A quality Montessori school can help your child develop confidence, independence, self-discipline, leadership qualities, and a passion for life and learning. However, all schools differ and you might find it difficult to assess whether a particular school is your best possible choice.
Here are some of the most critical aspects of a Montessori program you should consider during your evaluation.
Accredited Teachers
Montessori diplomas are awarded according to four planes of development - birth to six (infancy), six to twelve (childhood), and twelve to eighteen (adolescence). Ensure your child’s teacher is certified for their age level.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Classroom age should span to two three years. This helps minimize competition, encourages cooperation, and provides opportunities for younger students to learn from their older peers.
Open to Scrutiny
A good Montessori school offers an opportunity to observe the teacher, students, and classroom. This is an excellent way to assess how the teacher interacts with students and how the oldest students in the class behave.
Proper Environment & Materials
A well-designed Montessori classroom should foster independent learning, exploration, and socialization. It is ordered, structured, and defined by five distinct curriculum areas. The classroom should be calm, peaceful, well-maintained, and uncluttered.
Low open shelving should be used to display natural materials. The teacher should act as an observer and guide, but the child should be given the freedom to learn lessons based on their interests and needs.
Solid Routines
The school should have a solid routine for morning drop-offs and greetings and for other activities throughout the day.
Teachers should adhere to a regular, uninterrupted work cycle which allows time for the child to choose their work and progress at their own pace. The teacher should also have a set routine for transitioning from the work cycle to the lunch break, outdoor activities, and the end of day.
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If you’re considering a Montessori education for your child, please contact us. You are more than welcome to schedule a tour at Sunset Montessori Community or we can answer any questions you have about our center, programs, and pricing.