Mountaineer Montessori 2021 Annual Appeal

"The child is both the hope and the promise for mankind." Maria Montessori 

Mountaineer Montessori began its 45th year of excellence and innovation in education this fall.

While many things have changed over the years--including program expansions and a new campus--our mission remains the same: creating a better tomorrow through service to the child today.

Founded in 1976, Mountaineer Montessori is West Virginia's original and largest Montessori school, offering a premier, child-centered educational experience to 178 students ages Toddler-Middle School right here in the heart of Appalachia.

"Creating the Future, One Child at a Time," the 2021 MMS Annual Appeal, provides essential funding that enables us to lead, adapt and meet the growing demand for superior academic options in our community and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers, problem solvers, community builders and visionary leaders.

Your tax-deductible donation will help us create the future by:

• Funding continuing facilities and safety enhancements that optimize the educational experience for all students.
• Benefiting our teacher appreciation and training funds and support ongoing curriculum alignment through the AMS Pathways to Continuous School Improvement process.
• Continuing to increase community access to our programs through financial aid--more than $50,000 to local families each year.

The goal of this year's campaign is $25,000.

We plan for 100 percent school participation to meet that goal... everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts!

MMS Fundraising FAQ

Thanks to your generous contributions to 2020 fundraising, MMS:

• :Realizing a long-term goal, opened a beautiful new campus at the former St. Agnes School, with expansive indoor and outdoor learning environments for Primary-Middle School students.
• Started the state's only AMS Montessori Toddler Program.
• Became fully licensed by WVDHHR to provide child care at both campuses.
• Sponsored out of state AMS training for four teachers.
• Provided more than $50,000 in tuition support and financial assistance to families in our community.

We invite you to meet the 2021 Annual Appeal Ambassadors, featured below and on our website, to learn how MMS is making a difference in the lives of students, families, teachers and alumni.

 At MMS, potential is empowered and the future is inspired. With your support, we can continue to build a better tomorrow by serving our students today, one child at a time.

The MMS experience in their own words...

As part of our Annual Appeal campaign, MMS students, families, teachers and alumni are sharing their Montessori stories.

Meet this year's Ambassadors!

Molly Seidler, MD., MMS Alumna

Molly Seidler, MD, with husband with husband Greg Caughran, MD, and Luca 

"I don't think it's a coincidence that so many of my MMS classmates have excelled in life both professionally and personally. My classmates are now physicians, scientists, climate activists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, musicians, educators, and so many others have fantastic and interesting careers. I also don't think it's a coincidence that when people are asked what my strongest trait is they say I am loyal. MMS taught us to respect our fellow man, work as a team, and lift up those in need. These are lessons you can't learn from a textbook but must experience as part of a culture."  Dr. Molly Seidler

Read Molly's MMS story here

The Young/Spangler Family

Jackson Young, Primary I, with sisters Madison and Blakely, parents Jennifer and Brian Young, and grandparents Darlene Spangler (MMS Reading Specialist, and former Co-Director) and Reed Spangler

"Having MMS as a foundation for Jackson's education will allow him to think independently and have confidence in his abilities. Most importantly, I hope that he is always kind. The education he is getting at MMS is more than just reading and writing, but also encompasses empathy and communication. He is learning to not only be a leader, but to be compassionate at the same time." Jennifer Young

"Mountaineer Montessori has been my home for more than 25 years and I have watched children grow and become incredible individuals thanks to the education they are receiving there. I always hoped that my grandchildren would be able to attend MMS and benefit from such an amazing learning environment. Having Jackson enrolled at Mountaineer Montessori School has been so exciting. From day one we could see the changes in him, especially in his social skills. My mother always told me 'never stop learning.' I'm so proud that I have passed that philosophy on to my daughter who is passing it on to her children." Darlene Spangler

Read the Young/Spangler families' MMS story here

Sonji Byers-Baldwin, MMS Lower Elementary I Assistant

"I hope that the children in our class remember that Tara (Fought) and I want the best for them. We will do our best to make sure beautiful memories and great learning experiences were developed here.  I would love for them to look back and say, 'Mountaineer Montessori gave me the foundation to excel in my education.--and life.'"  Sonji Byers-Baldwin

Read Sonji's MMS story here

The Ihle Family

 Rayan Ihle, MD., and Isaiah, Lower Elementary II, Paul Ihle, and Abigail, Upper Elementary I.

"I think every parent wants to see their child learn and be successful. With Montessori, you can see a foundation being built that prepares your children for life long success. Tenets of respect, responsibility, independence, self motivation, and leadership will shape their lives forever. We couldn't ask for anything more." 

Read the Ihle family's MMS story here

Danny Zanabli, Middle School student

"I like how each person can learn at their own pace, which is different from traditional schools that give all students the same work and a deadline. Montessori tailors its education to each student. Some of my favorite memories are working with my friends on projects like the egg drop. Another experience I enjoyed was a trip to Spruce Knob where we camped outside and learned life skills, like how to make a campfire and how to find your way back with a compass." Danny Zanabli, eighth year student

"I chose Montessori because the curriculum challenges students and allows them to experiment and engage with subjects in a unique way. My favorite thing about the school is how students learn, how they have a say in what they learn, which allows them to feel invested in their education and their future." Nasrin Zanabli

Read the Zanabli's MMS story here

Sara Beal, MMS alumna

Sara Beal, director of publishing for Still Working/Roy Orbison Productions in Nashville, at a BMI Music Awards event with husband Jon Cavendish and colleague Jeff Allen, now at Viacom. 

"I honestly think I learned more in those six years (at Mountaineer Montessori) than in the rest of junior high/high school, undergrad and grad school. Being able to attend MMS set me up for a successful professional and personal life." 

Read Sara's MMS story here