St. Camillus Academy at 709 Roy Kidd Avenue, Corbin, KY 40701 US - Home
Welcome to our School's Website
“The things he sees are not just remembered; they form a part of his soul.”- Maria Montessori
"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."-John 10:27 NAB
Have you ever observed your child as he or she learns something new through an everyday activity? Then do you suddenly realize that your child, by reaching one milestone, has somehow gained the skills and confidence to grasp other concepts quickly? It's as if the child's world expands right before your eyes. You are observing your child "working" though "play"; you are witnessing your child learning not just a skill, but the ability to apply newly discovered concepts to other areas in his life. Montessori embodies the skill sets necessary for 21st Century learning in a natural, yet “prepared” environment.
As you attend to your child, you are discovering the truths that parents of Montessori students at St. Camillus Academy have learned as well: a child loves learning in a natural manner and demonstrates that wonder with bright eyes and feelings of security, which he carries everywhere he goes. Parents see the beauty of learning for life that is evident in a true Montessori environment.
The founder of the Montessori movement, Maria Montessori, believed that each child has the ability to reach his or her potential if given sound, clear instruction by a directress; excellent materials; peer role modeling; and lots of time in an organized, prepared space designed to encourage learning through exploration. The child, through his/her “work” and “play”, “normalizes”, or becomes peacefully attuned to his/her environment.
Founded in 1992, St. Camillus Montessori ages 3 through 5 provides such an environment, indoors with excellent Montessori materials, and outdoors with a lovely, Kentucky landscape. A true Montessori program is much more than a fancy room full of specific equipment. Montessori directresses at SCA include Sister Mary Bezold and Mrs. Tess Cooley. Sister Mary trained with Margaret Stevenson, who trained directly with Maria Montessori herself! Sister Mary also completed the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) program and is a member of the North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA). Additionally, she obtained credits from The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Ms. Tess Cooley has 5 years of experience as a Montessori teacher at SCA. She obtained her Master’s Degree and Montessori training at Belmont in Nashville and from the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Through Sr. Mary’s and Mrs. Tess’s careful direction, children gain a foundation in spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical and social development that is then shared with others. The heart of Montessori education is respect for children as images of God, the Creator of All. Children learn to respect one another and the world around them.
The Montessori educational philosophy extends into the traditional classrooms of St. Camillus as children enter into elementary grades. Faculty and staff continue to focus on the development of the whole child by providing students with spiritual formation, adding an emphasis on respect for one another. Students are encouraged to pray each morning, are taught morals and values through carefully chosen curricula, and are guided through weekly religious services that emphasize traditional Judeo-Christian values. Older children are assigned to younger students to assist with special programs or projects.
Through the work children accomplish in the Montessori classroom, a firm foundation is built in all academic areas. St. Camillus provides a hands-on learning environment for grades 1 through 8 in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). By using time-tested, classical teaching methods, along with the addition of new technology and programs, teachers at St. Camillus are successfully training students to reach their full potential. New programs added to the 2011-2012 school year include Apple iPad, Lego robotics, Bellringers, Kahn Academy, HealthierUS School Challenge, and MAPS testing.
Students at SCA enjoy interactive scientific exploration on the school grounds: outdoor classroom, wetlands, Mini-Beast hotel, compost and recycling centers, gardening, Weather Hawk weather station, bird habitats and walking trails. An emphasis on physical fitness allows for students to enjoy new playground equipment, a running track, the President's Fitness Program, a new nutritional program, a new archery program, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and an abundance of wide, open, green spaces for running.
The Montessori philosophy of mixing age groups in one room sets a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere at St. Camillus Academy. From the early age of three years, students learn to observe older peers and imitate social skills with the help of Sr. Mary and Mrs. Tess. The introduction of manners at an early age in the school setting carries throughout the regular classroom years. It is refreshing to enter SCA’s building and be greeted by children of all ages bearing smiles and confident manners. Students emerge from St. Camillus with the skills and the potential to succeed in our modern world, as they are equipped with excellent social skills and a strong academic foundation. Click here to see our alum facts and figures.
If you are interested in a tour or meeting with Mrs. Dorothy Smith and/or Sister Mary Bezold, please contact Mrs. Terry Newquist, Office Administrator, at 606-528-5077.
Bus Service is available to and from London and Barbourville.
