What are the primary goals of Montessori education?

The primary goals of Montessori education are to:

• create a culture of consistency, order, and empowerment
• provide learning opportunities for absorbent minds during the sensitive periods of learning
• focus on the whole child
• develop self motivation, creativity, and self-discipline
• maintain a sense of curiosity
• nurture a love of learning

What is different about a Montessori classroom?

Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared environments designed to facilitate the development of the whole child. The Montessori classrooms are child centered (the domain of the child, not the domain of the teacher or other adults).

Class begins each day with a three hour uninterrupted work time. Children move freely within the classroom, selecting work that captures their interest. Children normally go about their work calmly and purposefully.

Why do Montessori schools group children in specific age groups?

Maria Montessori identified four stages of development with each stage having its own developmental characteristics and challenges. Montessori classes are grouped to address these developmental stages. Students remain in a classroom for two or three years; therefore, approximately two thirds of the students return to the same classroom each year.

The mixed age groups enable each child to learn at his/her own pace. Children gifted in a specific area can move ahead, and if they need more time to learn another skill, they are not stigmatized. Younger children benefit from the stimulation and example of older children. Older children benefit from serving as role models. Mixed age groups develop a strong sense of community, and teachers really get to know each student.

What is the size of typical Montessori classroom?

Montessori classrooms are typically 25-30 students covering a three year age span. This number allows the class to contain a representative group of each developmental stage.

What is the role of the teacher in a Montessori school?

Montessori teachers are facilitators of student learning. They prepare and maintain the physical, intellectual, and social/emotional environment in which the children work. Montessori teachers present lessons in small groups. Lessons are brief, clear, and intriguing to spark children's interest so that they will come back on their own to work with the learning materials.

Montessori teachers carefully monitor the work of each student's progress. Because teachers typically work with students for two or three years, teachers get to know each student's strengths, weaknesses, interests, and personalities. Teachers use children's interests to enrich the curriculum and to provide alternate avenues for accomplishment and success.

What do Montessori schools mean by the term "normalization"?

Normalization describes the process during which children learn to focus their intelligence, concentrate their energies for long periods of time, and take satisfaction from their work.

Is Montessori right for all children?

No one school or program is right for all children. Montessori has been successfully used with all types of children from all socioeconomic levels, with regular, gifted, and special needs students. However, some students may be better in a more teacher directed setting that offers fewer choices and more external structure.

Does Montessori give homework?

Most Montessori teachers do not assign homework in the Children's House (ages 3-6). Homework in elementary classrooms (ages 6-9 and 9-12) is usually designed to expand on topics that students are pursuing in class.

How do Montessori students do when they move on to middle and high school?

Studies have shown that Montessori students do very well when they move to a traditional middle or high school. Students have developed critical thinking and independent learning skills which serve them well in the traditional classroom.

Does the Chippewa Valley Montessori School accept special education students?

The Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School accepts all students on a first-come-first-serve basis. The school does not discriminate based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation, parenting status, or special education needs in its student or staff policies (including admission and hiring procedures).

Can I visit the Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School?

To visit the school and experience its unique learning environment, contact the Charter School main office to schedule a tour. Tours can be scheduled 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday.

Are students at the Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School required to participate in state and national required standardized testing?

Yes, the school is a public school, and its students take all mandated tests.

Is before and after school childcare available at the Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School?

Yes, childcare is available before and after school. The care is provided by the Eau Claire YMCA.

What are the 10 Most Important Things to Know about the Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School?

The Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School:

1. Develops self-direction, self-control, self-discipline, and problem solving skills in each student
2. Employs teacher's who are certified or are completing certifications from BOTH the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and an accredited Montessori college or university
3. Provides Montessori training to ALL support staff
4. Provides Montessori instruction in multi-age, multi-grade classrooms that allow younger children to benefit from example and older children to be role models (Children's House ages 3-6, Elementary I ages 6-9, Elementary II ages 9-12)
5. Uses an approved Montessori curriculum and authentic Montessori materials that promote active learning
6. Provides a carefully prepared learning environment in fully equipped Montessori classrooms at each level placing the focus on the child and not the teacher
7. Provides access to before and after school childcare for all students
8. Is centrally located at 400 Cameron Street in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
9. Is authorized, or chartered, through a contract with the Eau Claire Area School District Board of Education
10. Is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation

How can I learn more about or contribute to the Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School?

Contact the Charter School main office to learn more.

The answers above are taken from material summarized from articles appearing in Montessori Life Magazine.