Legacy of Dr. Josie R. Johnson Montessori, formerly Bright Water Elementary

We are a free public charter school (K-6) and tuition based preschool (16 months - 4 years old). Bright Water Montessori Schools promote a passion for learning, a diverse student population and staff, and respect for the environment by providing a quality Montessori elementary education to all children. There are two schools: A Preschool and a Public Elementary Charter School

About Bright Water

Elementary:

Bright Water Elementary Charter School is an urban-based Montessori program designed to inspire students to be passionate, life-long learners, respectful of the environment and all humanity and lead North Minneapolis students in closing the achievement gap. Bright Water Elementary Charter School, serving grades k-6, will improve student learning, increase learning opportunities for students, and encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods. The Montessori Method is a time-tested system used in countries all over the world; it has been proven to improve student learning and social skills in many well-documented scientific studies. Based on observed universal child development and designed with activities appropriate for each developmental stage, the Elementary Montessori program is a holistic approach which involves academic, emotional, physical, and spiritual intelligence. Montessori education can make a difference for students in North Minneapolis by offering a program that engages the whole child, is proven to be effective, and promotes peace and justice. A Montessori school in North Minneapolis that is truly integrated and successful in meeting student academic, social and emotional needs will be a positive force in closing the achievement gap and in the long term, bringing peace to North Minneapolis. The Audubon Center for the North Woods is a natural choice for authorizer given Bright Water Elementary Charter School's emphasis on environmental education. The mission of the Audubon Center is compatible with, and complements, the vision of the School. The School’s relationship with the Audubon Center of the North Woods will reinforce the Montessori concept of cosmic education by allowing students to directly engage with the natural world and teach them to understand their interdependence with all living things and with the Earth. The School Administration and Board members of Bright Water Elementary Charter School look forward to establishing a well-governed, financially sound public Montessori school that meets and exceeds both State and Federal goals for student achievement. About Bright Water Montessori Preschool:

The Toddler Classroom: Joyful and spontaneous, it consists of 12 to 14 toddlers ages 16 months to three years; a Montessori trained teacher and two assistants. There is a great emphasis on language development, large and small motor coordination, and independence. The Children's House Classroom: The preschool classroom is referred to as Children's House. Children's House consists of 20-25 children (ages 3-6), a Montessori trained teacher, and an assistant. Interest-based activities encourage children to develop a love of learning and trust in their own ability to learn. Here children develop physical, social and intellectual independence.