History of Integrative(Dryden) Montessori School of Dryden
The creation of Integrative Montessori School began as director Marianne Pyke drew from all her education and knowledge of medicine, creative art, foreign language and Montessori training. She combined them together to conceive of a school that could provide an environment of joyful learning and development for children, as well as a unique resource of information for parents on the health and wellness of their children and family.
After working as a Registered Nurse since 1986 she did her post graduate education in the medical field. In 1997 she became a doctor of Chinese Medicine. In her practice,she gained knowledge on patterns of health and development in children and adults.
It was by watching her own children through professional eyes, that she became fascinated with how easily, and sometimes dramatically the health of young children shifted as they grew. Through various foods, herbs and environmental interventions, it was rewarding to witness how quickly their bodies and mental/emotional behaviors recovered back to a healthy and vibrant state after they became ill. It was this revelation that inspired her desire to work more closely with children and their parents.
She was drawn to Montessori after researching many different types of preschools for her two year old Holly. After learning about Maria Montessori's philosophy, she found the beliefs and core tenets of nurturing the whole child, emphasis on peace education, and encouragement of learning & development through all the senses were consistent with her beliefs and desires for her own family. Marianne values balance and peace within mind and body. She feels It is important to have creativity, joy and excitement for learning throughout life.
When observing in many different Montessori schools staffed with trained and certified Montessori teachers, she consistently saw children who were peaceful, relaxed and highly imaginative. The joy and receptivity she received from the teachers and children was extraordinary.
The stirrings to evolve and work more closely with children awakened. Marianne obtained her AMS training as a certified Montessori Teacher and her education towards a Masters in Early Childhood Education. She gathered together her support team of teachers and colleagues, family and friends and began the creation of Integrative Montessori School of Dryden.
Integrative Montessori school of Dryden was founded in the winter of 2004 starting with a small group of children. The school has evolved and transformed into a beautiful environment for learning, both inside the classrooms and outside on the open natural grounds. In addition to the traditional Montessori curriculum materials, the classrooms are filled with unusual and intriguing items to learn with. The inspiration for creating many of the learning activities came through careful observations of the children at work. Thus every year children of each graduating class have left a legacy of their own unique path of development. A tribute to one of Maria Montessori's core tenets to "Follow the child."
In spring of 2010 Marianne decided to switch the name to Dryden Montessori School to help spread the word more easily of this unique Montessori programl located in the Dryden school district.
It is Marianne's joy and the continuing mission of Dryden Montessori School of Dryden to bring a unique service of compassionate teaching, that promotes both emotional and physical wellness for the children and families of the Dryden/Freeville area.