Montessori isn’t just an approach to education; it’s an approach to life. The principles set out in the classroom have the greatest impact on the children when they’re woven into home life.
Because of this, we want our parents to have a deep understanding of Montessori – how it affects their child’s development and how it benefits their children throughout the program and long after it.
Throughout the year, we offer many opportunities for parents and friends to see the magic of Montessori in action – whether it’s classroom observations in our lower levels or luncheons hosted by our Junior High students.
Curriculum Presentations
Parents are invited to take a closer look at their children’s program through curriculum presentations that focus on a particular aspect or element of the curriculum – such as in our Learn Your Level session. As well, parents of children “moving up” to the next level of education – Toddler to Casa, Casa to Elementary – are invited to Moving Up sessions, which detail the changes in curriculum at each new level.
Over the past few years, the Journey to Discovery has been a transformative experience for our parents and friends. An engaging hands-on experience, it presents the spectrum of traditional Montessori work to parents – taking them on an abbreviated version of their child’s Montessori journey from Toddler through Junior High. In November 2016, we introduced a new parent information session: Connecting the Curriculum Dots from Toddler through Junior High, in which parents learned about Dr. Montessori’s Cosmic Education, and how we present the world to our children to help them to understand their place in it.
Classroom Experiences
Classroom observations will increase a parent’s appreciation of the Montessori Method of education and will answer many questions about your child’s day at school. They also enhances the value of parent conferences with the Montessori teacher.
Classroom Visits are available throughout the year, with scheduled observation times at least twice a year, during one Observation Week, as well as Parent/Child classroom visits. Individual class visits can be arranged by appointment with the classroom teachers.
Toddler classrooms are not open for observation because it can be too distracting for them. However, Toddler parents can arrange for an after-school session to work with their child through their child’s teacher. This provides parents with ongoing communication and understanding of their child’s first school experience.
Parent Conferences
In Montessori, each child spends three years with each teaching team, from Toddler through Upper Elementary, so we encourage parents to develop a relationship with the teachers. Conferences are one way for teachers and parents to better understand the progress of each child and the class as a whole.
Conferences are planned at least twice a year and, if necessary, teachers and parents can meet whenever there is a need by making an appointment by calling the Main Office.
Socials and Events
Throughout the year, parents, volunteers and friends of the school are invited to social events such as Upper Elementary Parent Breakfast, and our Volunteer High Tea in April.
