The distance between Warsaw, Poland, and Simpsonville, SC, is more than 4,800 miles, and the cultural differences between Poland and the United States can be vast, but for a group of Montessori administrators and educators who participated in a recent exchange program, their newfound bonds have made those miles and seeming differences feel insignificant.
It all started in February 2017, when Kathleen Trewhella-Grant, founding Executive Director of Five Oaks Academy, and Paul Epstein, Ph.D., a renowned international author and speaker on Montessori methods, were invited to present a three-day Leadership Series in Warsaw by the Polish Montessori Institute.
More than 70 heads of schools from throughout Poland attended the training and lecture program.
“The participants’ enthusiasm for Montessori was amazing and their thirst for knowledge and continuous improvement was simply heartwarming,” said Trewhella-Grant on her return. She noted that the growth of modern Montessori schools is exploding throughout Poland, with the number of schools tripling in recent years, and more and more training centers popping up as well.
Considering the growth of Montessori in Poland, Trewhella-Grant and Epstein were natural choices as speakers for the Leadership Series. South Carolina has more Montessori schools than any other U.S. state, and the Polish administrators were anxious to discuss mutual experiences about the management of rapid expansion.
Trewhella-Grant and Epstein came away from the visit impressed with the innovation they saw, whether it was in city schools or small-town schools. For example, Trewhella-Grant notes that new modern schools are being built with distinctly clean designs and large open spaces for an enhanced learning environment, as supported by research on optimal school and classroom design.
At the conclusion of the Leadership Series, the program received overwhelmingly positive feedback – so positive in fact, that Joanna Maghen, head of the Polish Montessori Institute, asked Trewhella-Grant if she and Five Oaks Academy would be willing to host a group from Poland to visit South Carolina.
“It’s rare to consult a group that is so motivated, that shows so much gratitude and resilience,” said Trewhella-Grant. In others words, her answer was a resounding yes.
The timing for the exchange visit (beginning in late February 2018) was designed to coincide with South Carolina Montessori Education Week, which was proclaimed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and is a period to recognize both Montessori’s promotion of respect among children and peace to humankind, as well as Montessori schools and educators for their contributions to South Carolina students.
“The exchange visit was a way for us to celebrate Montessori Education Week in a very big way,” said Trewhella-Grant. “Through the commonality of children’s studies, we are in fact fostering global connections and promoting international relations that enable us to understand one another better. It’s extremely valuable for students and world communities as a whole.”
The group of 11 from Poland, including heads of schools, teacher trainees and teachers, arrived for their eight-day learning adventure bearing multiple gifts, ranging from a beautiful Polish tea set to books on Poland and handmade Montessori lesson cards. Their packed agenda included a mix of lectures and training sessions, combined with classroom observations in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston, SC, as well as fun and sightseeing in Greenville and Charleston. In addition to Five Oaks, schools welcoming the Polish visitors included the private Montessori School of Greenville, hosted by owner Robin Bylenga; the private Montessori School of Columbia, hosted by Head of School Karen Kuse; and the charter school East Cooper Montessori, hosted by Principal Jody Swanigan.
Kuse, of the Montessori School of Columbia, said, “Having the group of Polish teachers visit our school was a wonderful treat. The children noted that Montessori is global, music is universal, and people share common emotions, regardless of where they live.”
As to preparations for the visit, she said: “Prior to their visit, our students learned how to say welcome in Polish and to identify Poland on the map. After welcoming the teachers to our school, many of our students have been noticing Polish artifacts or choosing to research Poland. In Montessori, we call this a ‘Key Experience’ — an exciting lesson or event that sparks an interest and facilitates further learning.”
The feelings of accomplishment were mutual among the visiting Polish educators. One of the participants said she felt “overjoyed” at the opportunity to experience the classroom environment at Five Oaks Academy and the other schools, noting she was particularly impressed with the U.S. schools’ documentation of lessons, as well as the open and natural communication style with the students.
Among some of the sightseeing and cultural highlights for the visitors included shopping and eating in downtown Greenville; stops at Shem Creek and the Isle of Palms; a Charleston Harbor boat tour; and a BBQ farewell luncheon hosted by Five Oaks Academy.
The U.S. and Polish delegations remain in touch and look forward to future opportunities to work in tandem for the ultimate benefit of Montessori students in both their countries.
Susan S. Nichols is a freelance business writer and former B2B magazine publisher with more than 25 years media and marketing experience. She may be reached at Susansmarr309@gmail.com.
This year our eighth-grade Middle School students chose Washington, D.C. as their destination for their annual graduate trip. This trip is decided, researched, and planned entirely by the students with support, advice, and guidance given from teachers when necessary.
Five Oaks Academy hosted it’s 15th International Festival on Friday, May 4, 2018. This annual event began with student performances from each level. In the spirit of the International Festival, students dress in traditional costumes and clothing from countries around the world. After the student performances, families enjoyed an international food tasting and fun festival activities.
Thank you to 
Five Oaks Academy is honored and excited to announce we are the recipients of a 2018 grant “Growing in SC: The Future of STEAM is Here” provided by S²TEM Centers SC in conjunction with the South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science (
Once the decision was made this Fall to launch the Level Up Village program, we researched options to make it happen. At Five Oaks Academy, we excel at providing engaging opportunities for in-depth learning that reach beyond our own classroom excellence. Ways we enrich our program excellence include Khan Academy, Rosetta Stone, Global Outreach, and Community Service. We are excited to add this innovative program that reinforces our rich Montessori curriculum, allows our students to create global connections, and gives students the opportunity for their world studies to be expanded and brought to life! A special thank you to S²TEM Centers SC and the South Carolina Coalition for Mathematics and Science (
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our parents, students, and teachers for their efforts repairing, mulching, cleaning, organizing, planting and beautifying our school on Community Day!! We truly appreciate everyone coming together to accomplish so many much-needed jobs around our campus and in the classrooms.
This day is always such a wonderful day of building a sense of community with our FOA families and this year was no different. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we all work together towards a common goal!
Over 100 years ago, Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, began a revolution by calling for a transformation in education using science as a means to developing new educational methods.
After qualifying at SCISA’s Regional Spelling Bee on January 24, Reece. F, Zoe P. and Ranjan J. headed to the statewide spelling bee competition on February 21. We are proud Reece F. for becoming the 2018 SCISA State Spelling Bee 4th Grade Champion!
We are also proud of Zoe P. for becoming the 2018 SCISA State Spelling Bee 8th Grade Runner-Up and Ranjan J. for placing 3rd in the 8th-grade competition!
