Maria Montessori

Preschool

The goal of the preschool is to help each child develop within himself or herself the foundational habits, attitudes, skills appreciations and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of creative learning.

The programmed activities involving the handling, manipulating and working with materials designed around these goals prove to be intensely fascinating and absorbing for the young child.

'One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it,
you have no certainty until you try."

Activities are prepared in the areas of practical life, sensorial, science, geography, mathematics, language, music and art.    Field trips and guest speakers are interspersed throughout the school year to provide additional opportunities for learning.  The preschool program is supplemented by professionally taught classes in music, Spanish and physical education.

The classroom has 23-24 children, ranging in age from three to six.  Each class is led by a Montessori certified directress and an assistant.  To be eligible for the preschool, a child must be three years old on or before October 16 of the year in which they wish to enroll. 

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"Our aim is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core."

Elementary

The Montessori elementary curriculum provides a non-competitive, intellectually and chronologically diverse learning opportunity.  Children are valued for their individuality and special gifts and talents.  Through a culturally enriched curriculum, children take responsibility for exploring the universe and researching those areas of particular interest to them.  The emphasis is on learning, not rote memorization.  There is nothing that cannot be presented to the child if presented to appeal to the child's imagination.

In addition to the regular academic curriculum which includes traditional educational expectations, there is enrichment in music, foreign language, field trips, physical education, guest speakers and library visits.  Art is sponsored by the Parent Support Group.

Children not previously enrolled in Montessori preschool are considered on an individual basis because independence, curiosity and an ability to concentrate are important characteristics to bring to the class.

The Classroom:  Children range in age from 6 to 9.  There is a Montessori certified directress and an assistant with a four year college degree in the elementary classroom.

Pictures

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"To enjoy a lifetime of learning everywhere and throughout one's life, and to develop the skills and tools to make that possible is what Maria Montessori felt education could be."

History

Montessori Day School (MDS), Inc., was established in March 1979 by Cathy Beemer and Liz Mallett.  The goals for the school were to provide a faculty operated school, a well equipped and pleasant learning environment for children, and an enriched Montessori curriculum to meet the needs of children with a wide range of abilities.

The MDS Parent Support Group (PSG) was started in 1982 when the school moved to its present location.  The PSG is very active and supports several enrichment programs for the children and school.

Location:  The school is located in a large home on Weaver Dairy Road next to the Timberlyne Shopping Center just off of Hwy. 86 (Airport Road).  In 1982, the home was customized for students and the Montessori philosophy.

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"It is true we cannot make a genius. We can only give each individual the chance to become an independent, secure and balanced human being."

FAQ's

What is Montessori?
Montessori encompasses a philosophy by which children are allowed to develop naturally and fully, each at his or her own pace. Under the guidance of a certified Montessori Directress, in a specially prepared environment and using carefully formulated materials, children are given the opportunity to learn in the best ways - by choice and by discovery. The dual qualities of independence and a love of learning, natural tendencies for the children are nurtured in such a way that both competence and confidence result. These competent and self-confident young people have the necessary tools for successful future learning and living.  It is not affiliated with any religious institution.

Why should you choose a Montessori education for your child?
Between the ages of two and one-half and four and one-half is when most of your child’s intelligence and social characteristics will be formed. This is also when your child is most receptive, curious and excited about exploring the world around him or her. A Montessori classroom nurtures that excitement and curiosity by offering a variety of materials to stimulate and intrigue your child. The Montessori Directress is trained to recognize when your child is ready to learn a new skill, and to foster his or her natural instincts and abilities. Your child is valued as an independent thinker and encouraged to make choices on his or her own. A Montessori education provides students of all ages with information in a way they can understand and enjoy. Learning is fun, empowering and custom-fit to suit your child’s individual learning style.

What do you have to offer that my child can’t get at more traditional schools?
You will see the minute you walk into one of our classrooms. The materials used to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, science, music and social studies are all unique to the Montessori classroom. Classroom materials developed for our youngest students, for example, take abstract ideas and put them in a concrete form that makes sense to their developing minds. Unlike other schools, your child will also share his or her Montessori classrooms with older and/or younger students. This way, students learn from their peers, and respect their own and each other’s ability to be a teacher as well as a student. Finally, Directresses observe their students, stepping in when they see a child is "stuck" or ready to learn a new skill.

What kind of child attends Montessori?
The Montessori method is an international approach to learning with no distinctions of class, culture or intelligence. This academic expertise coupled with the happy, interested, confident and organized demeanor these children present, singles them out among children who have not had the same educational advantages. Most people develop and use but a small portion of their potential; Montessori children seem brighter because they are exposed to more. Montessori education allows your child to progress towards whatever he can become, as it focuses on the whole child, addressing intellectual, aesthetic, physical, emotional and social needs as well.

How will my child adjust to public schools after a Montessori school?
Whether the child attends another private school or goes on to public school, Montessori education provides an excellent background for traditional education. Studies show that Montessori children adjust well and are generally among the better students. They spend their time more productively because of their self-direction and positive attitudes toward learning.

What is different about Montessori Day School?
No two Montessori schools are exactly alike as each school reflects the unique personalities and styles of the professional Staff. Therefore, each program should be judged individually. Montessori Day School  offers a 100% authentic Montessori program. Our schools are well-equipped, offering your child hundreds of fun and educational activities each day. Our Directresses are certified by a national Montessori affiliation, ensuring hundreds of hours of training and instruction. Because of our high expectations, we have quality and tenured professionals, providing your child with a quality program throughout the year.

If my child is left to choose his own projects, won’t he do the same thing day in and day out, or do nothing at all?
Our Directresses are trained to observe children as they work. When a child has mastered a skill, the Directress will give the child a lesson that is more challenging, giving special attention to the age and interest of each child. And because the environment is so stimulating and exciting, children seldom “do nothing.” There are hundreds of prepared lessons for the child to choose from every day.

I’ve heard Montessori is too individualized and does not allow socialization. Is this true?
While it is true that many of the activities are individualized, this is important so that children can work at their own pace without feeling competitive or frustrated about their own progress. However, there are several activities that do involve group participation. Also, during the day, children participate in circle time together, eat lunch together and play outside together. One of the principles of the Montessori  program is to help your child develop socially so that she can achieve a respect of others and work well together within a group environment.

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