IMSP 20th Anniversary

We're excited to celebrate 20 years since IMSP first opened its doors to the Prague community. Two decades spent working with parents, teachers, and staff that share our same passion for holistic education is something we’re proud of. The Montessori method is community-driven, and as we look back on our achievements so far, we want to take time to thank the people that made it all possible.

“The education of a very small child does not aim at preparing him for school but for life.”
Maria Montessori

"At first, I just wanted to prepare my own children for the world," recalls Kateřina Stanislavová, IMSP Founder and Executive Director , in an interview with Forbes Česko. Kateřina was selected by the magazine to be featured as one of their “Forbes Women”, but the success IMSP has seen is not hers alone. Instead, this school was founded as a community effort, filling what many felt to be a gap in Prague’s education system. Like-minded individuals came together to open an institution that was equal parts international, nurturing, and deeply rooted in respect for the child. IMSP has operated in collaboration with the Prague community since the very beginning.

It started small, inviting just 5 students to participate in what would become Prague’s first and only school to be accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). Bringing together individuals with a shared interest in high-quality and enriching education, conversations between parents, administration, and staff have evolved into IMSP’s current mission statement.

IMSP is an international school offering authentic Montessori education. Embracing
each child's unique potential, we empower our students to achieve academic excellence and become confident, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the world.

IMSP’s mission statement reflects the school’s passion for educating the whole child. The Montessori pedagogy hinges on a profound admiration for a student’s independence in work, in play, and in life. Providing a nurturing environment through education allows children to grow in a way that prepares them for the future ahead. IMSP echoes Maria Montessori’s vision, calling for education to be used as a tool for life, not just the classroom. Supporting students at IMSP is possible due to the alumni, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, and all those who have helped shape IMSP into what it is today.

We are humbled by the unwavering support we have been shown. To demonstrate our gratitude and to assure families that we don’t take their loyalty for granted, we would like to make a promise to the IMSP community.

Our pledge to you is as follows:

We promise to continue providing high-quality education, constantly updating our practices and prioritizing transparent channels for communication.
We aim to recertify under the American Montessori Society and maintain our accreditation with the Czech Ministry of Education so that parents can rest easy knowing that the education their child is receiving holds up to both international and
national standards.
We recommit ourselves to dual curriculum education in a natural and immersive setting, preparing students for a fulfilling life both in and beyond the Czech Republic.
Finally, we pledge to center our school’s mission around warm and respectful care, ensuring that all students, families, and staff are not only included but are valued members of the IMSP community.

Reflecting on IMSP’s journey over the past 20 years, we’re proud of the community we’ve built and the students we’ve fostered. Watching alumni grow into passionate and engaged citizens of the world, it’s clear to us that education should be an act of liberation for the child, never just a means to an end. As we enter a new decade as a school, we look forward to growing deeper in our mission alongside the incredible IMSP community. We can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us!

Are you curious about the advantages of Montessori education and how it can aid your child's development? Contact us to schedule an individual tour.

Gallery
Comments

Další články

IMSP Podcast: Meet Alumnus Caleb Miller

Introducing our first guest on the IMSP podcast series: Caleb Miller. After graduating from IMSP, he moved back to the United States, finishing his university degree. Caleb and our host, Mariana, chat about independence in childhood, the benefits of multi-age classrooms, and what advice he has for current IMSP Elementary students. While reflecting on his time at IMSP, Caleb looks towards the future as he pursues a career with a global focus. “That's one thing that Montessori, our school, planted in me,” Caleb tells us, “the desire to engage with the world”.

Dealing with Emotions Through Art

“Social and emotional learning(SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”

Make homemade soap with your toddler!

All you will need is 100g of soap, rubber molds, turmeric powder, lemon or orange essential oils, fresh lemon or orange, and a grater or zester.

Staff Interview with Joyce McCusker

How were you first introduced to Montessori education? What led you to seek Montessori training for…

Communicating with the Toddler Child

As teachers, we are often asked what special tips or tricks we use to get children to cooperate. Most often parents ask questions like “How can I get my child more interested in dressing and eating by themselves?”or “How can we make the mornings run more smoothly?” It can feel challenging when our patience is tested, but we must remember that children are learning to develop their own will and sense of obedience which is a natural process lasting until around six years of age.