norms & expectations

Counterpane’s mission is to assist the development of students as academically and creatively engaged, community-sensitive, responsible people who know themselves well. It should be understood that our success in this mission is more a function of the self-discipline and the attitude of the student than of the student’s “intelligence quotient.” An understanding of the following points is crucial in order to be successful in this environment.

Initiative

Students must understand themselves to be the driving force behind their intellectual growth and we focus on building intrinsic rather than external motivation. Teachers are facilitators for students’ intellectual pursuits; they are not the source of initiative, which must come from within each student.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline, not teacher-imposed discipline, is the sure sign of a maturing learner. Each student will be given the
freedom they earn or the structure they need to fulfill the responsibilities to the best of their individual ability. Discipline is defined by teachable moments rather than punishable offenses.

Academic Progress

Academic progress is monitored by the teacher but is driven by the individual student. A student’s progress from one level to the next is based on academic readiness, not chronological age or “seat time.” We do not advance or graduate students who have not proven academic readiness.

Academic Environment

Counterpane offers an academic environment, not a social opportunity. Therefore, the daily focus must be an intellectual one. Although we encourage social activities outside the school, Counterpane is ultimately a place for academic learning and building community to that end is our priority.

Romantic Relationships

An environment must be safe before it will encourage intellectual risk-taking. Emotional exposure makes students vulnerable and to ensure a dynamic environment in which they may be brave and open with their thoughts, we insist that students maintain platonic relationships.

Academic Integrity

Counterpane students are responsible for completing all work to the best of their ability and are honor-bound not to lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do. We take plagiarism and cheating very seriously and students must ensure the integrity of their own work as well as that of their peers.

Shared Responsibility

The ideal environment is one that facilitates learning, quality work, timeliness, cleanliness, kindness, and focused work habits. Students are also given daily and weekly responsibilities such as cleaning, animal care, and preparing food. Students and teachers are equally responsible for sustaining and nurturing such an environment.

Family Support

It is imperative that our families support both their children and the community as a whole. Each family's trust and participation is essential for us to the work you have entrusted us to do. Decisions are always made in the best interest of the child to prepare them for success in future academic endeavors and in life.

School Handbook

Our school handbook is available to current families in their Transparent Classroom account under "Important Documents."

More detailed school policies can also be found here.

"Our 10th grader started at Counterpane in the Fall of 2024 after a stressful 9th grade year at another school. Right away we noticed that the culture at Counterpane is one of compassion and kindness, but also hard work and individual responsibility. Our daughter loves being able to work at her own pace, as well as the rigor of the classes. The dedicated teachers do a great job of diving deeply into the topics with group discussions so the students understand the why, allowing them to grasp the real-world relevance and practical applications of each subject. She is also working diligently towards her goal of going to college and this is fully-supported at the school. We have been very pleased with her experience at Counterpane Montessori and would highly recommend it to any parents who might be considering it for their student of any age."

Parent Review Niche.com