Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montessori just for preschool children?
Maria Montessori based her philosophy and method on observations she made of preschool children in Italy about 100 years ago. The philosophy and method have been used around the world ever since to educate children from infancy through adolescence.
Are Montessori schools religious?
Some are, but Brush Creek is not affiliated with any religious group. The school welcomes students from all cultural and religious backgrounds.
Are children in Montessori classrooms relatively unsupervised and can do whatever they want?
At first glance, the active Montessori classroom may appear chaotic or disorganized. After a brief time, the observer realizes that all students are engaged in a learning activity, either singly or in quiet groups, that teaches, explores, or reinforces a lesson. The head teacher and assistant move around the classroom guiding students in their activities and suggesting further ways to explore the topic of interest. Each child progresses at his/her own pace from one activity to the next until the lesson is mastered.
Is Montessori out of the mainstream?
The Montessori philosophy allows each child to grow and learn at his/her own pace. The path each child chooses may vary, but the result is that each child learns how to and loves to learn. That is the basic goal of every school. Or should be.
Does Montessori encourage creativity?
Following one's own path is one definition of creativity.
How do you know a child is ready to take the next step, either into a Primary classroom or from the Primary classroom to Lower Elementary or Lower Elementary to Upper Elementary?
Children do not move into Primary or from one classroom to the next until the child shows they are ready. Once this occurs, the teachers, parents and Head Of School also confer on readiness. It is not a dishonor if the child does not join or move into a new classroom. The child’s readiness is the first and foremost concern. This is based on individualized instruction that allows the child to learn at his or her own pace. If the child is allowed to lead this transition, the jump into a Primary classroom or from Primary to Lower Elementary or Lower Elementary to Upper Elementary does not present a large jump; in fact when the child is ready it is a very natural move. Materials in classrooms overlap in order to accommodate the child's decision to stay in the security of the familiar classroom, or 'see what's in store' in the new classroom.
Do Montessori classrooms push children too far too fast?
A basic tenant of the Montessori philosophy is "follow the child." The Montessori-certified teacher is trained to be observant and is aware of each child's level of study, interests, and rate of progress. The teacher guides the child through the Montessori educational materials and entices the child to learn more.
Is there childcare available before and after school?
BCMS offers childcare before and after school for parents who need this service. Childcare before school begins at 7:30AM and aftercare ends at 5:30 PM. We offer these hours as a service to our working parents, but cannot offer extended childcare hours beyond this. The staff and administrators have observed over the years that children who stay at school for extended daycare are not only more easily distracted throughout the day, but are generally more fatigued than the children leaving directly after the academic school day.
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