At The Sammamish Montessori School (SMS), we believe that children thrive when they are given the space and freedom to learn, grow, and explore in an environment that nurtures their natural curiosity. This year, we are excited to share a milestone development in our campus: the expansion of our playground area from 18,000 to 25,000 square feet. This significant enhancement marks the first major expansion of our outdoor space. It reflects our continued commitment to enriching the daily experiences of our students in the true spirit of Montessori.
The expanded playground is much more than just additional square footage; it represents new opportunities for play, connection with nature, and imaginative discovery. With the addition of a brand-new playground structure, a serene nature walk with an outdoor classroom, and a dedicated goat shed area, our students now have more ways to engage in purposeful play while enjoying the outdoors in a safe and thoughtfully designed environment. Each element ties closely to the Montessori philosophy of hands-on exploration, independence, and respect for the natural world.
Playground expansion
Play is at the heart of childhood, and in the Montessori philosophy, play is not separate from learning—it is learning. Through play, children build independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills while developing critical cognitive, social, and emotional foundations. By engaging in purposeful activities and natural interactions, they gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. This expansion ensures that every child has more opportunities to discover, collaborate, and grow—because at SMS, we know that the joy of play lies in the foundation for lifelong success.
Our SMS Garden continues to flourish as a space where children plant, tend, and harvest flowers and vegetables, giving them a hands-on connection to the cycles of nature and the joy of nurturing life. Meanwhile, the Dino-Dig excavation site sparks curiosity and wonder, inviting children to step into the shoes of young paleontologists as they uncover hidden fossils, piece together discoveries, and engage in imaginative storytelling rooted in science.
Our Kickers’ Corner turf field provides a safe, durable, and inviting surface for active play year-round. This open green space is ideal for soccer games, relay races, and group activities that promote teamwork, coordination, and physical activity. With plenty of room to run and play, the turf also gives children the freedom to invent their own games, practice skills, or simply enjoy the joy of being outdoors. Designed with safety and versatility in mind, the turf is a cornerstone for both structured sports and imaginative, child-led play.
With our Explorer Escape play structures, children have access to equipment that challenges their bodies, inspires their imaginations, and encourages collaboration with their peers. Whether climbing, sliding, balancing, or running, students build not only physical strength and coordination but also essential life skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Adding to the play experience are the rolling meadows – gentle grassy hills designed for open-ended movement and imaginative adventures. These soft, natural slopes invite children to run, roll, or simply rest, connecting play with the calming rhythms of nature.
The sandbox area further enriches exploration, offering endless possibilities for creativity, construction, and cooperative play. As children dig, build, and shape the sand, they engage their senses while developing fine motor skills, patience, and collaboration.
Together, these spaces provide a thoughtfully balanced environment where physical challenge, imaginative discovery, and social connection come alive in true Montessori spirit.
Explorer Escape play structures. Photo credit: The Sammamish Montessori School
The Kickers’ Korner turf field. Photo credit: The Sammamish Montessori School
The sandbox area at Sammamish Montessori School. Photo credit: The Sammamish Montessori School
The nature walk and outdoor classroom
“There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony, and the beauty in nature.” – Maria Montessori
Our new 700-linear-foot discovery trail brings this vision to life. The nature walk invites children to slow down, observe, and delight in the wonders of the outdoors. Along the path, they encounter trees, plants, and natural textures that spark curiosity and inspire questions. With features such as a gentle water element, a pebble walk that engages the senses, and spaces framed by cedar trunks, the trail offers children countless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Enhancing this experience is our thoughtfully designed outdoor classroom, nestled within the walk itself. Here, children can gather for stories, sketch leaves, conduct science observations, or practice mindfulness – all while surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty. This unique space extends Montessori learning beyond four walls, nurturing the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of each child. At the same time, it reinforces a deep respect and care for the environment, connecting children more closely to the world around them.
The Nature Walk and Outdoor Classroom. Photo credit: The Sammamish Montessori School
SMS goat farm area
Animals hold a special place in Montessori education because they nurture responsibility, empathy, and care for living things. Our goat farm – home to Oreo, Brownie, and Butterscotch – provides children with an enriching opportunity to engage with nature and develop these values firsthand.
Interacting with the goats gives students a chance to experience the rhythms of farm life while fostering respect for all living creatures. From feeding to observing their daily habits, children learn the importance of responsibility and compassion in very real, practical ways.
These moments of caring for the goats go beyond simple chores; they build independence, strengthen practical life skills, and connect classroom learning to the wider world. In true Montessori spirit, this hands-on experience helps children grow into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate individuals.
Photo credit: The Sammamish Montessori School
The heart behind the spaces: Mr. Davy Buckley
Mr. Davy Buckley
These inspiring environments come to life thanks to Davy Buckley, our Facilities Manager – known to the children simply as Mr. Davy. Whether planting trees, installing play structures, or gently showing a curious child how a tool works, Mr. Buckley is part of the fabric of our community. Children greet him with joy, eager to watch and learn. His quiet dedication ensures that SMS is not only safe and beautiful, but also filled with love and care.
A vision for the future
At The Sammamish Montessori School (SMS), we see outdoor play and exploration as essential extensions of the Montessori classroom, offering experiences that shape the whole child. By expanding our playground, we are creating a space that not only brings joy but also supports the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of every student. We are proud to offer an environment where children can climb higher, run farther, and dream bigger, while building a lifelong love of learning and nature.
This expansion is a testament to our belief, rooted in Montessori philosophy, that every child deserves the freedom to explore, play, and grow in a space designed just for them. The future of outdoor learning and play at SMS shines with promise.
