What Makes Our School Special?
All Montessorian teachers have the same philosophy of preparing the Montessori classroom so that each child can experience the excitement of learning by their own choice rather than being forced. They also help children perfect all their natural learning tools so that their ability will be at a maximum in future learning situations.
The Montessori materials (works) have this dual long-range purpose in addition to their immediate purpose of giving specific information to the child. The Cottage Montessori School has over 65 unit studies on zoology, botany, and geography. Added to that are the traditional Montessori creative areas in the classroom for practical life, sensorial exercises, hands-on art, and math works for ages 3 to 6 years old and beyond works for 1st and 2nd-grade capabilities. Language skills also from ages 3 to 6 and beyond capabilities.
Play Area &
Surrounding Property
The Cottage Montessori has a large fenced-in play area with a 10’ x 12’ sandbox. This space is used for gross motor activities and creative play. The school site sits on one acre of woodsy property. Fruit, deciduous, and evergreen trees enrich our botany studies. There is an anthill that has been on the property for 16 years and families of deer that have been visiting us for a decade.
The school is across from the beautiful walking trails of the Clear Creek Reserve, which is a rich natural setting for students to enjoy.
Tea Time at Cottage Montessori
This "Earl Grey" moment will give your child an opportunity to refine their skills in "Grace and Courtesy."
The tea room is an extension of the working classroom. The children can invite one adult to enjoy tea with them. The children get the opportunity to host the event and serve their guests. Afterward, they help clean up, wash, and dry the dishes.
Hello, my name is Kay Gapp, the owner and a teacher at The Cottage Montessori School.
I received my Montessori training at Seattle University, directed by John Chattin-McNichols. I grew up in Kitsap County and graduated from Central Kitsap High School in 1969. Both of my children went to The Farm Montessori in Poulsbo in the ’80s and my son, Cody, also went to the public Montessori school for 1st and 2nd grade at Hawk Elementary at Jackson Park in the late ’80s. My daughter, Josie (Gapp) Wahl, is a certified Montessori teacher at The Cottage Montessori. I've owned my own school since 1996.
I would like to give credit to Diana Zegers who owns the Central Kitsap Montessori School in Poulsbo, WA. Diana gave me my first job in Montessori and allowed me to be as creative as I wanted to be which made me realize that the Montessori education was my true calling. A true-hearted Montessorian is kind, helpful, sharing, and has integrity. No person is an island, pay it forward.
