Solid Advice Needed: Montessori/Outdoors Schools? (Charleston, Mount Pleasant: credit, private schools, university)

[RoseLoverr]

Hello friends:
I'll try to make this brief, but informative. I grew up in Virginia Beach, and have lived up north since I was 20. I am now 42 with two elementary age children (and a great husband!). I have learned to "deal with" cold but have never truly loved it. My sister has relocated to Mount Pleasant...she missed the beach terribly and was sick of the cold. She absolutely loves it down there.

Just to give you a little vibe on my motivations: if I moved, it would be mostly because I have this vision that my children could go into a Montessori program where they could be outside more often...I "see" this as something that is important to me. I'm tired of them being cooped up in classrooms 9 months of the year. I also know I'd enjoy the beach again, but I would not be moving (as my sister did) primarily because of it.

Any suggestions on schools to consider for this kind of lifestyle? They would not have to be Montessori, per se, but my kids went to Montessori from 3-6 and now they're in Spanish Immersion. I just want us all to be outside more.

I'm not attached to the Mount Pleasant area....I'd consider all areas of Charleston to find the right school. Kids are 8 and 6.

Thanks in advance!

[OleTomCat]

Most of the government schools do not use the Montessori program, but a few private schools do. As far as being outside, it is 77 degrees outside right now....

The flip side is that in the summer when it is 90+ with 90+% humidity will you want them outside as much?

[Tingum23]

Rose.

Not "solid" advice, but just a comment from a teacher considering relo and looking into schools - there are several Montessori schools in Mount Pleasant that appeal to me from far away...check out the web.

Also impressed with University of the Low Country - I wish they went beyond 8th grade because it looks fabulous - lots of hands-on experiences (outside and full language immersion. Check them out on the web.

Good luck.

[pacomarj]

As far as montessori schools in the area go, there is Charles Towne Montessori in West Ashley that is supposed to be really good. There is also a public montessori in West Ashley called Montessori Community School of Charleston. I do not know anyone that has gone here, so I can't speak on how good they are.

[MsT89]

I would second pacomarj's recommendation of Charles Towne Montessori School. The three little goddaughters (ages 3, 6, and 8) have been there since they were babies, and they have had an excellent experience. The school has International Montessori accreditation, so they hold themselves to very high standards. I don't know enough about their outdoor activities to comment, but I know they do place a strong emphasis on the arts.