Cayce Montessori School celebrated its official opening Aug. 15 at 1000 Poplar St. The school accepts children 31 months to six years, and for the first year, they are keeping class sizes small.
Vijayashree Saravanan is the director and lead teacher of the school and she says they are keeping the school under 20 students for the first year.
“My goal is to provide a smaller classroom,” Saravanan said, adding that the school is still enrolling students but there is limited space available.
The school is using a building provided by Mt. Zion Church. Saravanan said Mayor Elise Partin connected her with the church which had an empty building available. Originally, Saravanan was looking to establish a Montessori school in Blythewood, closer to her home, but the opportunity presented itself in Cayce. 
“I have known these wonderful educators for many years,” Partin said in a press release. “The residents of Cayce are so fortunate to have this school here in our community.”
Mt. Zion’s Pastor Gregory Glenn spoke on the opportunity to partner with the school. 
“We are extremely excited about our partnership with Cayce Montessori School,” he said. “Access to educational opportunities as early in life as possible is important to helping succeeding generations get on track to successful careers.”
The school is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, and Saravanan said it will provide an “authentic Montessori school experience” in line with the teachings of Montessori founder Maria Montessori. 
Her own children went through a Montessori school. Saravanan has been working with children since 2003 and she has about a decade’s-worth of experience as a Montessori teacher herself.
“I fell in love with the [Montessori] method,” she said. “In Montessori, teachers are the guides. We are present and observe. We follow the child. … it prepares the whole child for life exposing them to day-to-day life. As they start working, they become more independent.”
The classroom is set up orderly and much of the learning material is made of natural materials like wood as well as everyday items children see and use at home. There are stations for English language arts, math, cultural learning and sensory learning. 
Recess is an hour-long. “Nature is the best teacher,” Saravanan said.
As of now, she is one of three teachers and there is also an office worker. Saravanan’s mentor will also drop in and help out and she has years of experience in Montessori. Mani Seneviratne is retired now but helps out and stays involved in helping Saravanan.
“Children are born with a sense of order,” Seneviratne said, explaining that everything in the classroom is hands-on, but the rules are laid out for everyone. 
Drop-off is at 7:30 a.m. and there is work time, circle time, recess, lunch, nap or quiet time, arts and reading. Seneviratne said there is lots of reading throughout the day. Students must bring their own lunch, but a snack is provided. Pick-up goes until 4 p.m.
Interested parents or guardians can call 803-766-4414 or email vijicms2023@gmail.com.