By Alric Lindsay
Montessori West, a new educational facility for toddlers and young children, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony in West Bay this Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Prospective students’ parents, government officials, and members of the West Bay community are expected to attend.
Montessori Methodology
According to the school’s website, “The Montessori method of education, named after its founder Maria Montessori, is an approach to classroom learning that emphasizes independence and choice.”
The school added:
This theory of teaching understands that children have an innate interest to learn and will be able to do so in a suitable environment.
It strives to create a classroom that is filled with order, cleanliness, beauty, and harmony.
Montessori Curriculum
Regarding its curriculum, the school said:
The Montessori Curriculum offers children five key areas of study: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture.
Each learning area is made up of a set of Montessori materials that each teach one key knowledge area or skill.
Through repetition and practice, children develop a foundational understanding of each material, and master the core competencies within each curriculum area.
The curriculum includes a toddler program (18 months to 3 years), a Casa Program (3 to 6 years) that “prepares children for their transition to school”, and an after-school program to assist parents who are unable to collect their children until after they finish work.
Commenting on the choice of West Bay for the establishment of Montessori West, Yaremis Chiari-Hydes, one of the founders, explained:
Montessori West was founded with a clear vision and purpose: to create a school that would directly benefit the local West Bay community by providing a high-quality, well-established educational center.
One of Montessori West’s greatest strengths lies in its deep connection to the West Bay community. There was a real and pressing need for an educational institution of this caliber, and the school fills that void by offering an exceptional Montessori education tailored to the needs of local families.
Chiari-Hydes added:
[It is a] 100% Caymanian-owned and operated as a family business, Montessori West is a testament to local entrepreneurship and commitment to community. While family-run, the school is governed by a board of directors to ensure robust governance practices, providing the necessary checks and balances to uphold the highest standards of educational excellence.
Yaremis K. Chiari-Hydes
Chiari-Hydes also noted that the school is led by “Director Shauna Haylock, who brings over 30 years of experience in early education.”
“Her expertise and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the school’s programs and creating a nurturing, enriching environment for the students,” she added.
Montessori West Director Director Shauna Haylock
She concluded:
The realization of this project would not have been possible without the foresight and generosity of the late Captain Shelby Hydes and his wife, Jane Hydes. Their vision to conserve property for the community’s benefit has played a vital role in enabling the establishment of Montessori West. Their contribution to West Bay continues to leave a lasting legacy, and the community remains deeply grateful for their unwavering support.
Ribbon cutting
For parents and community members interested in attending the school’s opening ceremony, this will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at 129 Capt. Reginald Parsons Drive West Bay, Grand Cayman.
More information
Parents of prospective students and community members who wish to learn more about Montessori West can contact the school by telephone at +1-345-746-3000 or by email at admin@montessoriwest.ky.
