Mission & History

Seton's mission has defined its history, and its history has influenced its mission.

The Mission of Seton Montessori School

The goal of Seton Montessori School is to enable each child to grow in awareness of him or herself, of others, and of the world around. Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that the very young child goes through periods of great sensitivity in particular areas during which one learns more easily than any other time in life. A totally prepared environment awaits the absorbent mind of the child. Each material, activity, or experience is expressly designed to give the child new perspective, to develop a scientific concept, or to encourage growth as a social being. Seton fosters a sense of partnership between the children, the teachers, and the parents to work collaboratively towards the common goal of realizing potential.

The History of Seton Montessori School

Founded in 1965 by a group of parents with Celma Pinho Perry, Seton Montessori School was built to Celma's specifications as a Children's House. After five exciting and successful years as a one-room schoolhouse, a second environment was added. Another five years of service, and a third room was built. The school grew in size again in 2000, adding two additional classrooms, a multi-purpose room, and office space. The school now offers a parent resource room, state-of-the-art classroom designs, as well as classic and well-maintained Montessori materials.

In 1978, a house adjacent to Seton's campus became available, and it was made into the Montessori Infant & Toddler Community. The programs held at the Community focus on children less than three years old, which forms a perfect complement to Seton's traditional focus on children aged three to six. Through its partnership with the MITC, Seton now offers a programs that help the family and the child from prebirth through their preprimary years.