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The Montessori School in Akumal was established one year ago with a $25,000 USD grant from the Coca Cola Company. At that time the first classroom was opened for children ages 3-6 and is called the "House of the Children". A second classroom has recently opened for children 1-3 years of age and is called the "House of the Babies". The goal of the school is to have four classrooms with 30 students each, an office near the entrance, a kitchen/dining facility in the center, a small farm with animals and a garden and a room in which to give educational talks to the parents.
It is a school OF THE COMMUNITY AND FOR THE COMMUNITY. Parents of most students must pledge a commitment of two hours per week to work at the school including cleaning, painting, repairing-whatever is needed.
The school has 5 paying students and is free to the children of the pueblo. All the rest of the funds come from donations, such as the substantial donation recently made by the Playa Caribe Homeowner's Association. They keep building and adding materials as the donations come in.
The school hours are form 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. five days per week. The public school is only in session three hours a day. The longer session at the Montessori School not only helps the working mothers, but also improves the children's educational opportunities. The Montessori philosophy teaches the children to learn and discuss on their own building self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. They are taught practical skills, learn to help each other and also learn the value of order, neatness and cooperation.
The Montessori School in the pueblo encourages visitors to come by for a visit and you will be as inspired by the teachers' dedication and charm of these small students as were the Playa Caribe Homeowner's representatives, Sharon and Sam Goby, when they made their visit. If you would like to make a donation to the Montessori School you can drop your donation by to the school or take it to the office at Playa Caribe and it will be delivered to the school.
Read 2008 update.
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