School
Philosophy
Soaring Wings International Montessori School was founded in 1987 and is dedicated to the basic tenet, established by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, that a child learns best within an environment that supports each individual’s unique process of development. At Soaring Wings we emphasize cognitive and physical development along with global awareness and peaceful living skills. We take special pride in offering an authentic Montessori experience with highly educated, Montessori credentialed teachers in each class and a full sequence of the recommended materials for each level. We honor the Montessori tenets of a child-led routine, a 2 ½ – 3 hour work period and a consistent schedule that meets the child’s needs rather than adult constraints. Respect is part of everything we do. Our cultural curriculum includes foods, music, art and traditions from every continent. Graduates typically emerge from our early childhood, elementary and middle school programs with advanced academic skills, a deep sense of responsibility, an awareness of our place in the cosmos and a lifelong joy of learning.
Goal
The primary goal of our programs is to help each child achieve full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of self-direction, self-esteem, social skills, emotional growth and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation. From infancy students are practicing flexible thinking, self-control, memory, organization and many other executive functioning skills known to ensure success in life.
Eligibility
Normally children begin school at Soaring Wings by age two. If a child has attended a daycare or another school, they may have developed behaviors and/or work habits which are not compatible with the Montessori approach to education; therefore, children over age four must visit with the teacher and spend a day in class before being admitted.
Curriculum
Montessori is a name that cannot be copyrighted, trademarked, or franchised. A true Montessori school is characterized by Montessori credentialed teachers, a full complement of specialized equipment and a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere. Soaring Wings offers a comprehensive curriculum that exceeds national standards in mathematics, social studies, science, literacy, practical life, sensorial, penmanship, fine arts and healthy lifestyles.
We do not offer daycare or preschool. We offer education taught by highly knowledgeable, credentialed and experienced teachers at each level. All faculty hold bachelor’s degrees and approximately half of our instructors hold master’s or doctoral level degrees. Lower School offers classes for infants, toddlers and early childhood students from 3 months to 6 years old. Upper School offers classes for elementary, middle school and high school students, ages 6 to 18 years. High school classes are conducted through a Montessori online platform, Bridgemont International School, where lessons are delivered by highly qualified Montessori instructors with students from around the globe. Students spend 3 – 4 hours online each day and have faculty, classmates and materials on hand to support them in real life. They participate in school events, projects and field trips while continuing learning at an accelerated rate. Bridgemont classes meet in person at least once each year for a field trip that students plan and execute. Bridgemont takes our Montessori students to the next level of scholarship and independence.
Spanish vocabulary is introduced from the infant classes on up, beginning with familiar words and phrases, songs, simple conversation and moving to reading, writing and grammar by Upper School. At Soaring Wings we make a point of introducing new concepts in English and following up with Spanish so that new concepts are not lost to the unknown language as can happen in dual immersion programs. We find that fluency is best attained with support from the family, being exposed to spoken Spanish on a regular basis. Bienvenido a nuestra escuela!
Cultural Customs and Religious Beliefs
Our students study and learn about a variety of cultures and religions; however, we do not espouse or promote any particular one. We celebrate Rosh Hashannah, Diwali, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Nowruz. We also routinely celebrate the beauty of human diversity.
Field Trips
Concrete learning is most enjoyable and effective; therefore, we take frequent field trips to enrich the classroom lessons. Infant and Toddler field trips are usually confined to the school grounds to look at insects, plants, puddles and signs of the season. Early Childhood field trips occur about once each month and may include visits to Wheeler Farm and Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City. Elementary, Middle and High School field trips happen each week and may include taking the city bus to Main Street, hikes in the surrounding hills, visits to museums throughout the Salt Lake Valley, camping and river running in southern Utah, a trip to Washington, DC, Costa Rica or elsewhere on our big, beautiful planet.
Snacks & Lunch
We are a sugar-free and nut-free school. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided and consist of a variety of fruit, vegetables, crackers or bread. Students enrolled in the full day programs must bring a lunch or register for the catered lunches provided by Savoury Kitchen. We study nutrition throughout the school year, helping children practice making healthy food choices. Please help your child to prepare their own lunch with our Food Rainbow in mind. This includes foods that come from the Earth rather than from factories and create a colorful assortment on the plate. A half sandwich and fruit are plenty for most students. Please help your child avoid processed foods containing sugar, colorings and other additives, especially “Lunchables” and “Go-Gurts” which are non-recyclable and often go uneaten. Please choose recyclable or reusable lunch containers. Candy, gum, soda pop, sugar and nuts are not allowed in school. If you’d prefer to save a little time each day, you can contact 435-608-1408 to register for the Savor Kitchen lunch service.
We would love to meet with you, give you a personal tour, and let you discover for yourself the unique learning environment that is Soaring Wings International Montessori School. Come by the school any school day at 10:00am for a tour. No appointment necessary. We look forward to meeting you!
Classroom
Environment
Dr. Montessori observed that as museums and cathedrals are designed for contemplation and inspiration, so should schools be designed as temples of learning. Every classroom features classic art, music, plants, animals, beautiful views and plenty of sunlight. The entire Montessori learning environment is designed to be supportive of the child. A multitude of resources, equipment, materials and opportunities allow the child to function ideally in a safe and positive climate. The components of each classroom are carefully selected and prepared to provide a sublime learning environment.
We would love to meet with you, give you a personal tour, and let you discover for yourself the unique learning environment that is Soaring Wings International Montessori School. Stop by any school day at 10:00am for a tour of the school. We look forward to meeting you.
Materials
The Montessori classroom contains a wide variety of finely crafted multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials which facilitate learning skills leading to an understanding of abstract concepts. Materials are arranged in graduating order so children can see their progress as they master each task. Although we do not grade students in our school, mastery learning ensures that each student is working at an “A” level, having mastered one skill before moving on to the next. Each student has a personal comprehensive record-keeping system that we look forward to sharing with you at Parent/Teacher Conference time. Teachers will often share the day’s notable accomplishments upon pick-up and you are welcome to ask for an update any time.
Multiple Age Grouping
One of the unique aspects of a Montessori class is that there are children of different ages working together. Younger children know that they can turn to their older peers for help. This builds the self esteem, confidence and abilities of the older students and exposes the younger students to a wide array of learning opportunities. The result is a peaceful, cooperative, family-like atmosphere.
Respect
Each Montessori class operates on the principle of freedom within limits. The school observes set of ground rules which differ slightly between developmental levels but are always based upon respect for each other and for the environment.
Creativity
Creativity flourishes in an atmosphere of acceptance and trust. Montessori teachers recognize that each child, from infant to adolescent, expresses themself in unique ways.
We invite you and your children to drop by any school day at 10:00am, so that we can give you a personal tour and discuss enrollment. An appointment is not necessary.