What We Value
Our values shape how we relate to one another, approach learning, and support the unfolding of human potential. They guide us in creating a community where each person is known, respected, and empowered to grow into who they are becoming.
Grace | We lead with empathy, respect, and care.
We seek to understand before judging, meet one another with patience, and approach difficult conversations with kindness and honesty. We hold ourselves and one another to high expectations while recognizing the humanity in each person.
Curiosity | We stay open to discovery and new perspectives.
We ask questions, explore deeply, and seek to understand the why behind what we observe. With a growth mindset, we welcome new ideas, learn from experience, and remain open to changing our thinking.
Empowerment | We nurture capability, confidence, and agency.
We create the conditions for people to think for themselves, take responsibility, and solve problems with growing independence. Rather than stepping in to do things for others, we provide the support, time, and space they need to discover their own capabilities.
Collaboration | We build belonging through shared responsibility.
We cultivate a community where every person feels welcomed, respected, and included. Through open communication, authentic relationships, and shared participation, we work together to support our children, strengthen our school, and contribute to something greater than ourselves.
Lifelong Learner | We never stop growing.
We honor the ongoing development of the whole human being: intellectually, socially, and emotionally. By protecting the conditions people need to thrive, we support children and adults in discovering their potential, developing their gifts, and continuing to grow throughout life.
Our commitment to diversity
Sunstone Montessori School welcomes students and staff of any race, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, nationality and ethnicity, religion, and family constellation to all programs and activities at the school. The school does not discriminate in its educational, hiring, admission, or school-administered policies. It is our goal that Sunstone Montessori School reflects the diversity of our community, including varied cultures, economic status, and individual and diverse educational needs.
Our Story
The Merge
Sunstone Montessori School has a rich history of growth, evolution and collaboration with the vibrant Montessori community of Portland, Oregon. Sunstone Montessori was born in 2007 from the successful merger of two well-established Montessori schools, Odyssey Montessori School (ages 6-12 years) and Two Rivers Montessori School (ages 2 ½ to 12 years), each with its own campus in SW Portland, OR. Despite the two locations our community grew together through collective effort, engagement, and events.
Under One Roof
In the spring of 2012, Sunstone Montessori School’s Board of Trustees leased Portland Public Schools’ “Terwilliger School” building in John’s Landing. After five years in two different locations, Sunstone Montessori was going to be under one roof. Renovations occurred over the summer of 2012 so that the 2012-13 school year could begin with the Children’s House and Elementary students together on one campus. In the fall of 2013, we launched our first Toddler classroom, expanding our program to serve children 16 months to 12 years.
Move to the Eastside
In the summer of 2021, Portland Public Schools reclaimed the Terwilliger School for their Access Academy program and, after an extensive search, Sunstone relocated to our current location in SE Woodstock. Prior to moving in, we had an extensive interior and exterior remodel done including classroom spaces, bathrooms, administrative offices, and courtyard renovation. In the summer of 2022 we had a complete playground renovation as designed by Learning Landscapes Design, a local landscape architect company that specializes in creating outdoor spaces for learning and play, using natural materials.
Expansion
In the Spring of 2024 we were fortunate enough to lease 12 acres of land in SE Milwaukie, OR. Located just 4 miles due south of our Woodstock campus, our new, bucolic campus was perfectly situated to extend our programming to the adolescent level with a Middle School modeled after Dr. Montessori’s farm school, while simultaneously expanding our Toddler program from one to three classrooms. Renovations of the existing structures on the property began in the summer of 2024, in time to open our new Middle School and two new Toddler classrooms for the start of the 2024-25 academic year. In the fall of 2025 we continued our expansion by opening a Children’s House classroom on the Milwaukie campus to accommodate our newly growing Milwaukie community.
