Our Mission Statement...
"It is the goal of Garden of Discovery Montessori School, Inc., to assist the child in his or her journey toward an adulthood incorporating self respect, love of learning, creativity, social and personal responsibility.
It is our further aim to support the child with the life long ability to independently and cooperatively solve problems by using academic and social skills learned in the most formative years.
We strongly emphasize the importance of the family in the child's development and seek to create a partnership with the parents."
Q: Why should I send my child to preschool?
A: Most educators and psychologists today agree that the single most important period in the development of a person's intelligence occurs between birth and age five. A child's mind is extremely absorbent and his curiosity is at peak during these early years. When properly nourished and stimulated, the child's mind forms patterns for learning that serve him well throughout his life. The Montessori system of preschool education has proven to be one of the most effective and fastest growing methods to guide a child through these critical years.
Q: How is a Montessori preschool different from other preschool?
A: In most preschools the children are taught educational concepts in a group by a teacher. In a Montessori preschool the children learn concepts spontaneously as they work independently with the many materials in the environment.
Q:With all the freedom, isn't there confusion?
A: The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he does not disturb others. Actually, the children having the freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved in their work.
Q: What is the best age to start a child?
A: Maria Montessori outlined various periods of "sensitivity". During these times, a child is more capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. Ate age 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 a special sense of order, concentration, coordination and independence begin to emerge. This time is ideal to begin a child's training in Montessori as he is at the perfect period to build a strong foundation for future learning.
Q: How do Montessori children adjust to public schools?
A: Children who have been in a Montessori environment are generally very flexible and adjust quite easily to the public school situation. They are generally better students and spend their time in more productive ways because of their self-direction and positive attitude toward learning.
Q: Why is the Montessori experience for five days?
A: The Montessori classroom experience is for five consecutive days in order to allow the spontaneous learning of the child to flow smoothly. A child taken in and out of school every other day does not have the same opportunity to pursue his unfolding interests.
Q: Who is the Montessori Method designed for?
A: The Montessori Method is an "approach to learning" and as such has no distinction of class or intelligence. It has been used successfully in all parts of the world and in all types of programs, i.e., Headstart, gifted children, mentally retarded, average children, etc.
Q: Isn't Montessori expensive?
A: Tuition in Montessori schools is sometimes higher because of the extensive materials, encompassing environment, curriculum and trained staff. To give your child the finest possible experience in his most sensitive years is to give him a strong foundation throughout his life. Many educators believe that it is wiser to invest in a child's preschool education than his college education. The child who enjoys learning and becomes self-directed at the critical preschool age will benefit through all his years of learning. The expense now is a profitable long-term investment!
Q: How long is the school year?
A: The regular program begins in early September and continues through May. A special summer session (a separate tuition) runs for eight weeks during each summer.
Q: Does Montessori employ current research and theory in educational methods?
A: Montessori is not a static or closed system of education. While there are certain materials and methods that have been proven effective through the years, Montessori is as much an attitude about education and children as it is a specific method.
Provided by Mrs. Lilian Bryan (AMI Consultant and teacher's trainer)
