International Montessori Elementary

What is Montessori Elementary?

Montessori Elementary provides an individually paced curriculum that challenges children academically while safeguarding their well-being and sense of self. Engaging as contributing members of a respectful community, they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning - skills that will support them in later education and in life.

The Elementary program is based on the belief that children learn best through movement and work with their hands, and provides cognitive, social, and emotional support to help them reach their full potential.

This includes addressing their needs as they enter a new period of development characterized by:

  • A transition from concrete to abstract thinking
    구체적 사고에서 추상적 사고로의 전환

  • Growing interest in socialization
    대인관계와 주변 환경, 사회에 대한 관심의 증가

  • Thinking and memory that is enhanced by creativity and imagination
    창의성과 상상력을 바탕으로 사고력 발달

  • An interest in fairness, social justice, and compassion
    공평, 사회 정의, 이웃에 대한 관심의 증가

Welcome Message from our global partner HIHCM, the largest Montessori school in Minnesota,
USA with 3 campuses serving ages 0-18.

Study Abroad opportunities available
for students at BCMA and KONIS.

Our Team

  • Yeon Sook Lee

    Head of School, Principal

    As Founder of Bethel Montessori Kindergarten in 1992, Yeon Sook Lee brings over 33 years of experience in Early Childhood to BCMA. Now, her long-awaited dream of opening the first International Montessori Elementary in Korea begins. More than ever, she is determined to take her passion to the next level: to fulfill her lifelong mission to bring Christian Montessori education to the next generation of all nations.

  • Phillip Ahn

    Admin and HR

    Collaborating various backgrounds in Management and Entrepreneurship, Phillip Ahn serves at BCMA overseeing operations including Administrative and HR duties. He also holds the AMI Montessori Administrators Certificate.

  • Julie Youn

    Art Specialist

    PhD Visual Arts, Hongik University in S.Korea

    MFA studio Art, University of Wisconsin-Madison, US

    MA Art, University of Wisconsin-Madison, US

    BFA paining, BA Art Studies, Hongik University in S.Korea

  • Grace Hae Eun Shin

    Music Specialist

    Grace Shin brings in a bountiful background in Music. After finishing her Ph.D in Music Education, she now lectures at Konkuk University Graduate School. While adept in a variety of musical areas, she specializes in Dalcroze Eurhythmics, an innovative approach collaborating music with movement.

  • Dan Dunbar

    School Pastor

    With 18 years as a teacher and 7 years as the former Principal of Greater Grace Christian Academy in Baltimore, USA, Pastor Dan is a spiritual guide to the children and faculty alike as his love resonates in and out of the classroom. Pastor Dan now serves as the Pastor of Grace Mission Church in Nowon-gu while serving as the School Pastor at BCMA and KONIS.

  • Rachel Hyeonbo Ham

    Manager of Admissions and Communication

    With over 15 years experience as a Montessori guide, Rachel Ham is an expert in and out of the classroom. She holds a Montessori 3-6 Diploma from both AMI and AMS along with her B.A. in Early Childhood Education. As a proud mother of a Montessori child, Rachel serves the Elementary department in Admissions and Communication.

  • Jane Jayong Shim

    Manager of Programs and Development

    Jane Shim holds an AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma in addition to her Master of Arts in Educational Ministries. As a Montessori mother of two, she has served KONIS as teacher and trainer for the past several years at KONIS. After her experience as Visiting teacher to Hand in Hand Christian Montessori, she now serves the Elementary department as Manager of Programs and Curriculum.

  • Aaron Jacobs

    Elementary Montessori Guide / P.E Specialist

    Aaron Jacobs holds a Diploma of Higher Education in Montessori Education. He has served at BCMA and KONIS for 4 years as Elementary Montessori Guide. As P.E. Specialist, Aaron is an avid athlete excelling in sports, regularly enjoying cycling and the gym. Running the marathon multiple times, his next aspiration is to compete in the Iron Man triathlon in Kona, Hawaii.

  • Katie Stone

    Elementary Montessori Guide

    Katie Stone is an experienced Elementary Montessori Guide with a B.A. in Biblical Theology, Intercultural Studies, and Early Childhood Education. She has spent the last several years at our partner school Hand in Hand Christian Montessori in Minnesota, USA where she has also received her MACTE Certificate in Elementary Christian Montessori Education.