Passion for Learning: Success for Life!
by Ms. Carol Andrew, Head of School

Our slogan for the 2011-2012 Academic Year has given me a lot to think about. You probably already know about your child’s joyful learning at JMS, but have you thought about how Montessori schools prepare children for a lifetime of success? Dr. Montessori sure did! She understood that education’s true purpose is not the mere recitation of yesterday’s lessons. We are about the formation of an evolved human being. Montessori graduates are noted for several traits that make them pioneers in the fields that they choose and valuable community members.

Two words come to mind as I contemplate what makes JMS different from any other school you can choose in Will County: resiliency and grit!

Resiliency is the quality that allows human beings to maintain their self-worth and self-discipline in the face of challenges and obstacles. This is a very, very valuable trait in any human life. It is what allows the adolescent to follow their own conscience rather than blindly follow peers. It is also what allows people to be ready for key leadership positions where difficult decisions need to be made that may or may not have populous following. It is also what will see a person through many dark nights.

Dr. Montessori understood this and urged us to downplay competition between students and motivation through external rewards. Montessorians understand that we call our students to a higher evaluation tool: self-reflection and self-affirmation. Those of us, who have been around the block a time or two, know that what you think of yourself is more important than what other people think of you. Inversely, adults who are still dancing to everybody else’s tune never find peace of mind, successful relationships, or emotional stability. Self-assuredness is a key characteristic of Montessori Adolescent Programs’ graduate. It allows them to enter life confident of their own ability to rely upon themselves.

Grit has been proven to be more indicative of success in both college and life than IQ. We all know a genius or two, who is unemployable. Grit will see someone through challenges that would stop a lesser being. It is the quality that allows our graduates to think outside the box when all solutions within the box have been exhausted and the problem still remains. Grit is determination in action. JMS directors and directresses are trained to allow children to learn from failure without giving up; to repair damages after an error; and to hold fast when things get challenging. In fact, when things get challenging is where the fun begins. Teamwork from a community that is responsive to you because they care completes the set of necessary tools with which to build a successful life.

JMS offers a path for your child to develop both resiliency and grit. Celebrate with us! We are JMS and we ignite PASSION FOR LEARNING: SUCCESS FOR LIFE!