Special Events/Traditions

Montessori School of Anderson Peace Pledge

Once a week we gather as a whole community.  After the salute to the American Flag, we offer this Peace Pledge. Because we are an international school with many diverse cultures and religions, we believe this Peace Pledge allows all students to participate in this meaningful short ceremony. You are welcome to stop by and join us during our community pledge of peace.

"I offer my support, as a child born of the Great Mystery, to the vision of peaceful co-existence with all other living creatures of the earth. I choose to see beyond all boundaries that separate people or places. I believe that peace is NOT the absence of conflict but the willingness to work out conflicts peacefully.

I offer my strength, my mind, my heart to this new respect-filled 21st century world. Together, we celebrate our being here."

The Peace Pledge was written by our founder, Karen Holt, in the mid-1980s.

Flag Ceremony

Once a week, students from K – high school gather around the flag pole for a school-wide community tradition.  Besides the usual Pledge of Allegiance, they participate in the Peace Pledge, moments of silence in gratitude for their blessings, and an offering of Peace and Blessings to and from their teachers.  It is the time when all ages come together to recognizing their common journey.

8th Grade Retreat

Near the end of their Middle School years, 8^thgrade students spend time at Camp Buc in Sapphire, North Carolina.  This retreat is a quiet time for reflection and contemplation on their future.  It is a very special step into young adulthood.  They “catch a glimpse” of who they may become.

Piping Up

Piping Up is a celebration that takes the form of honor ceremonies from three cultures: Greek, Roman, and Scottish.  Two circles form facing each other and a very simple  Greek dance of “Enos Mythos” is performed.  The participants take one step into the future, one step back into the past, and one step to the right connecting the two symbolizing the “myth of time.”   Then, in the style of Roman conquerors, rising Middle School students are carried on the shoulders of their parents while the entire community toss hundreds of flower petals.  Finally, as the students enter the Upper School for the first time, Scottish bagpipes play and they are “piped up” into this next step of their journey.

Fall Festival

Students and their families gather down on the farm for an old fashioned carnival with games, pony rides, hayrides, crafts, music, and a picnic.

Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights is one of MSA’s most magical nights.  Hundreds of luminaries are placed throughout campus to light the way for students and their families to travel from classroom to classroom where they will experience each classes’ presentation of a country and its history and culture.  The evening culminates with a candle lighting ceremony where our community comes together to express our joint wish for world peace.

Winter Program

At the end of the first semester, the entire MSA community gathers for a night of performing.  Different age group sing, play hand bells, and drum, to celebrate the winter season.

Grandparents'/Special Person Day

Each Valentine’s Day students across campus invite their grandparents or another special person to come to their classroom for the morning to see some of the interesting work they have completed.  Also, the MSA Middle School spends the morning delivering “Singing Valentines” to members of the Anderson community.

Field Day

Every school has a field day, but at MSA, it is a truly memorable event.  The day begins with an opening ceremony where students run the field with flags from countries of the world.  The opening music from Chariots of Fire provide the inspirational back drop for this display.  The remainder of the day is spent enjoying races, games, and other activities. 

Annual BBQ

Every spring the Lower Elementary class debuts their play at the MSA amphitheatre, and the community comes out to support them and enjoy a BBQ picnic.  This evening is a great time to catch up with friends.