The History of Ogden Valley Montessori School

The Ogden Valley Montessori School was founded in October 2002 by Amanda Scheuermann of Eden, Utah. The school is located in Eden, a small rural community in beautiful Ogden Valley, Utah, one hour north of Salt Lake City in the mountains just east of Ogden.

Amanda started with one Primary class (3-6 year olds) in October 2002. In 2003, she added the Lower Elementary class (6-9 years), then the Toddler class (18 months to 3 years) in 2004. In the fall of 2005, the school expanded its curriculum to include an Upper Elementary class (9-12 years). In September 2006, the school further expanded with a second Primary class.

Our teacher to student ratio is 1:7 in the Toddler Transition class and 1:10 in the Primary and Elementary classes. Our Toddler Transition program is half-day whereas our Primary program is either full-day or half-day, depending on the age and readiness of the child. Our Elementary program is full-day. We have mixed-age groupings in our classes: 2s and 3s in our Toddler Transition Class; 3 to 6 in our Primary classes; 6 to 9 in our Lower Elementary; and 9 to 12 in our Upper Elementary class. This allows for a true student community to develop and gives continuity with teachers who know their students personally and thoroughly.

Parents are an important part of our school and we value them highly. The success of our program depends on a strong collaboration between staff and parents. Sharing knowledge, insight and understanding helps us to reach a common goal. OVMS offers parents many opportunities to partner with the school in the education of their children:

• Parent-Teacher Conferences twice a year
• An open-door policy
• Classroom observation
• Parent Education sessions
• ‘Come To School With Your Child’ Day
• Assistance with reading in the classroom
• Chaperoning on field trips
• Sharing your skills and knowledge during line time
• Social functions for the entire family
• Parent Education classes teaching ‘Positive Discipline’

The Montessori method of education was developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and teacher. She opened the first Montessori school in Rome, Italy in 1907. At the century mark of Montessori education and beyond, Ogden Valley Montessori School reflects the spirit of her mission with our motto: “Developing in our children an innate love of learning.”

Ogden Valley Montessori School follows the traditional Montessori curriculum, focusing on individually-paced exploration of Language, Math, Practical Life, Sensorial, and Cultural materials. Maria Montessori pioneered a hands-on, tactile method of learning, and developed the specific learning tools that OVMS uses to inspire and accelerate the students’ education. We provide a superior learning opportunity for children aged 2 to 12 years, and are moving forward into the second century of Montessori education.

Ogden Valley Montessori School admits students of every race, color, religion, political persuasion, national or ethnic origin.