Dear Richmond Montessori School Families, 
As RMS begins its 59th year since opening its doors to 40 students in a two room school in the fan district, we note the remarkable journey we have taken. RMS proudly stands as the single dually accredited Montessori School in the greater Richmond area serving approximately 320 students from toddler through middle school. RMS is thriving under the governance of a visionary board of trustees, who faithfully safeguard the school’s mission and diligently fulfill their duty to ensure the school's future financial health and well-being, We boast a dedicated and talented staff and a close-knit family community that esteem our enduring Montessori values.
Some of the hallmarks that make RMS so unique are:
The diversity of our community: Our International Flag Garden gives testament to the fact that RMS is a member of a worldwide educational community with families, faculty & staff from more than 35 different countries. We have a diverse culture of learners, who each bring their unique strengths and sensibilities to the larger community. We celebrate diversity and our students are educated to be citizens of a global society just as Dr. Maria Montessori envisioned.
The nature of our students: RMS teachers carefully nurture their students’ natural sense of curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and compassion. While RMS graduates are competent and well-prepared for high school, we celebrate and bespeak their sense of integrity, independence, creativity, social justice, and problem-solving and collaboration skills. It is these qualities that will carry them successfully through life beyond school.
The caliber of our team: Our faculty of professional Montessori educators consists of a group of lifelong learners who pride themselves on deeply understanding child development at every stage so that they can tailor instruction to the individual needs of our students. Delivering programs rich in Montessori philosophy, our dedicated faculty and staff embody the school’s values of community, character, authenticity, respect, and excellence, while creating the optimal learning environment for the students they serve.
The commitment of our parents: We know families choose RMS because they believe in the Montessori philosophy and desire to give their child an education that prepares them for high levels of academic achievement while also supporting their unique styles, interests, and talents. Our parents are active volunteers, RMS ambassadors, and committed allies. We know students benefit most from a strong partnership between home and school, and we appreciate our parent community.
We are fortunate for the foresight of Dr. Maria Montessori, and her deep belief in the transformative power of global education to contribute to peace, justice, and equity on a global scale, and we remain resolute in our commitment to Montessori education as preparation for life.
In this year of growth and opportunity, I am humbled to serve as RMS’s Interim Head of School. I pledge to continue to honor our Montessori traditions and values that bring out the best in our students and prepare them for life and service. We have much to celebrate and anticipate. I look forward to continuing the RMS journey with you and your family.
Warmly,
Kimberly Waite
Interim Head of School
