We feel strongly that the two most important qualities we can help your child acquire are a sense of self-confidence and a love of learning. These are achieved by way of a positive, supportive, loving atmosphere and a carefully prepared environment offering the child a wealth of sequential materials that call out to be explored, their hidden secrets discovered, the skills they require mastered and perfected, thus providing a sense of accomplishment and self worth. Our teachers are trained Montessori Directresses who see their roles not as imparting their knowledge but gently directing the children to that activity which will provide the experience to take the next step in their development.
The age range in the classes enables the younger children to learn from the older ones and gives the older children the opportunity to be helpers and teachers. Also, this age spread allows for the individual to proceed at his/her own pace, a slower/younger child can take his time, a quicker/older child can move ahead without an atmosphere of competition or pressure. The Directress keeps records of each child's progress and sees that he/she is continually challenged but not overwhelmed.
Primary Program
The Montessori Primary curriculum of materials includes exercises in daily living ("practical life"), sensorial development, language, mathematics, science, geography, music & movement and art. In each area, materials are available for children at all levels of development.
Research has shown that more than 60% of a child's intellectual and personality development is formed by the age of five. The Primary Program, 3 thru 6 years of age are critical to forming the adult of tomorrow.
Parents are encouraged to allow their child to complete the Primary Program at Montessori School House, including the "Kindergarten" year as a minimum experience of Montessori education, transferring only if the child will be 6 years old by September 1st to enter Public School First grade.
Primary Teacher:
Ms Lynn
Certified Early Childhood Montessori Teacher
AA Degree Early Childhood
Certified Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher
Director of Montessori School House since 1985
Over 30 years in Montessori Education
Ms Lynn will be assisted by qualified staff to maintain the School policy of a ratio 1:8.
Elementary
The Montessori Elementary curriculum offers a Cosmic Education which stimulates the imagination in an intellectual atmosphere. Maria Montessori's Cosmic Education consists of Reading (phonics & comprehension), Creative Writing, Math, Geometry, Botany, Zoology, History, Geography, Research methods, Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer and Human Values.
It is preferable for the child's development that they have at least one year of Montessori Primary Education before entering the Montessori Lower Elementary (6-9 years). However Montessori School House does welcome any child up thru the age of eight into the program and provides for their individual needs. It should also be noted that, attendance in MSH Primary Program does not guarantee admittance into the Elementary Program. Children ages 9-12, MUST have Montessori experience to enter the Upper Elementary Program.
The eight and nine year old curriculum has a critical need for completion once the student has begun the program. Parents are advised against "transferring out" until the child nears his/her 10th birthday. All curriculum is birth, age based rather than a grade level system.
Our Philosophy for the Elementary Programs at Montessori School House provides balance between academics and non-academics and between written and other forms of follow-up activities in academic areas: works toward developing a positive self-image of the children and inspiring the child to do not only the minimum, but also their best.
Elementary Teachers:
Ms Cami
Lead Teacher
University of Southern California BS
Montessori Teachers College San Diego
AMS Lower Elementary 6-9
AMS Upper Elementary 9-12
Philosophy of the Elementary Program
1. The total child must always be considered: home environment, school environment, body, mind, spirits, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, academically, spiritually and in whatever other ways we might refer to the total life of the child. The spirit/psyche of the child in all its aspects is our first priority.
2. We have chosen to be a Montessori School rather than a traditional school. Therefore, our classes will be run as Montessori classes rather than as traditional classes.
3. We choose to be a more academically-oriented Montessori school, within the framework of what constitutes "Montessori". However, we will never sacrifice a child's spirit for acquisition of academic ability.
4. We recognize that all human beings need to have a positive self-image and affirmation, and that children, especially, often need reassurance that "I am lovable and O.K."
5. The school has a minimum number of rules established for the safety and security of all. Additional rules which may need to be set up in classrooms and which may pertain to classroom routine will be kept to a minimum, as excessive rules lead to dependence, not independence. Children need to learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways.
6. Children need to be taught to be assertive, to express their disapproval in a socially acceptable way, and they need to be listened to in an atmosphere in which they feel safe in expressing dissenting view points.
7. Teachers encourage and inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also their best. Teachers do not coerce or attempt to break a child's spirit.
8. All levels of learning (Bloom's Taxonomy) will be considered. Written reports and other written assignments are essential, but not the only products of learning.
9. Basic facts in arthimetic will be presented, practiced, and given due attention in class, testing in various forms and without stress will be given. Ultimate accountability will occur at the beginning of 9 years of age. Parents may be asked to work on Basic Facts at home.
10. We will teach accountability gradually and in small doses at first, beginning with Lower Elementary, age 6 and continuing on through the completion of Lower Elementary as the child is near his/her 10th birthday. Children will be taught what it means as well as what their responsibilities are.
11. Parents will be informed of any negative and harmful behavior of their child towards others-children or adults-and will be expected to cooperate in eliminating that behavior within a definite period of time. Parents' input on the method of solving the problem will be solicited. If the behavior isn't changed within that definite period, the child will be asked to leave the school.
12. Parents will be informed when children seem to be developing a pattern of not completing assignments. Parents will be asked what they want to do about this problem. They will be informed about several possibilities regarding changing this problem area, and then they will be asked to discuss the situation with the child at home. Parents will be asked to state their preference for dealing with the problem in writing. The parents' wishes may not interfere with classroom policy (i.e. we will not withhold school classes/activities). The teacher and the Director will review the parents' wishes. Parents, child, and teacher will then put the agreed upon plan into action at home and at school.
Children's Work
All new students receive a School Bag provided by MSH. Continuing students may purchase a new bag the following term if needed. Please send the school bag to school the first of each week. Teachers will send any finished paperwork home in the bags at the end of each week. Other forms of bags or backpacks are not allowed.
Your child's work is a source of accomplishment and pride. Help your child attach importance to his/her work by checking and discussing it with him/her during a quiet time later in the evening. Please also remember that younger children quite often will not produce a large amount of "paper work". A great amount of "manipulative work" is done during the day.
Elementary students will bring home an assignment sheet weekly. This is an excellent form of accountability for parent's attention.
Summer Session 2008
For more information on our annual summer session, please .
