Montessori Questions
A: Montessori schools tend to focus on preschool and lower elementary school because ages 0-6 are known as the most influential ages for development, but the Montessori educational method can organize programs for students up through high school.
A: Take a look at our comparison table to find out.
A: Yes; Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than sole memorization of the curriculum.
A: Of course – students have many options, and are empowered to do what interests them most. The children have free choice to decide what work they will complete throughout the day. Their time is spent on purposeful and unique lessons.
A: The distinctive arrangement of a Montessori classroom mirrors the Montessori method’s differences from traditional education. Rather than putting the teacher at the focal point of the class, the classroom shows a child-centered approach. Children work at tables or on floor mats where they can spread out their materials, and the teacher circulates about the room, giving lessons or resolving issues as they arise.
A: Maria Montessori called her first school in Rome the “Casa dei Bambini”, or the Children’s House. Everything was designed for 3-6 year olds, with child-size furniture and materials. To this day, Montessori Primary classrooms around the world are referred to as Children’s House classrooms.
A: Montessori children are free to choose within their provided curriculum options and have only as much freedom as they can responsibly handle. The classroom teacher and assistant ensure that children do not interfere with each other’s learning and that each child is progressing at their own appropriate pace in all subjects.
A: Montessori education is experiential and hands-on; children work with specially designed materials in the classroom before learning abstract pencil-and-paper methods. As students grow into the upper elementary and middle school years, written resources make more appearances. Students are encouraged to do their own research rather than relying on a textbook’s descriptions. Students may be asked to complete components of some class projects at home. Middle school students do have homework such as math problems, writing and reading assignments, and research papers but it’s considered important not to over-schedule a child’s time and to leave plenty of time for free play. Though many “fun” activities are considered to be appropriate homework. These include reading, gardening, music lessons, hiking, journaling, or playing a sport.
A: No – students are educated without reference to religious denomination. As a result classrooms are extremely diverse, with representation from all cultures and religions.
A: Increasingly, the modern world favors creative thinkers who combine personal initiative with strong collaborative skills: exactly the characteristics which Montessori education nurtures. Adults who attended Montessori schools have spoken of their childhood experiences with the Montessori method saying it gave them not only the ability to work cooperatively in existing settings, but also the skills of confidence, creativity, and communication needed to make innovative and ground-breaking changes.
A: Montessori classrooms emphasize competition with oneself: self-monitoring, self-correction, and a variety of other executive skills aimed at continuous self-improvement. Students typically become comfortable with their strengths and learn how to address their weaknesses. In older classes, students commonly participate in competitive activities in which students give their best performances while simultaneously encouraging peers to do the same.
BCMA/Charter School Questions
A. We provide bus transportation for students to and from BCMA via hub-style stops throughout Battle Creek
A. Battle Creek Montessori Academy offers grades Pre-K through 8th.
A: Battle Creek Montessori Academy is a public school, and is open to all students who would like to attend.
A: Battle Creek Montessori Academy is a tuition-free public school.
A: Parents or legal guardians are invited to submit an application for student enrollment at Battle Creek Montessori Academy. All forms must be submitted in person. Students will be accepted and assigned to classes on a first come, first served basis. If a particular grade is full, students will participate in a lottery process at the end of the official enrollment period or will be placed on a waiting list in the order enrollment applications are received.
A: Any student eligible to attend public schools in Michigan is eligible to enroll at the Academy. To enroll in Kindergarten, your child must be at least five years of age on November 1st of the school year of enrollment. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate against any student on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, gender, or disability. Charter schools are public schools and all children are encouraged to attend one of our Academies.
A: Charter schools extend the privilege of choice to all families. They provide options for parents and students in pursuing their ideal educational experience. Charter schools are open to all children free of charge who are eligible to attend traditional public schools in the state of Michigan. Charter schools are governed by a local Board of Directors and are required to meet and often exceed the standards of its Authorizer and the State Board of Education
A: Charter schools are governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Academy’s Authorizer. Bylaws of the Board of Directors outline its role and responsibilities. Some charter schools employ an education service provider/management company to provide executive leadership and management services. Other charter schools choose to go it alone with the Board and Academy Director.
A: Children attending charter schools benefit from small class sizes, high academic standards, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Charter schools are organized by a founding group that is passionate about the basic tenets of the curriculum. Enthusiasm for the school is contagious. Board members, staff members, parents, students, and community members are attracted to the charter school because their interests coincide with the charter school’s educational program and special themes.
Charter schools have to be responsive to parents’ concerns because they operate in a free market. Parents literally make the choice to send their children to the magnet or theme school. Parents also typically transport their children to school, which means that parents have a stronger connection and more active communications with the faculty and staff.