GOOD EARTH MONTESSORI AND GEM CHARTER SCHOOL

Our History

Good Earth Montessori was founded in July 1978 by a few parents who wanted to create an authentic Montessori program in the downtown area of Mesa, Arizona.  The primary objective was to perpetuate a warm environment in which to stimulate intellectual growth of their children.  The school was expressly designed to be a true "Children's House".
In 1994/1995, substantial attendance growth required us to relocate from our original location on Robson to our current facility located at 1704 North Center Street.  Through patience and a lot of sweat equity, the main building was remodeled, with a majority of the changes completed by late 1995. 

During the fall of 1998 and summer of 1999 the school experienced further expansion with the addition of two pre-manufactured buildings to serve as elementary classrooms.  Included in this expansion project were additional trees and landscaping, a new underground sprinkler system, a new playground, and new playground equipment.

In the summer of 2004 we decided to improve our facility even more, we added an outside bathroom building and expanded the office. 

         MARIA MONTESSORI 1870-1952

AMI Accreditation

Good Earth Montessori School is accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale.  AMI was founded in 1929 by Dr. Maria Montessori who intended that AMI serve two purposes.  First, to protect her life's work in its original integrity and completeness; Secondly, to guide its further development and application in the interest of all children.  From its headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, AMI has functioned as the source of authentic, complete Montessori training and as a center for continuing research and development. 
AMI/USA sends a consultant to the school once every three years to work with the school in order to help us reach our full potential. 

Montessori classrooms provide a prepared environment where children are free to respond to their natural drive to work and learn. All activities are presented to the children on an individual basis at the Primary level and on an individual or in a small group at the Elementary level, by the Montessori trained teacher.  The children's inherent love of learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, meaningful activities under the guidance of a Montessori trained adult.  Through their work, the children develop concentration, motivation, persistence, and discipline.  Within this framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities, during the crucial years of development.