MISSION & VALUES
Mission Statement
Immersion Montessori School is a mission-driven, minority- and women-owned organization committed to providing every student with a transformative educational experience. Through immersive, natural, and multicultural settings, we foster a love for learning, diversity, and belonging. Rooted in Montessori principles, our mission is to create a thriving international community where students, staff, and families from diverse backgrounds come together to grow, share, and support each other.
Driven by our mission to build an inclusive international community, we embrace a growth mindset that nurtures not only students but also our educators and staff. To attract and retain top talent, we provide extensive resources for professional and personal growth, including professional development opportunities, a financially sustainable model, and comprehensive staff support. Our offerings, such as housing, vehicles, and relocation assistance, enable staff to establish a stable lifestyle, creating a connected, resilient community that shares our vision of high-quality, culturally rich education.
Our growth is guided by the following pillars:
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Staff Talent Retention and Professional Growth: By fostering a collaborative, international environment, we empower our educators with ongoing professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, allowing them to make a global impact.
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Financial Sustainability & Community Resources: A strong financial foundation enables us to grow our international community, support diversity, and keep programs accessible. This stability allows us to offer reliable care and resources, enhancing work-life balance for our team and fostering a supportive community.
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Community-Centered Values: With benefits like staff housing, transportation, and relocation support, we cultivate a culture of stability, resilience, and collaboration, empowering our team to focus fully on their role in fostering an international community of learners.
Guiding Principles
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Diversity as the cornerstone of our programs and global society.
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Multiculturalism as a source of enrichment and a bridge for building respectful, global relationships.
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Holistic Development through integrated curriculum planning, supporting each student's unique growth.
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Promotion of Independence, Autonomy, and Curiosity as essential traits for lifelong success.
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Emotional and Spiritual Support for a stable, nurturing learning environment.
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Social Responsibility to foster empathy, community engagement, and global citizenship.
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Collaborative Communication among families, teachers, and caretakers to create unified support for every child.
OUR HISTORY
OUR TEAM
Laura Golnabi, PhD
Founder & Co-CEO
Laura Golnabi, a native Spanish speaker and Educational Researcher from Spain, is the Co-CEO and Director of Higher Ed. & Research at IMS, where she leads curriculum development, teacher training, and various research initiatives. With over 20 years of teaching experience and a strong background in curriculum development, Laura holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Math Education from Columbia University, with research that integrates flow and problem-solving to create positive learning environments. Her current research extends to second-language acquisition in early childhood, exploring how the Montessori environment supports balanced cognitive development in young learners.
Juan Garceran, MA
Founder & Co-CEO
Juan Garceran, a Dartmouth alum and Co-CEO of IMS, has created Spanish language programs and taught Spanish at levels ranging from preschool to college. In Spain, he was a bilingual elementary teacher and curriculum developer. His research, initiated through a M.A.L.S. degree at Dartmouth and continued with Ph.D. coursework at the University of Pennsylvania, focuses on the role of language in forming identity and culture. With more than 15 years in teaching and curriculum design, along with extensive program leadership, Juan is committed to fostering cognitive and cultural development through language immersion. He also serves as an Admissions Ambassador for Dartmouth College.