ABOUT US

Our mission

The mission of Medina Montessori is to provide an environment that respects and nurtures a child's inner guidance and develops a community of learners who share a wholistic view of the world, are passionate about peace and justice, and understand their divine purpose in life.

ABOUT US

Our philosophy

We believe that children inherently seek peace, harmony, justice and are naturally compassionate. This is the true nature (fitrah) of the child and it can be allowed to shine or can be obscured depending on their learning environment. At Medina Montessori we believe that by following the universal laws of nature discovered by Dr. Maria Montessori, we can allow the true inner light inherent in each child to grow, develop and flourish.The mission of Medina Montessori is to provide an environment that respects and nurtures a child's perfect inner guidance.

Medina Montessori operates under the auspices of the Islamic Montessori Society for Wholistic Education. “Under the auspices” means that the religious institution is offering the school center protection, support, patronage, guidance, or aid.

DIRECTORS

Our founders

Mary Catherine Flynn

Montessori Director/Co-Founder

Mary is an Irish American who was drawn to the compassion, ease and beauty of Islam while living and teaching in Jerusalem. After attending a week long conference, "Beyond Schooling" featuring speakers Hamza Yusuf and John Tayor Gatto, she was convinced that the current educational system was working against the true nature of the child and became determined to reform the education of our youth by actively teaching peace and conflict resolution, helping children realize their role as stewards of the environment and most importantly their connection with the Creator and all creation. In September 2011, Mary established Medina Montessori to fulfill that vision.​Mary received her training in Montessori curriculum and pedagogy at the Barrie Institute of Advanced Montessori Studies. Mary has held teaching positions at The George Washington University, The College of Science in Jerusalem, Arlington County Public Schools, Henson Valley Montessori School and the Islamic Saudi Academy in VA where she also served in the capacity of Assistant Principal, Chair of the Elementary ESL Department and Chair of Philosophy and Goals Committee for school accreditation. She was awarded a teaching Fellowship by The George Washington University where she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Iberian Spanish Literature. She has also published in the Journal of Religion and Teaching on issues relating to the acquisition of English for Muslim students. Mary offers yearly workshops on the topic of Montessori and Islam, which she has presented at the annual convention for the Islamic Schools League of America.