Esprit International School: motivation, self-discipline and excellence in learning

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Since 1999, Esprit International School in The Woodlands has been dedicated to enriching a student’s joy for learning by providing a solid, academic foundation. Students are given many opportunities to discover and develop their own talents. Located at 4890 West Panther Creek Drive, Esprit International School is an independent, non-sectarian school that enrolls students aged 18 months through 12th grade.

The school is based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, an educator who emphasized freedom within limits to promote the development of students’ independence. Students at Esprit work in an environment that encourages cooperation, self-reliance, hard work and respect for others.

“The teachers at Esprit are Montessori-trained, which means we bring an academic perspective based on the same philosophical approach. This approach provides opportunities for children to learn through their construction of meaning,” said Rosemary Brumbelow, the founder and Head of School of Esprit International School. “For us, it is about the experience of who you will become. We encourage students to explore their passion and stress the importance of finding a purpose in life that will bring them joy.”

For Brumbelow, it is quite apparent that her passion lies within the founding principles of Esprit and its students. While working as a Montessori assistant teacher in college, it didn’t take long for Brumbelow to figure out that teaching Montessori was her calling.

“When I walked into the classroom, I absolutely loved it,” said Brumbelow.”I was intrigued by the independence I observed being exhibited by three and 4-year-old children. I knew right away that one day I would open a Montessori school.”

While her children were still young, she continued to research and plan for the day the school would open. When she learned about a space that had become available for lease which was perfect for a school, Brumbelow didn’t hesitate and moved quickly to open a Montessori pre-school.

“We opened in the fall of 1999 and started with 18 students. Since then, we have continued to grow and add additional programs. We now serve students through grade 12,” said Brumbelow.

Unlike public schools, Esprit divides students into multi-age groupings. Instead of students learning with only others in the same grade, several grades are grouped together, with generally 2 to 3 teachers in each classroom. Not only does this allow the students to have their needs met socially, they also appreciate students both younger and older.

“At Esprit, you will often see older students having interactions with younger students,” said Brumbelow. The interaction of students at all levels helps to develop a stronger sense of community.”

With the student population growing, Esprit International School has plans to expand as well. A new building will soon be added along Panther Creek and Interfaith Way. The buildings will enclose what is now the courtyard. The 20,000 square-foot facility will mainly be classrooms. The main building will continue to be a community building as well as accommodate some classrooms, enrichment courses, and administrative areas.

As for the increasing number of students and the growing facility, Brumbelow sees the expansion as a way to continue to improve each and every day.

“This has allowed us to create the type of dynamic program that not only provides students with rigorous and meaningful academics, but also fosters the development of continuous improvement both personally and professionally,” said Brumbelow.

Esprit International School curriculum follows the McREL standard of learning and meets or exceeds Texas standards. Esprit is AdvancEd/SACS accredited and is an affiliate school of the American Montessori Society. Esprit is also a candidate school for the Primary Years Program of the International Baccalaureate Organization. The IB principals and philosophy can be seen throughout the school.

“Our approach to teaching and learning is very unique and tailored to the students. The accreditations give parents a standard to compare Esprit to other challenging, college preparatory schools. When you go into our classrooms, you won’t see a traditional setting, such as a teacher at the head of the class, but you’ll see students working either collaboratively or independently. Students are given freedom with responsibility to complete their works and expand their knowledge through extensive research. Students leave Esprit with skills that will allow for continued success far beyond academics,” said Brumbelow.

To learn more about Esprit International School, visit their website at the link provided below, or call 281-298-9200. Interested families are encouraged to schedule a tour as well as student visits. For each student that walks through the doors at Esprit, Brumbelow believes that that they will one day leave with the skills to go out into the world knowing what to do before having to be told how to do it. She stresses the importance of each student finding their true passion, just like Esprit International School is hers.