<p>Crescent Ridge Academy (CRA) is an American Montessori Society accredited, 501-c3 non-profit Montessori school serving children ages 18 months through 3rd grade and adult learners who wish to become certified Montessori educators. CRA uses the Montessori method, built on an enduring anti-racist and anti-bias cultural foundation, to educate lifelong learners who are good global citizens with a strong commitment to social justice.</p> <p> </p> <p>A hidden gem in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region for over 50 years, CRA is guiding the future of education, fostering a unique and inclusive learning community for students, teachers and prospective teachers. The Montessori pedagogy was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori at the turn of the 20th century. Montessori’s philosophy and teaching methods were based on her scientific observations of children and how they developed. Key tenets of the philosophy include: respect for the child, freedom within limits, respect for the environment and community, beauty, order, capitalizing on sensitive periods, freedom and mastery of movement, multiculturalism, and peace. CRA provides an authentic Montessori academic curriculum of individualized learning that optimizes the intellectual, social, and emotional development of each child. Children are guided by degreed and certified teachers who embrace the Montessori Philosophy.</p> <p> </p> <p>Today, CRA is the only AMS accredited school in Northern Kentucky and only one of two in the state. Additionally, CRA provides quality instruction to individuals who wish to become certified Montessori teachers, with a course schedule designed to meet the needs of adult learners who are balancing work and family life with a teacher certification course. CRA’s Teacher Education Program is affiliated with the American Montessori Society and accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.</p> <p> </p> <p>As a small non-profit organization, CRA relies on the generosity of our community members to continue to impact the lives of children in Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati community. This support helps us to ensure that our classrooms are equipped with quality materials, our teachers can participate in enriching professional development, and that children whose families couldn’t otherwise afford to attend our school have access to quality Montessori education. Thank you for considering a donation to help CRA continue to do the very important work of educating lifelong learners and difference makers who are kind, empathetic and creative through the Montessori philosophy.</p>