Montessori East N A S H V I L L E Frequently Asked Questions: How can children learn when they are allowed to move around the classroom and are allowed to pick what they want to do? Our specially prepared environment encourages self discipline, self-directed learning. Children are guided to choose their own work or join in another child’s work (if that child is willing). In other words, our environment, the structure of our day and our methods set your child up for lasting success. Is Montessori a type of religious school? No. But certain universal principals normally associated with spirituality such as respect for self and others, kindness, and teaching peaceful problem-solving skills (between children) are important aspects of Montessori. We also stop for a moment of gratitude before eating. Why is a year-long agreement necessary? Attending Montessori East for at least one full school year highly benefits your child’s learning process, allows them time to fully bloom into their empowerment in the classroom, and allows your child to get the most out of their Montessori education. It also helps us provide you the highest quality education and care possible as we know which children and how many to plan for. Please keep in my mind we have the best interest of your child and family at heart. In the instance where a major family change takes place, such as a move out of the area or an extended period of unemployment, we will work with you to modify your agreement. Does my child have to be potty trained before starting? A child starting at Montessori East needs to be familiar with the potty training process and attend in underpants. We will assist your child in remembering to “give it a try”. Accidents happen but it is often amazing how seeing the other children getting themselves to the potty chair inspires a young child to want to do the same. How does the multi-age classroom benefit my child? The teacher personally gives each child the lessons they are ready to do. Keeping in mind that the work is self-correcting and designed to hold a child’s interest, the child is allowed to work on his own or with other children exploring deeper and deeper knowledge that the “work” reveals. When the children tutor one another, they learn how to teach, learn leadership skills and acquire a greater understanding of the lesson they are teaching. The older children also receive individual instruction. The whole outcome is a sense of belonging, community and empowerment for all. Are the children encouraged to be creative? Art is always available in the classroom and music is part of the daily experience. If a child has spent an immense amount of time on any one type of activity, the teacher entices/guides that child toward another sort of work next time. How do I know and how does the teacher know where my child is in the learning process if there are no tests? At Montessori East our lead teacher keeps a daily log of which work each child has mastered. Parent-teacher conferences are held during the school year. A parent is also always welcome to make a parent-teacher appointment to discuss their child’s progress. Your child’s process is monitored and recorded daily without the stress of traditional testing methods. Why is Montessori more expensive? How is it worth the tuition? Montessori schools tend to be higher priced than traditional education because of the additional cost associated with highly trained and qualified Teachers and the cost of Montessori teaching materials which are designed specifically to be used in the Montessori Method. Although Montessori East’s quality is commensurate (or out-performs) Montessori schools priced much higher, the tuition at Montessori East is purposely very competitive with other Montessori Schools in the middle Tennessee area. We maintain a lower tuition to make it available to as many families as we can. Considering that we instill lasting self-confidence, self-reliance and a lifelong love of learning in your child, Montessori East is extremely well-priced. What kind of “specials” are included? (PE, Music, Art, etc?) At Montessori East we feel physical education, music, and art are not separate from a high quality education, but part of it. We take a holistic view of education and our curriculum is designed to educate the whole child. We integrate physical education, music and art into your child’s education. How are Gifted and Special Needs addressed? At Montessori East, we feel strongly that all children have their own special needs and we address those needs daily. There is not one single child we’ve encountered that is average in all areas. Wherever your child is in the learning/development process is the building point on which the next knowledge and skills are explored and developed. This is true every step of the way, in every subject area and in every child. Regardless of personal learning differences, this is a place where your child can thrive to the fullest. Are Montessori Schools much different from one another? The quality of education your child may receive at one Montessori school may differ vastly from the quality at another school claiming to be a Montessori School. Unfortunately, any school can claim to be a Montessori school; there is no law mandating you must actually apply the Montessori Method, in whole or in part, or have the necessary highly-trained accredited teachers. Montessori is an intricate teaching method designed to make a child’s learning easy, its teachers must be highly trained and all of the Method applied in order to achieve the value of a Montessori education. Fortunately, you have found a wonderful Montessori school that conscientiously adheres to all of the Montessori Method (this is KEY), has highly accredited teaching staff, and is 100% committed to the very best experience possible for you and your child. Welcome!