Mission Statement

Rooted in our local community
We learn in an authentic Montessori environment
Growing as conscientious and joyful learners
Inspired to lead in the world community

Our story began when parents in the Silverton community were introduced to the Montessori philosophy. The private elementary in a neighboring community closed and a group of parents continued to dream big. They wanted their children to participate in a peaceful, child-centered educational system. They embraced the Montessori philosophy, but struggled with the prospect of private school.

It seemed there might be interest to have a school in Silverton, but how? Through discussions about a shared passion for Montessori and a desire for a public school option, parents struck upon the charter school concept. At a meeting in December 2007, the idea of The Community Roots School was hatched.

An application for a planning grant was submitted to the Oregon Department of Education in March 2008. That spring, The Community Roots School was awarded $55,000. With that approval came potential for more than $100,000 for each of the next 2 years for the implementation of the school.

This grant funded many activities including meetings and outreach, consultation for the charter application, start-up materials, and recruiting. Over 1,200 volunteer hours were needed to research, design and create the application. Support from other public charter Montessori schools including Ridgeline and Lewis and Clark was invaluable.

In November 2008, the founding members (Bart Banks, Jacquie Curtis, Jennifer de Jong, Jennifer Kimball, Erika Lanning, Jennifer McCord, Matt Miller, Sarah Miller, Frank Petrik, Mandy Petrik, Jennifer Traeger and Miranda Traeger) submitted the application to Silver Falls School District Board.

First year highlights:

• Charter contract was signed with Silver Falls School District
• Legal nonprofit status achieved
• Board of Directors established
• Children were enrolled
• Two teachers were hired
• A classroom of materials and furnishings were ordered and received
• The group moved into its first site

Core Values

At The Community Roots School, our core values are fostering a love of learning, encouraging children to grow to be stewards of the planet, and developing values of tolerance and peace in a community of children and their families. We strive to make The Community Roots School a place where our best human qualities are invited to shine.

We teach (and learn) ways to learn, grow, and lead that contribute to the larger community. We do this by:

• A rich and holistic educational experience that respects the individuality of each young learner;
• Positive, effective communication that assumes the best in each other and seeks the best for our children;
• Respect for a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, and for the perspectives they add to our collective journey;
• A commitment to contribute to the well-being and vitality of our Silverton community;
• The practice and teaching of peace and mindfulness in our classrooms, our community and the world;
• The practice and teaching of wise stewardship of our natural resources and care our earth.

Non Discrimination Notice

The Community Roots School prohibits discrimination and harassment on any basis protected by law, including but not limited to, an individual’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, familial status, veterans’ status, or because of the race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, familial status, veterans’ status of any other persons with whom the individual associates.

Title IX

Students or families who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed based on any of the characteristics listed above may file a complaint with our Title IX Coordinator who has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies.

Our Title IX Coordinator, Christen Kelly can be reached via email at kelly_christen@silverfalls.k12.or.us or by phone (503) 874-4107.