Welcome to TCAPS' Montessori Program 

Traverse City Area Public Schools is one of the few public school districts 
in the state that offers a Montessori program, which emphasizes a child-centered environment that develops character, skills, and independent learning. Children can freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities taught by certified Montessori instructors to meet curricular goals. TCAPS' Montessori program offers a Toddler program for ages 18 - 36 months, Primary classes for ages 3 - 5, and Elementary classes for ages 6 - 12. Students are grouped in multi-age classrooms where our highly qualified staff serve as guides, encouraging exploration and self-discovery.

The educational focus of TCAPS' Montessori is based on the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician who developed this unique method of education based on her observations that children almost effortlessly absorb knowledge from their surroundings. Dr. Montessori's pioneering work created a blueprint for nurturing all children to become self-motivated, independent, and life-long learners.

"Our philosophy is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his innermost core."
                                                                                             --Maria Montessori

TCAPS' Montessori program was housed at Central Grade School from 2001-2008. We are excited to be in our own building at 1009 Oak Street beginning with the 2008-2009 school year!. 

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on our Web site, please feel to to contact the Program Director, Angela Camp, at 933-5607. We want to ensure that all your questions are answered.