The Day in a Montessori Environment

Our academic programs are challenging and stimulating with a comprehensive curriculum. Recent studies have shown that children retain what they have learned better in a hands-on material environment. 

We create learning environments which engages the child's imagination and love for learning in all the pre-primary and primary grades, the children begin the day with a morning group meeting. During this time they are welcomed with an overview of the day’s announcements, assignments and activities, music and songs, calendar, weather. This is followed by dismissal into the morning work period with special small group or individual lessons that are under the framework of our Montessori curriculum guide. Children are encouraged to fulfill their potential, moving through the academic curriculum at their own pace. 

PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION

Today’s research has shown that the most optimal time of the human brain to take in information and knowledge is from birth to five years. Maria Montessori recognized this earlier in her observations and studies. She felt children were like a “sponges” absorbing their daily experiences. That is why the Montessori method of teaching and prepared environments in the Pre-primary programs is designed with the younger child in mind. With the manipulation of didactic learning materials and the freedom of movement and choice in the classroom, the child is learning independence and developing self-esteem. These are two key factors of education that allows children to reach their highest potential in learning. Montessori saw that the preschool experience in the pre-primary environments provided the foundation for the elementary grades. Children learn lifelong skills of independence, sense of order, ability to concentrate, coordination, and respect for others. They are also a part of a school community where they are able to see appropriate behavior and values modeled for them by older students.

 

PRIMARY EDUCATION

Eight reasons to stay with the Montessori Programs Kindergarten through Fifth Grades

Below are some of the important benefits that our program offers for children ages 5-10.

1. Just as Preschoolers in a Montessori classroom learn from the environment joyfully and independently, older children in a Montessori setting are similarly motivated to learn by their own desire for knowledge.  They are encouraged to examine information critically, accepting only those concepts that are verified by direct experiences. 
2. In our program, strong emphasis is placed on the development of the higher thinking skills of reasoning and creative problem solving.  These are the skills that empower children to live in today’s world.  Passive acquisition of facts and procedures will not give enough flexibility to act effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
3. Based on fundamental respect for the child, the Montessori philosophy supports an environment that promotes self-esteem.  Independent studies have confirmed that the high rate of positive statements promotes better learning in Montessori classrooms.
4. Children in our classroom belong to a peer group that shares a love of learning and supports high educational values.  Moving children through the curriculum at their on rate of learning promotes good classroom work habits among peers.
5. Students who have stayed with our program throughout the elementary grades have established an impressive record of accomplished academic excellence when they have gone on to other schools.  By continuing in a supportive and stimulating learning environment with low student to teacher ratios and abundant opportunities for hands-on experience, they maintain and refine the skills gained in their earlier years and went own to become exceptional achievers.
6. All of our elementary students are challenged to their highest potential in all the areas of the curriculum. We have taken the Academic Content Standards of California and aligned them to our curriculum. This ensures that the Kindergarten - Fifth Grade students are presented with lessons that are on or above grade level. 
7. We have consistently had students score in the upper 90th percentiles in independent academic testing.  Our students move on to do well in public, parochial and other private settings.
8. At all the elementary academic levels, students have more minutes of academic instruction than traditional academic programs.  This allows students to focus on the tasks, maintain good work habits and continue a solid foundation for academic skills.

 

Academic Enrichment Resources

Academic enrichment programs are for our students. Performing arts are provided to develop the child’s imaginative and creative expressions through music and dance. Instrument instruction is offered in the 1-5th grades. The children are taught to play recorders and perform at assemblies.  Through our Art program children are taught the background of the artists, the history and various art periods along with the styles of art. Their work is displayed in art exhibits or bulletin boards at the school. 

In our computer technology program the use of the computer is integrated in the curriculum. The program covers keyboarding, Internet use for research, word processing, and productions of written reports. Children have their own desktop folder. Our Spanish program is taught through weekly lessons that build basic Spanish language skills and vocabulary. It is supported by oral, visual and written activities.  Children also develop an awareness of Spanish culture.  Motor Fitness and Physical Education encourages fitness while developing self-esteem, coordination, motor skills, cooperation and teamwork.

The Writer’s Workshop allows children an avenue for creative thinking with oral and written expressions. They have become the authors and illustrators of published books that reflect their work. The Library provides weekly class instructions on the Dewey Decimal System, literature appreciation, non-fiction research, and the “concepts of print.”

 

EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM

We continue to maintain our standards of excellence in various areas of the school including our Extended Care Program. Our Extended Care Program has planned developmentally appropriate activities scheduled and is adequately staffed for the safety and security of the children. Activities are scheduled with considreation in mind for the all day child.

Rising Star School provides extended care as a service to parents who require safe, consistent care at a time when school is not in session.   We understand that not all parents are able to take days off from work to care for their child(ren) and that finding care for one day  can be difficult for you and hard on the child. This service of care provides continuity in a child’s care. 

NEW STUDENT POLICY

Each child who enrolls in our school is put on a two-week probation period starting from the enrollment date. If your child is having difficulties adjusting emotionally, socially or academically during the first two weeks or after, your child’s teacher and the administrators will meet with you.  At that time, we will reach a mutual agreement in finding a solution to the issues at hand.  If this cannot be achieved, a decision may be determined to terminate enrollment. If no problems arise, your child is evaluated at the end of six weeks at which time the parent and teacher will meet at a scheduled goals setting conference.