(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – June 2, 2023) – El Paso ISD announced Thursday its inaugural class of the new Montessori program at Moreno Elementary School for the 2023-24 school year. More than 80 children from throughout El Paso County were randomly selected to enroll in this innovative Montessori program in a public-school setting.

El Paso ISD released a video and sent emails to parents to inform them of their child’s selection. The students – ages 3-6 – will learn to look within, think creatively and become capable of rising to new challenges. The debut of the Montessori method in El Paso ISD provides more academic options and opportunities for El Paso County’s youngest learners.

“The Montessori education model inspires and empowers our youngest learners to thrive,” said Marivel Macias, chief transformational officer. “The electronic random selection process was fair and equitable and was overseen by a large committee along with an El Paso ISD auditor.”

El Paso ISD’s Montessori program is free countywide for children ages 4-6, along with qualifying 3-year-olds. Three-year-olds who do not meet eligibility criteria may still attend on a tuition basis of $275 per month. Go to episd.org/prek for information on eligibility.

El Paso ISD’s Montessori students will be engaged in the internationally recognized method of education, which involves children’s natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills. It emphasizes independence and it views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment. It reduces emphasis on some conventional measures of achievement, such as grades and tests.

For more information, visit episd.org/montessori