IMSP 20th Anniversary

We're excited to celebrate 20 years since IMSP first opened its doors to the Prague community. Two decades spent working with parents, teachers, and staff that share our same passion for holistic education is something we’re proud of. The Montessori method is community-driven, and as we look back on our achievements so far, we want to take time to thank the people that made it all possible.

“The education of a very small child does not aim at preparing him for school but for life.”
Maria Montessori

"At first, I just wanted to prepare my own children for the world," recalls Kateřina Stanislavová, IMSP Founder and Executive Director , in an interview with Forbes Česko. Kateřina was selected by the magazine to be featured as one of their “Forbes Women”, but the success IMSP has seen is not hers alone. Instead, this school was founded as a community effort, filling what many felt to be a gap in Prague’s education system. Like-minded individuals came together to open an institution that was equal parts international, nurturing, and deeply rooted in respect for the child. IMSP has operated in collaboration with the Prague community since the very beginning.

It started small, inviting just 5 students to participate in what would become Prague’s first and only school to be accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS). Bringing together individuals with a shared interest in high-quality and enriching education, conversations between parents, administration, and staff have evolved into IMSP’s current mission statement.

IMSP is an international school offering authentic Montessori education. Embracing
each child's unique potential, we empower our students to achieve academic excellence and become confident, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the world.

IMSP’s mission statement reflects the school’s passion for educating the whole child. The Montessori pedagogy hinges on a profound admiration for a student’s independence in work, in play, and in life. Providing a nurturing environment through education allows children to grow in a way that prepares them for the future ahead. IMSP echoes Maria Montessori’s vision, calling for education to be used as a tool for life, not just the classroom. Supporting students at IMSP is possible due to the alumni, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, and all those who have helped shape IMSP into what it is today.

We are humbled by the unwavering support we have been shown. To demonstrate our gratitude and to assure families that we don’t take their loyalty for granted, we would like to make a promise to the IMSP community.

Our pledge to you is as follows:

We promise to continue providing high-quality education, constantly updating our practices and prioritizing transparent channels for communication.
We aim to recertify under the American Montessori Society and maintain our accreditation with the Czech Ministry of Education so that parents can rest easy knowing that the education their child is receiving holds up to both international and
national standards.
We recommit ourselves to dual curriculum education in a natural and immersive setting, preparing students for a fulfilling life both in and beyond the Czech Republic.
Finally, we pledge to center our school’s mission around warm and respectful care, ensuring that all students, families, and staff are not only included but are valued members of the IMSP community.

Reflecting on IMSP’s journey over the past 20 years, we’re proud of the community we’ve built and the students we’ve fostered. Watching alumni grow into passionate and engaged citizens of the world, it’s clear to us that education should be an act of liberation for the child, never just a means to an end. As we enter a new decade as a school, we look forward to growing deeper in our mission alongside the incredible IMSP community. We can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us!

Are you curious about the advantages of Montessori education and how it can aid your child's development? Contact us to schedule an individual tour.

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Six Months as an IMSP Toddler

It has always been my priority to bring my kids up to be independent and curious and to treat them as my equal, if somewhat smaller in size; Montessori education therefore held a great appeal when it came to choosing a kindergarten. It has been six months since my daughter, who is just about to turn three, started attending IMSP and it is a joy and a privilege to observe how she thrives and develops.

What does Grace and Courtesy look like in practice?

The purpose of the Grace and Courtesy curriculum in Montessori is to offer our children the best possible assistance on this path. Explaining and modeling clearly, we share the most harmonious ways of behaving, relating and communicating, and help children practice and master them. Step by step, from the simplest skills (like saying “excuse me” or shaking hands) children build a “vocabulary” of actions that allows them to act appropriately and feel confident in social settings. How do we actually practice it in particular age groups?

Benefits of Practical Life for Toddler Development

“The first thing to realize about these exercises of practical life is that their aim is not a practical one. Emphasis should be laid not on the word “practical” but on the word life. Their aim is to assist development.” E. M. Standing, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work

Avoiding Pitfalls when Dining with a Toddler

Who doesn’t love a dinner date? There is something so universally appealing about sharing a meal with your loved one: eating delicious foods whilst engaging in conversation and enjoying each other’s company.

Mindfulness: A Key Part of Our Elementary Curriculum

If you visit the Upper Elementary at IMSP on any school day in the late morning, you would hear a gentle bell ring at around 11:20. The students clean-up, and by 11:30, they gather on the classroom carpet and light a candle. A teacher sets a timer. At the sound of a bell, they begin their 5-minute awareness/mindfulness practice.