What is Montessori Education?

Montessori education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician.  She based her educational methods on scientific observation of childrens’ learning processes.  She believed young people learned best when engaged in purposeful activity. Combining sensory rich environments and hands on experiences with manipulatives, she drew upon her clinical understanding of children’s cognitive growth and development in constructing an educational framework that would respect individuality and fulfill the needs of the “whole child”.

How is the Montessori classroom different from the traditional classroom?

Students are provided main lessons and core curriculum instruction on a daily basis.  Lessons are given whole group, small group, and one on one.  Most lessons in the area of math and language are small group or individual to meet the academics needs of the students who are ready to be introduced to a new concept.  In addition, the classroom affords more time for students who need repetition with a material or concept.  In other words, students are working at their own academic/ developmental level towards mastery of a concept before moving on.

The classrooms also offer a choice time based on Dr. Montessori’s design of the “prepared environment” in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities.  This allows the students to spend free time exploring a favorite subject in greater depth.  Students develop a greater sense of independence and responsibility when given choices within their academic day.  This freedom fosters the student’s ability to make decisions that directly affect themselves and to become independent thinkers and workers.  It also supports the child in developing self responsibility by taking ownership of their learning.

What is a Charter School?

A charter school is a public school that has received approval from the State Department of Public Instruction and the local district to teach children using a different approach than the traditional classroom.  The Montessori charter was started by the district to offer parents a choice.

Does your curriculum meet state standards?

Yes, we are a standards based program with an emphasis to use Montessori materials and methodologies to meet these standards.  However, all of our teachers have access to our state adopted curriculum and are able to supplement material if needed.

Along with Montessori, we use district approved assessments and report cards.  Starting in second grade, our students participate in the STAR testing.

What grade levels are served?

 We have four classrooms serving children from kindergarten to third grade.

Are the classrooms separate from the rest of the school?

No, we are not a separate building or wing. Our classrooms are integrated throughout the campus.  We participate in all the activities as the other traditional classrooms such as: library, computer lab, music, physical education, recess, lunchtime, etc.

How large are the classes?

Our classes have the same district guidelines as the other kindergarten through third grade classrooms: 20 children.

What is the cost for my child to attend?

As a California public school, we are tuition-free funded by the State Department of Education.

Do you have credentialed/Montessori trained teachers?

All of our teachers have California teaching credentials and are employed by the Buckeye Union School District.  In addition all of our teachers are Montessori certified.

How do I enroll my child for the Montessori program?

Enrollment takes place on March4th, you may pick up the registration packets from the office on Monday February 25th, 2008.  Please call the front office (676-0164) with any questions. The kindergarten application has a specific box for you to mark for Montessori.  For first through third grade you will need to ask for Montessori placement when you enroll.

The enrollment date for the 2008-09 school year is March 4, 2008.  You may pick up an enrollment packet from the front office.  In addition to the packet, you will also need to provide immunization records, birth certificate, and proof of residency.

Is there a priority of acceptance for the Montessori program?

Our program is housed on the Blue Oak campus but is intended to serve children in the Buckeye School District.  Our focus is to enroll children residing within the Blue Oak boundaries before moving to the district boundaries.  If space allows we do accept children from other districts.

What if I wanted to expose my child to Montessori before kindergarten?

Our campus also houses a Montessori pre school that is operated by the El Dorado County Office of Education.  Children must be three years of age to attend.  There is a fee based on the days of enrollment per week.  Please call the County Office of Education for more information.

530-295-2270