About the School

Palmetto Montessori opened its doors in the fall of 1994. The co-founders Chandler Payne and Lindy Hoel had been co-workers for some years at a Montessori school and had a strong desire to open a small school of their own. Their goal was to provide an environment that remained small in enrollment so that the children would have the individual attention needed to encourage positive learning skills.

They also felt that too many of the students were rushing off to after school activities, which interrupted with their family time. It was decided that it would be of great benefit to provide these special area classes at the school during the day. Offering classes such as music, dance, karate, art, gymnastics and yoga allows the children to experience other opportunities they might otherwise not have. The importance of family time cannot be stressed enough when it comes to the development of our children, and with the often hectic lives that most of us have this allows the home time to be the priority.

The school has also tried to establish a good sense of our community, allowing families opportunities to be involved with various activities through out the year. Communication is vital to the success of the school and we encourage all families to stay involved and contribute their ideas and thoughts.

At Palmetto Montessori we believe that every child is a unique individual. We strive to maintain a comfortable and peaceful environment that encourages learning to take place instinctively and with enthusiasm, where every child can grow at their own pace. By maintaining a small student body Palmetto Montessori has been able to maintain its goals.
About the Staff
  Chandler Payne is the director and owner of Palmetto Montessori. She received her training from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education in North Carolina. Much of her experience comes from working with children throughout her life in various environments such as Waldorf institutions here in the USA and Europe. She received dance and music training at the Boston Conservatory and taught dance for many years in New Hampshire and currently stays involved performing music with a local Bluegrass band. Most importantly she gained great insight from raising her two children and having the opportunity to work in their Montessori school when they were young.

All of our assistants attend the College of Charleston and understand the Montessori method and the direction of the school. They are a vital part of the school curriculum, providing guidance and one on one interaction with the students.