A Learning Environment With a Proven Track Record of Excellence
Sea Pines Montessori Academy has been educating children for 50 years! South Carolina's original Montessori preschool, we currently serve children 12 months to 8th grade in beautiful Hilton Head Island.
Our mission is to provide each child with the best foundation for character development and academic discovery while promoting leadership and confidence.
An internationally recognized private school, Sea Pines Montessori Academy is dedicated to developing the whole child – socially, emotionally, and academically.
Our teachers and facility are accredited and highly qualified.
We also have a thriving Parent Teacher Organization!
"The Sea Pines Montessori Academy PTO is dedicated to supporting the education of the students at SPMA by fostering relationships and sense of community between the students, faculty and parents. This support is fulfilled by planning and executing school community events, fundraising campaigns, continuing education opportunities for teachers, and helping to facilitate communication between parents and staff at SPMA. By these efforts we hope to instill in our children and their families a sense of pride in their school and a love of learning."
2019 Open to new families! REGISTER FOR THIS YEAR'S SUMMER CAMP(Preprimary) & PRIMARY/ELEMENTARY
In my 14 some years that I was at Sea Pines Montessori Academy, I came to realize that the Montessori curriculum is the best method of education for primary and secondary age students. Coming into the public school environment I've learned to become self-motivated, I've learned to manage my time more effectively than my peers, and I've become a life-long learner that is passionate about learning just for the sake of becoming a better intellect.
Keep reading to learn about all the Sea Pines Montessori has to offer your family.
Welcome to the Future of Education
Picture this: A room of students, all aged within a few years of each other. The oldest help the youngest. The youngest eagerly learn from their peers.
Did you know? The future of education has been around for over a century.
“We have been at Sea Pines Montessori since 1996...We have always felt there is no better or safer place for our children to attend school...Our children have learned how to respect themselves and others. They have learned to love learning. They will absolutely be better people because of the educational experiences and life lessons they have had at Sea Pines Montessori.”
Parents, Educations, and Researchers Agree
Read about the future of education, and you'll discover the Montessori Method is grounded in state of the art research and behavioral health.
Montessori accredited teachers use advanced educational techniques that are proven to work. Traditional classrooms are catching on. Our methods work.
- Project-based learning
- Self-directed students
- Collaborative environment
Today's child development experts know that small group settings and community awareness encourage a healthy sense of self and are vital to meeting the social and educational needs of a child.
The hand teaches the brain. Montessori students at work.
We chose SPMA for our son after signs of him becoming overwhelmed at a larger school. This school is a "family unit"- all teachers and staff know my son's name and face, parent's full names, and even approved pick-up personnel. That is important to us as parents!
Our school environment is exactly what children need to thrive.
" ...every other education method is based on an abstract model of the child and then derives educational models from that. Maria Montessori, a doctor and researcher, went the other way around: she experimented with methods and, based on the results, built up a theory of the child, which she then tested and refined through experiment." Pascal-Emmanuel Gorby, Forbes
"...My son wakes up everyday looking forward to his day at school. I would definitely recommend this school to everyone."
We Foster Your Child's Natural Love of Learning
Conventional schools assume children must be forced to learn.
We know differently. This video explains why an accredited Montessori environment helps children thrive, in school and life. No threats of pop
Standardized testing and test prep are offered throughout the year.
Sea Pines Montessori Academy exceeds testing standards while preparing students emotionally and socially for high school and beyond.
A Highly Qualified School & Staff
Our Accreditations Stand for Our Commitment to Quality Education.
The American Montessori Society sets high standards for qualifying as a member school. Our school is peer-reviewed, ensuring teaching principles and standards adhere to the Montessori philosophy of educating the whole child, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
Overseen by the National Association of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools accreditation demonstrates a dedication to highest standards of education and ongoing assessment and self-evaluation for continual improvement.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation ensures that your child receives full credit for classes taken when transferring to high school. This rigorous certification took almost two years of assessments and applications to receive.
Certified teachers, scientists, musicians, and more. Our staff has the qualifications and education that matter to your family.
Student Life
At Sea Pines Montessori Academy, we focus on educating the whole child. From cross-country to Spanish, our students participate in fun, engaging, productive extracurriculars. Sports, games, and outdoor time help children learn.
Our group settings are exactly the right size for building confidence in your child.
How We Compare
What Sets Us Apart
Sea Pines Montessori Academy is a private, non-profit school internationally recognized for promoting a healthy social atmosphere and recruiting stellar staff. Students consistently perform grade-levels ahead of traditionally-schooled peers. We offer an environment where students can develop the social and educational skills they need to excel in high school, college, and beyond.
- Internationally recognized, certified teaching staff
- Strong extracurricular and student life programs
- Proven educational methods for developing social and critical-thinking skills
By The Numbers
The percentages above reflect the (M.S.) Middle School students.
“…when strictly implemented, Montessori education fosters social and academic skills that are equal or superior to those fostered by a pool of other types of schools.”
Dr. Angeline Lillard, Professor of Psychology,
Author of Montessori: The Science Behind the GeniusResearch Results here
Our Programs
Sea Pines Montessori Academy has a long-standing tradition of dedication to the community and instilling in our children confidence and compassion. SPMA is a highly qualified Hilton Head Island school serving 12-months through 8th grade.
Toddler & Preschool
Our Early Childhood Program sets the groundwork for instilling a love of learning in children. We foster independence, good manners, play, and personal and community growth. Accepting children 12 months to 6 years.
Elementary
A natural continuation of our Early Childhood Programs, the SPMA Elementary program offers an award-winning educational model. The Lower Elementary serves ages 6-9 and the Upper Elementary serves ages 9-12.
Middle School
A socially appropriate community led by the internationally recognized Dr. Baird. The SPMA Middle School offers an engaging social atmosphere and and high school preparatory environment that meets and exceeds the needs of students ages 12-15.
The Right School
Sea Pines Montessori Academy offers a unique, challenging, and nurturing social atmosphere.
If you’re searching for a healthy, safe, and social school with rigorous academic standards, the SPMA environment could be the right fit for your child. As you explore your school options, this checklist is helpful for interviewing schools in an effort to find the best fit for your family.
The most important thing you can do when interviewing schools is to sit in the classroom. Spend 30 minutes absorbing the environment that your child will spend the next year in. Talk to the teacher and introduce yourself to the students.
We're confident your family will love all that Sea Pines Montessori Academy has to offer.
To experience everything Sea Pines Montessori Academy has to offer, request a tour now.
What Innovators Have In Common
Ask the founders of Google, Steve Jobs, Julia Childs, George Clooney, and over 6000 high-performing innovators where they went to school.
Their answer? Montessori.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCHOOLING IS HERE
We're happy to answer any questions. Contact Sea Pines Montessori Academy at (843) 785-2534 of email office (at) spma.com.