Our Story
PEAK Montessori was started by a small group of passionate parents and professional AMI Trained Montessori educators, driven by a shared vision for children. Through our experiences with Montessori, we decided to create an alternative to traditional education models—one that nurtures creativity, fosters independence and inclusivity, and promotes critical thinking. We believe this high-fidelity Montessori program tailored to elementary-aged children will prepare children not just for school but for life and leadership because this is the world they will shape.
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Before opening our doors at PEAK, we didn't start from scratch. Our head teacher Melissa spent the last school year running a small Montessori elementary program with a dedicated group of families — testing, refining, and living the curriculum that PEAK is built on. That experience, and the trust those families placed in us, gave us the confidence to bring this program to the wider Comox community.
Mission
At PEAK Montessori Academy, we nurture curiosity and a love of learning within a thoughtfully curated environment -- one that fosters independence, confidence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Grounded in freedom with responsibility, peace education, and authentic Montessori practice, we cultivate integrity, self-discipline, and critical thinking while delivering the BC curriculum.
Through strong community relationships and a deep belief in every child's potential, we empower learners to navigate real-world challenges and make meaningful, lasting contributions to the world around them. ​
Vision
To create a vibrant and inclusive learning community where children become self-directed, lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens, equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed in both school and life.
Values
- Community -
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Each member of our society has value. Collaboration and partnerships are essential to how we work. We recognize that community thrives when everyone has a voice at the table.
- Respect -
We celebrate and encourage individuality and difference and recognize that all of us have a role to play. We value and celebrate diversity in how we work with each and every student and member of our team.Integrity. We always encourage honest and open communication in all we do. Challenging conversations are welcome and we hold space for individual experience. We not only acknowledge our mission, vision, and values - we are committed to bringing them to life through our work.
- Safety -
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Everyone feels welcome, included, and safe in our shared space of learning. We recognize that we all contribute to the creation of the environment in which we learn, grow, and thrive. All of us have a responsibility in creating a space free from discrimination, fear, and intimidation. All safety concerns (physical, mental, and emotional) are taken seriously and resolution is sought by working with all members of our community to find a path forward.
- Curiosity -
We approach everything with an open heart and mind, ready to explore new pathways. Different perspectives are meaningful, valued, and welcome in all areas of our work. We seek out new ways of doing things and are committed to continuing education and development for all members of our community
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- Perseverance -
To keep at something even when it becomes challenging. We recognize that no path is linear and that the process holds more value than the destination. We value the learning in mistakes and wrong turns and see each as an opportunity for growth.
Melissa Schwartz
Head of School
Head Teacher/Guide
My name is Melissa Schwartz and I am a mother of three. I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy when my firstborn turned one. Since that time, I have had the dream of opening a Montessori elementary school to share this with the greater community.
I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Arts degree, in French, as well as a Bachelor of Education. I am also an AMI-trained Montessori educator.
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I was the founder and head guide of La Maison Montessori, a Montessori preschool program in the Comox Valley. After obtaining my AMI Elementary diploma, I spent the last school year running a small Montessori home learning elementary program — the foundation on which PEAK is built. I can't wait to grow our learning community at the Comox location this September.
Board of Directors
Siobhan McKay
Board President
Erin Higginbottom
Treasurer
Heather Evans
Secretary
Our path to creating a school...
