J.J. Hill Montessori Magnet serves over 500 students using an individualized learning approach in a collaborative environment, in accordance with Maria Montessori's educational philosophy. Students develop creative, critical and higher order thinking skills, and problem-solving strategies. Students learn in non-competitive, multi-grade classrooms using precisely designed Montessori learning materials. Most classroom teachers are Montessori certified. Students remain with the same teacher for two or three years, creating strong relationships. Students progress from concrete, hands-on learning to abstract learning experiences. The academic program is enriched through technology integration and arts integration initiatives. The school actively sponsors school-wide arts opportunities and Family/Community Peace Site activities. J.J. Hill is a designated Peace Site, which means that the school is part of a worldwide network of schools and organizations promoting peace.
J.J Hill is proud of its designation as an international peace site. We originally became a peace site in October, 1992. We celebrate peace with a special day each year. Each classroom develops an activity, a presentation, or a play to illustrate a specific theme for that year. The theme relates in some way to the overarching goal of peace. It's a delightful and beautiful time in our yearly calendar, a time of joy and creativity. Peace means that, on the classroom level, we involve children in making peace and building community. Students are taught responsibilities such as facilitating a class meeting, peer mediation, and mentorship of younger students. Community service is an important part of what we do. It can involve care of the classroom environment, service on the student patrol, or student council, listening to younger students read in another classroom, or social problem solving skills that emphasize listening and talking rather than fighting and arguing.
J.J. Hill Montessori takes pride on the continuity of its staff, and the diversity of its children. Many teachers have been with the program since elementary grades were introduced in 1989. The student body mixes students of all nationalities. J. J. Hill has multi-age classrooms. Younger children are indirectly prepared for the lessons they will receive when they are older; older children offer help and guidance to those who are younger. H.E.A.R.T is an ongoing committee that writes grants, and renews fine arts programs for the school: drama, visual art, multi-media, and dance. The school offers developmental education at its finest. Children in the typical Montessori classroom are relaxed and concentrated. It may take you a few moments to locate the teacher, whose presence is supportive rather than dominant. You might find her working with a small group on a raised platform, or with a single individual. Montessori children work with specially made materials; physicality and color pervade the room. Montessori said that education passes from "the hand to the brain." A "prepared environment" allows choice of work; choice of work stimulates concentration; the responsibility for taking things out and putting them away develops order; and the ability to move about the room enhances coordination, maturity and independence. Serious about the child's capacity as well as the propitiousness of the age, Montessori claimed it is our job to "prepare children for life." Our own longitudinal study verifies students' academic success when they leave for traditional schools. But the invisible part, the education of character, is our fundamental goal.
“To nurture and empower individuals to become lifelong learners, skilled peace-makers and problem solvers”
998 Selby Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104 Phone: (651) 293-8720 Fax: (651) 293-1586
Click here for directions.