Poinciana Montessori is a culturally responsive Montessori microschool that aims to provide a challenging educational environment for every child by utilizing an African-centered educational model and the Montessori method.
The city of Philadelphia is almost 45% African American and 20% of the city lives at the poverty rate. These specific populations are susceptible to intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma affects mental and physical health and brain development, inhibiting educational outcomes. We believe that the time-tested approaches in Montessori can combat these characteristics of intergenerational trauma. As a part of our Montessori program, we include culturally rooted educational practices such as a daily Harambee circle to teach important values through daily reminders of monthly principles, weekly proverbs, and daily affirmations. The purpose of this is to “develop self-consciousness, self-determination, and positive self-concept”. Research has shown that a positive self-concept grows confidence and a strong sense of self-worth, which then influences academic success.
