.m.