Hill Country Montessori School, Inc. is a nonprofit educational institution located in Boerne, Texas, recognized for its commitment to the Montessori educational philosophy. Established in 1981, the school serves children from 18 months through 8th grade, offering a unique and holistic learning environment that promotes independence, responsibility, and community engagement.

History

Hill Country Montessori School began as a parent-led initiative aimed at providing high-quality early childhood education to the local community. Originally known as St. Helena’s Montessori School, it was re-established as Hill Country Montessori School after acquiring a facility on South School Street in 1990. The need for a more extensive campus arose due to the growing enrollment, leading to the construction of the current campus in 2009, which spans 10 acres in the picturesque Texas Hill Country.

Educational Approach

The school is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) and offers a curriculum that adheres closely to Montessori principles. This includes:

• Multi-Age Classrooms: Students are grouped into classes that typically span three years. This structure allows younger children to learn from older peers while older students enhance their leadership skills.

• Autonomous Learning: The school encourages students to choose their lessons and work at their own pace, fostering independence and self-discipline.

• Qualified Educators: All lead teachers hold credentials from AMS or the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), ensuring a high standard of Montessori education.

Accreditations and Recognition

Hill Country Montessori School is distinguished as the only AMS-accredited Montessori institution in the San Antonio metropolitan area, and one of only seven such schools across Texas. Beyond AMS accreditation, the school is also recognized by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) through Cognia.

Community and Culture

The school emphasizes inclusivity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. The mission of Hill Country Montessori School is to nurture a love of learning among students, preparing them for a lifetime of personal fulfillment and societal contribution.

With an average student enrollment of approximately 99 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, HCMS is dedicated to providing personalized attention to each child, fostering both academic and emotional growth.

Financial Information

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Hill Country Montessori School is committed to financial transparency and accountability. According to its latest financial statements, the school reported revenues of approximately $1.37 million, with a focus on program services aimed at enhancing educational offerings.

Conclusion

Hill Country Montessori School remains a pivotal institution within the Texas Hill Country region, distinguished by its dedication to an authentic Montessori education that nurtures children's natural abilities. Through its continuous efforts to improve and adapt to the needs of its community, HCMS stands as a model for educational excellence.

[1] https://hcmontessori.org/our-story [2] https://hcmontessori.org [3] https://www.privateschoolreview.com/hill-country-montessori-school-profile [4] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/742570676 [5] https://web.bulverdespringbranchchamber.com/list/member/hill-country-montessori-school-945