The CMS Middle School provides adolescents a unique educational experience with three primary components: economy/community, traditional academics, and creative expression. Adolescence marks the beginning of transition from childhood to adulthood, and the start of physical and mental maturation. It is an age of great social development, of emerging critical thinking and value formation, and a period of self-reflection.

"This place has formed my kids in a very well rounded, respectful way. They treat their parents well; they are very respectful; they know the line. They are solid, and that solid attitude is something that they got from here, as kids, when they were little. They didn’t get it when they were 10 years old, or 15 years old or 20, they got it at the root and that is something so valuable."

-- Dr. Eduardo Villa,
Father of four CMS graduates

Our exceptional faculty includes teachers who are international presenters with well established, national recognition.They are innovative, passionate, and care deeply about each of the children in their classes. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, early childhood programs have an average annual turnover rate of 25-50%. The CMS teaching staff has an average tenure of 15 years. Teacher turnover is rare.

The toddler class is often a child's first opportunity to be with other children his own age. While sharing the classroom with friends, they develop patience and how to use socially appropriate language such as "excuse me," "please," and "thank you." The toddlers learn to handle the materials in the classroom with care and to put activities back on the shelves when finished. 

The primary program begins at three years old and continues through the kindergarten year. The mixed age group enables the children to exercise and nurture their developing characters by providing opportunities for peer teaching, collaborative work, and mentoring. What is unique about the CMS primary experience is the commitment to helping children develop the qualities of respect, responsibility and resourcefulness. 

Countryside offers an authentic Montessori experience in a full day, year-round setting and is a model for schools around the world. The strong community that is so important for children in school for extended hours is unparalled. Children work harmoniously developing their academic skills while learning the qualities of good character. The mixed age group of three to six provides a family setting which encourages compassion and generosity.

The elementary experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Building on the excellent academic skills and strong sense of purpose and responsibility established during the primary years, the elementary children blossom in this inspirational, self-directed, dynamic classroom setting. The children, ranging in age from six to twelve years, work throughout the day in small groups on projects and topics of their interest within the parameters of a strong academic curriculum.