Welcome to Montessori Fountainhead Elementary

Montessori Fountainhead Elementary is a private, co-educational, nonsectarian school for children aged 6 to 12. We strive not only to achieve academic excellence in a classical Montessori environment, students of Montessori Fountainhead Elementary but to instill in our students a life-long love of learning, a feeling of positive self-worth, and a sense of connection to their community, the natural environment, and humanity as a whole.

Our classrooms are located in a beautifully renovated, historic building in the heart of downtown Charleston, SC. Enrollment is limited to 20 students who enjoy highly individualized instruction that is both challenging and supportive, a variety of engaging enrichment activities, and the only daily Russian-language instruction program in the region.

For detailed information about Montessori Fountainhead Elementary, please click on the subject links above, and the topic links on the left.


A Message From The Director

Sometimes I am asked, "What makes your program special?"

I have never worked in "traditional" education. For me, it was Montessori from the start. This allows my students to benefit from a truly Montessori environment, without being forced to deal with incompatible elements from othera student ofMontessori Fountainhead Elementary educational systems. I don't believe in spelling tests, I feel that dittos or worksheets should be kept to a minimum, and I only give homework if a student asks for it.

Within the framework of a purely Montessori classroom, I feel that there is much opportunity for beneficial innovation. For example, children at this age are fascinated by other cultures and ancient civilizations. I tap into that, using kinesthetic activities such as cooking, dress-up and games. I also incorporate gardening and ecology (i.e. recycling, stewardship, ecosystems) into the curriculum.

I see Montessori as being a holistic education, and I believe that the time to teach children that they are part of a bigger picture is now.

Another innovative component of the curriculum includes projects for the community. I feel that it is important to teach children empathy, and that an effective way to accomplish this is through community outreach.

In Montessori, there is a concept called Cosmic Education. It's the idea that children realize that they are part of something bigger, and that everything is connected. I want my students to see themselves as important parts of a whole, eager to contribute to their own small corner of the world.

Lori Fox
Director of Montessori Fountainhead Elementary