Mission & History

To nurture children’s academic, social and physical development by providing a vibrant educational community, which embodies Montessori principles, the Montessori educational program, and the guidelines of Association Montessori Internationale.

In 1988, SunGarden Montessori in West Linn started an elementary class to give children in its primary classes the opportunity to extend their Montessori experience into the elementary years. After four years, the program relocated to the Multnomah Art Center and then to the welcoming, airy cottage classrooms adjacent to the Art Center. By 1995, our Children’s House campus, originally called Two Rivers Montessori School, was officially incorporated as an independent entity.

Sunstone’s elementary campus opened in 2000 as Odyssey Montessori, focusing on providing the finest Montessori elementary education in the Portland area. From its early days in a single classroom of 20 students to today, with three classrooms, kitchen facilities and an excellent outdoor play yard, Odyssey has provided an exceptional learning environment.

In 2007, the board of directors of both Two Rivers Montessori and Odyssey Montessori schools decided to merge the schools into one program. Under our new name of Sunstone Montessori School, we now serve children from age 3 to 12 in two southwest locations.

Sunstone Montessori School has achieved the highest level of recognition by AMI, the international certification body for schools that follow Maria Montessori's original curriculum.

Sunstone Montessori School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions to Sunstone are recognized by the IRS as tax deductible.

The Board of Directors of Sunstone Montessori School endorses the following principles:

Inspiration. Always to strive for that which Dr. Maria Montessori fervently wished for the children of her schools: that they emerge "equipped in their whole being for the adventure of life, accustomed to the free exercise of will and judgment, and illuminated by imagination and enthusiasm."

Respect. To practice respect for each individual, be they children, staff, or parents. To respect SMS as a living institution, with a past that reflects the dedication of many people, as well as a present and future potential to play an important role in many lives.

Integrity. To promote and practice personal and institutional integrity. To be open and honest in our dealings within our community and the greater community at large.

Achievement. To offer a quality Montessori experience that provides students with a solid basis for meeting the academic challenges they will encounter in the future.

Growth. To promote the growth and development of children, guides, parents and staff - academically, intellectually, and emotionally. To promote awareness and application of Montessori principles, not only at SMS, but also in the greater community.

Diversity. To celebrate and welcome differences: of opinion, of culture, of style, of race, of age, of creed, of abilities, of economic status and of beliefs.

Responsibility. To be aware of our responsibility to others in our community and the world as a whole. To recognize the changing world and explore options to make a positive difference.

Joyful Spirit. To promote a lightness of heart: an integral part of our humanity is to laugh; an integral part of child's work is to play.

Commitment. To stay true to Montessori principles and our fundamental principles, recognizing that they apply to all members of our community and to the entire human family.