Montessori Overview

 In the early 1900s, Dr. Maria Montessori researched and created a comprehensive educational model based on extensive scientific observation of how children learn. Her educational model, used world-wide today, follows Dr. Montessori’s premise that children benefit from a natural learning process. The Montessori model includes key traits that characterize this philosophy:

• Multi-disciplinary, integrated curriculum including language, mathematics, geography, history, writing, sciences, and cultural arts
• Active “hands-on” lessons with specialized materials
• Emphasis in teaching respect and courtesy within a peaceful learning environment
• Self-paced individualized learning
• Multi-age classrooms
• Parents as equal partners in education

Montessori instructional materials are designed to spark the imagination and engage the intellect. They invite each child to explore, discover, and develop a deep understanding of all subjects when used in individual, small group, and whole group instruction. Working closely with each child, independently or in small groups, the teacher builds on the child’s strengths and assists him/her to strengthen their weaknesses. This ensures that his/her academic potential is reached.

This classroom environment fosters creativity, independence, self-esteem, and a love of learning.  Organizational, research, and communication skills also are developed. These valuable life skills ensure that the students are well-rounded individuals who become life-long learners. The Montessori classes are multi-age, with instructional assistants supporting the implementation of the rigorous curriculum.

Montessori Elementary Entrance Procedures

Incoming first grade students:

                
Montessori Elementary Program Interest Cards may be filled out only if the student is currently enrolled in a kindergarten program and currently of kindergarten age. Interest Cards of students that do not meet the above criteria cannot be accepted.

Interest Cards for grade and age appropriate students may be submitted to the Springbrook Office during the months of January and February. On the first Friday in March, students will be chosen via a lottery process to participate in an on-site evaluation. From this evaluation, selected students will be offered placement in the first grade program.

Students offered placement in the Montessori Program must either accept or decline upon receipt of the offer. Paperwork for all acceptances will be processed through the Springbrook Office. If placement is declined, that applicant will be eliminated from that year’s lottery compiled list, but parents have the option to complete another Interest Card in future years.

Alternates: Additionally, a list of a small number of evaluated and accepted students, “alternates”, will be maintained. These students will be offered first choice in the event of any subsequent openings. If all “alternates” are called and have been placed or declined, the wait-list as determined by that year’s lottery, will be utilized to fill such openings.

Students that have been evaluated, but have not been accepted have the option of becoming part of that year’s wait-list, but will be added to the end of the list of all students that have not yet been evaluated.

2nd – 6th grade applicants:

                           Grade level waiting lists are created using the same lottery process described above.

General Selection Policy

All classes will reflect the Montessori elementary philosophy of multiage classes. The Montessori program will strive to maintain heterogeneously mixed classes, based on gender and ability, in order to provide children with enhanced learning opportunities. All students will be evaluated on an annual basis for continued enrollment in the Montessori elementary program.

Specific Selection Criteria

All students must demonstrate the ability to function well both socially and emotionally in a Montessori multi-grade classroom. The student’s parents must submit the following documents to Springbrook Elementary within two weeks upon request by Springbrook.

• Current progress report (*with literacy level noted for incoming 1st grade students)
• Confidential Recommendation Form (completed and signed by the student’s current teacher)
• Letter to the Montessori Parent Support Committee  (with the parents’ address, telephone number, e-mail address, and permission to use such information for Montessori Parent Support Committee fundraising and volunteer efforts)

Upon receipt of the above requested information, and based on student placement as a result of the lottery process and/or position on the wait-list, the student may be scheduled for an in-class visitation in a Montessori elementary class. These visitations will begin in March and may continue through May. Parents will receive written confirmation of their child’s status by June.

PARENT COMMITMENTS

An effective Montessori program requires a significant parent commitment to become informed and participate fully in both the Springbrook Elementary School and the Montessori Elementary Program. Parents shall:

• Provide on-time transportation for their children to and from Springbrook, in order to ensure continued enrollment in the Springbrook Montessori Elementary Program
• Encourage and support their children in their schoolwork
• Give their enthusiastic support to the implementation of recognized Montessori practices such as:
  • Students remaining with one teacher for two to three years, in a multi-grade classroom
  • Students fulfilling district, state, and national requirements through use of Montessori elementary materials
• Give their full support to Springbrook PTA and projects and activities of both the Montessori Elementary Program and Springbrook Elementary School
• Give their full support to the fund raising activities of both the Montessori Elementary Program and Springbrook Elementary School