“The accreditation process is offering our staff a strategic method of evaluating our school’s processes in a way that is intentional“
By: Heather White and Sheila Linville
Discover how Community Montessori School in Jackson, Tennessee, is breaking new ground as the first district Montessori school pursuing IMC accreditation, transforming its educational landscape through a dedicated three-year journey.
Community Montessori School in Jackson, Tennessee, stands on the cusp of a remarkable transformation! Formerly known as Parkview Montessori and The Montessori School at Bemis, this institution is on a path to becoming the first district Montessori school to achieve accreditation from the International Montessori Council (IMC). This ambitious journey represents not only a significant milestone for the school, but also a beacon of hope for other Montessori public schools.
Under the steadfast leadership of Principal Dr. Melinda Harris, who has been a cornerstone of the school for twenty-seven years, Community Montessori School has embarked on a three-year process to secure IMC accreditation. Harris, a driving force behind this initiative, has joined forces with Assistant Principals, Amber Cogbill and Jessica Peccolo-Donnell, dedicating themselves to realizing this dream, ensuring that Montessori principles and practices are fully integrated into the school’s curriculum and operations. As Harris reflects, “As a lifelong Montessori educator and the administrator of Community Montessori for the last 18 years, I am humbled by the opportunity to seek full accreditation for our public Montessori school.”
The school’s path to accreditation is structured into a comprehensive three-year plan with strategic goals for each year. This meticulously planned approach highlights the commitment of the school’s leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Marlon King and Dr. Vivian Cawthon Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Academics, Schools, & Students. Their support has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of this process, while Harris, Cogbill, and Peccolo-Donnell work hard to ensure that the school remains aligned with Montessori ideals.
Year 1: Laying the Foundation
The journey towards IMC accreditation begins with Community Montessori School joining IMC as a school member in the 2024-2025 academic year. This initial step marks the beginning of a deep and collaborative relationship with IMC with faculty gaining access to the bounty of school member resources the organization provides. Faculty members will also attend their first IMC Conference in October 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia, gaining invaluable insights and networking opportunities that will aid in their personal and professional growth and learning.
Sheila Linville, Andrews Educational Institute’s (AEI) Founder and Senior Consultant, and Barbara Koning, AEI Consultant, will play a crucial role in supporting the school during this process. During this first year, their involvement will focus on the Early Childhood and Upper Elementary levels, where they will assist in reviewing the curriculum and enhancing professional learning. This support includes setting up classroom environments, developing clear and consistent classroom inventories, and evaluating supplemental curricula. Additionally, Linville and Koning will provide bi-monthly virtual meetings to offer consultation, facilitate teacher planning, and to provide classroom observation. They will also host two one-week on-site residency sessions in Tennessee, within which they will provide follow-up support and professional development.
Meanwhile, the Lower Elementary and Middle School teachers will engage in a book study journey, reading and discussing Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard. This book study will lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of Montessori principles and their application in the classroom.
Year 2: Expanding Focus
In Year 2 (2025-2026), the focus will shift as the Lower Elementary and Middle School teachers dive deeper into curriculum development, classroom setup, and professional learning, while the Early Childhood and Upper Elementary teachers will embark on their own book study journey. This reciprocal approach ensures that all levels of the school are engaged in meaningful professional development and curriculum enhancement.
During this year, the school will conduct a self-study, within which committees will evaluate the school’s implementation of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy, while compiling evidence needed for accreditation. This self-reflection is crucial for identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, ensuring that the school’s practices align with the high standards set by the IMC.
Year 3: Achieving Accreditation
The final year of the process (2026-2027) will focus on the implementation of high fidelity Montessori philosophy and pedagogy across all levels of the school. This year will culminate in an on-site visit from a team of IMC verifiers in the Spring of 2027. This visit will assess the school’s adherence to Montessori principles and its readiness for accreditation.
Pioneers of Public Montessori Accreditation
Achieving IMC accreditation will mark a significant achievement for Community Montessori School. It will formally recognize Montessori as an official curriculum within the Jackson-Madison County School District, allowing the school to fully implement Montessori pedagogy and uphold the values that have always been at the heart of their mission. Harris reflects, “The accreditation process is offering our staff a strategic method of evaluating our school’s processes in a way that is intentional, collaborative, and individualized to the needs of our students, staff, and families.”
As the school moves forward, it continues to honor its commitment to Montessori principles, ensuring that its students benefit from an education that is both innovative and deeply rooted in a rich educational tradition. By fostering a culture of collaboration and intentional growth as they continue their journey towards IMC accreditation, Harris believes Community Montessori will not only secure accreditation, but also serve as a model for other public Montessori schools considering similar paths. She concludes, “As a public Montessori school leader, I am honored to be leading a school through the accreditation process and hopefully support other Montessori public schools that strive each day to stay true to the fidelity of Montessori.”
Sheila Linville is the International Montessori Council (IMC) Director of School Accreditation and Affiliation. She is also the Founder and Consultant of Andrews Educational Institute (AEI) that is leading the school through the process of accreditation.
Heather White is a Content Creator and Blog Writer for several organizations including AMS, Mirus Toys, and Guide & Grow. She serves in multiple capacities at Center for Guided Montessori Studies and is a faculty member at Sarasota University.
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