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our VISION
our MISSION
our PASSION
Montessori Academy's vision is that each student
will become an independent, confident, motivated learner, and a responsible community member as a result of the dynamic partnership between
students, parents, and teachers.
This partnership within the exceptional Montessori environment, while developing these characteristics, enables each student to become a life-long learner.
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Music, Art, and Drama
There have been numerous articles asserting the academic benefits of students' playing musical instruments. Here are some studies published in January 2007 Prevention, by Sari N. Harra.  •A study of 237 second graders by researchers at the Univ. of California, Irvine, found that those who received music instruction scored 27% higher on a fractions test than those who lacked instruction. •When the Princeton, NJ officials looked at the SAT scores of college-bound high school seniors, they discovered that musicians scored 57 points higher on the test's verbal section and 41 points higher in math.  "SAT scores aside, the best reason to encourage your child to learn an instrument is because it's fun and rewarding", says Mark Churchill, Dean of the Preparatory School at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. "Every kid—and grown-up—is affected by music," he says. "It's part of what makes us human. Playing music makes children happy, and happy children learn and get along with others much better." Art: Mrs. Kay Mattingly (BA in art education and a Masters in Clinical Art Therapy) teaches art for our elementary school. She organizes two student art shows a year in the Fine Arts Building. She also designs the sets for the drama department. The art curriculum is on a 3-year rotation. The students explore various media, colored pencils, charcoal, markers, oil and chalk pastels, clay, watercolor, acrylic paint and collage. The students receive training in the fine elements of art, styles of art and art history. Mrs. Mattingly encourages all parents to visit the Art Room. Please click here to read Mrs. Mattingly's Philosophy of Art Education. Music: Mark Woodward graduated from Belmont University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music degree. After graduation he began to tour professionally as a keyboardist for a variety of performing artists. He produced and did editing work on a number of records for local recording artists, and he gained teaching experience as a private piano and guitar instructor. Mr. Woodward’s classes emphasize both music fundamentals and creative development.
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Suzuki Violin: Cheri Drummond-Beckerman has been teaching and playing violin and viola for over 30 years. She currently plays with the Amadeus String Quartet and substitutes with the Nashville Symphony. Cheri has conducted the Preparatory Orchestra of Murfreesboro, the Williamson County String Bash and the Middle TN Summer Orchestra. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Boston University. She has performed with the Memphis Symphony, the Palm Beach Opera, and the Naples Philharmonic. Cheri has had extensive Suzuki violin training through book five and worked with prestigious teacher, Ronda Cole, on overview book 1-6. She regularly attends continuing educational workshops and serves on the board of the Middle TN Suzuki Association. She teaches at Montessori Academy and maintains a private studio.