Business Details
49 Years
experience
Your Trusted Montessori School in Portland, OR
Founded in 1977 by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, our institution has dedicated over four decades to nurturing young minds through the Montessori educational philosophy. Our approach integrates Maria Montessori's academic principles with the spiritual values of St. Francis, fostering respect for self, others, and the environment. With a 10-acre campus designed for exploration and growth, we serve students from early childhood through young adolescence, emphasizing holistic development. Our experienced educators cultivate individual fulfillment, academic excellence, and moral responsibility, preparing students for lifelong learning. We maintain a diverse, inclusive community where students learn collaboration, stewardship, and civic responsibility.Our programs extend beyond traditional academics to include athletics, spiritual formation, and specialized environmental initiatives. Accredited by Montessori standards, we combine proven educational methodologies with innovative experiential learning. As a faith-based institution, we emphasize compassion, service, and respect for all living things. Our graduates consistently demonstrate strong academic preparation, ethical leadership, and environmental consciousness. We welcome families seeking an educational environment that values both intellectual growth and character development. Through continuous improvement and community engagement, we remain committed to our founding mission of expanding minds, nurturing spirits, and stewarding the Earth.
Services
Montessori Curriculum
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Programs
Middle School Programs
Athletics
Special Programs
Camp FMES
Spiritual Formation
Childcare
Library Services
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer a Montessori curriculum inspired by St. Francis since 1977
- Our team includes experienced Montessori educators and spiritual leaders
- We emphasize environmental stewardship through hands-on Earth Experience programs
- We provide a diverse and inclusive learning community for all families
- Our graduates consistently demonstrate strong academic and ethical foundations
Services
Montessori Curriculum
Our Montessori curriculum follows Dr. Maria Montessori's proven methods while incorporating Franciscan values. Students engage in self-directed learning with specialized materials across all academic disciplines. This approach develops critical thinking, independence, and lifelong learning skills through structured yet flexible classroom environments.
Spiritual Formation
The Atrium program provides age-appropriate spiritual development based on Catholic teachings. Children explore scripture, liturgy, and prayer through Montessori-inspired materials. This formation emphasizes peace, respect for life, and stewardship of creation as core Franciscan values.
Earth Experience
Our 10-acre campus serves as a living classroom for environmental education. Students participate in gardening, sustainability projects, and nature studies. This hands-on approach teaches ecological responsibility while reinforcing academic concepts through real-world applications and outdoor learning.
Athletics
Our athletic programs emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical development. Students in grades 4-8 compete in various sports while learning collaboration and fair play. The curriculum includes skill development, competitive play, and character-building through athletic participation.
Summer Camp
Camp FMES offers summer programming for children aged 3-12. The program combines Montessori principles with outdoor exploration and creative activities. Weekly themes focus on nature, science, and the arts while maintaining continuity with our educational philosophy.
People
Sister Therese Gutting
President
Sister Therese Gutting, FSE, leads with over 30 years of experience in Catholic education. She oversees institutional strategy and maintains the school's spiritual foundation while ensuring academic excellence and community engagement.
Isaac Brocker
Head of School
Isaac Brocker serves as Head of School with extensive Montessori administrative experience. He implements educational programs that blend Montessori principles with modern pedagogy while maintaining the institution's mission and values.
Lisa Tran
Admissions Director
Lisa Tran manages admissions with a focus on community outreach and family engagement. She guides prospective families through the enrollment process and maintains relationships with local educational partners.
Michael Winning
Advancement Director
Michael Winning directs fundraising initiatives and community partnerships. He cultivates donor relationships and manages development programs that support the school's mission and capital needs.
Carrie Crimin
School Nurse
Carrie Crimin provides comprehensive health services to students. She manages medical records, administers care, and implements wellness programs while ensuring compliance with state health regulations.
Questions
What grade levels does FMES offer?
We serve students from early childhood (age 30 months) through 8th grade.
Is FMES a religious school?
While rooted in Catholic/Christian values, we welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds.
What makes your Montessori program unique?
Our curriculum uniquely combines Montessori methods with Franciscan environmental stewardship principles.
Do you offer extracurricular activities?
Yes, we provide athletics, special programs, and summer camp opportunities for all ages.
What is your admissions process?
Start with a campus visit, then submit an application with $395 fee for review by our admissions team.
How do you incorporate environmental education?
Our 10-acre campus and Earth Experience programs integrate hands-on environmental learning across all grade levels.
