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MSB Living and Evolving Vision

"Preventing conflicts is the work of politics; establishing peace is the work of education."

—Maria Montessori, Education and Peace

Maria Montessori’s vision for a peaceful world is the foundation of MSB’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. To live this commitment, we:

encourage dialogue that includes multiple perspectives and voices,
promote a school culture where all community members feel safe, valued, and celebrated, and
commit to intentional, ongoing work to address personal and systemic biases.

Our ongoing work is to create an inclusive, anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment and a justice-focused community.

"If everyone had a Montessori school, they wouldn't need me."
— Sigmund Freud

Collectives

Our Justice Equality Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) working group has several smaller teams called collectives, which include staff, parents, and trustees. Each focuses on specific aspects of our community and environment with the goal of making steady, concrete progress in our ongoing work. Individual collectives are described below, although this is evolving work that is based on staff and family interest and need.

Library

The work of this collective includes an audit of our library to both remove any outdated and incorrect information while also bringing in more resources that show a diverse representation of authors, artists, and information. We have been inviting visitors into our library space in order to better understand what our collection and space are missing.

Family Outreach

This collective is focused on how to best partner with families in the MSB community.

Elementary student with floor desk and lesson

Art & Music

We regularly enjoy music and art in the classroom spaces, and this collective is looking at ways to expand our collection beyond a white Eurocentric approach.

Calendar/Culture/Celebrations

This collective is examining our school calendar and traditions in order to recognize and incorporate more culturally appropriate holidays and celebrations.

Contact Us

PO Box 422, 21 Patterson Road, Lenox Dale, MA 01242

The Montessori School of the Berkshires (MSB) is a private independent coed school which inspires children to develop independent thinking, self-assurance, inner discipline, and a love of learning in an authentic Montessori environment nestled in the scenic Berkshire hills. We serve children in toddler, preschool, elementary, middle, and adolescent programs. MSB is an equal opportunity employer and provider. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, cultural beliefs, marital status, or ethnic origin in employment or the administration of admissions programs or policies.