Amid a beautiful school campus bustling with children sharing their science fair projects, Julie Euber, SARSEF CEO, and Dani Wright, SARSEF Chief Programs Officer presented to Hermosa Montessori the SARSEF Endorsed School Award. The three-year endorsement recognizes Hermosa Montessori’s dedication to innovation, equity, and engagement in science and engineering education.
To receive this designation, Hermosa Montessori underwent a rigorous application process which included a review of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, teaching methodologies, and student engagement initiatives. Achieving the standards for endorsement is an outstanding accomplishment, and is testament to the hard work of administrators, teachers, caretakers, and support staff.
“We applied for the SARSEF endorsement because it celebrates the joy and dedication our entire school community brings to STEM education. This recognition honors our commitment to fostering curiosity, innovation, and scientific inquiry. It also acknowledges the hard work of our students and educators who make STEM learning come alive every day.” -Jeannette Olssen, Hermosa Science Teacher
Hermosa Montessori established the desert landscape as their laboratory, and uses the natural wonders surrounding the school as a way to introduce STEM concepts to students.
“STEM education empowers students to observe, question, and engage deeply with the world around them. Through hands-on exploration and inquiry, children develop into critical thinkers who see themselves as scientists and problem solvers. This foundation aligns beautifully with our Montessori philosophy, which naturally fosters curiosity and discovery while cultivating both a love of learning and a deep respect for the environment. Our students grow as thoughtful stewards of the natural world, equipped with the skills and mindset to address real-world challenges with creativity and compassion. By nurturing these capabilities today, we are guiding the innovators and changemakers who will shape a more sustainable and equitable tomorrow.” -Jeannette Olssen
The SARSEF Endorsed School Program recognizes a school’s unique commitment to:
- Establishing a sustainable STEM culture throughout our school
- Enhancing equity and diversity in STEM education
- Expanding our students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Engaging students in meaningful science communication
- Cultivating schoolwide dedication to innovation
“We are incredibly excited to now be a SARSEF-endorsed school, as it aligns so naturally with our community and with Montessori’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning, hands-on experiential learning, and community,” – Kristina Reisdorf, School Leadership Resident at Hermosa Montessori.
SARSEF congratulates Hermosa Montessori on their dedicated work in STEM education.
“There’s a lot more science you get to do (at Hermosa). It’s a lot more involved, instead of just doing small projects, you get to apply for contests and stuff, and that’s cool! It’s cool being known as a ‘Future Scientist’. I see that working.” – A.J. Keefe, middle school student and SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair winner.
Is your school interested in earning the SARSEF Endorsed School Award? Learn more at https://sarsef.org/programs/workshops-and-outreach/sarsef-endorsed-school/