Fayette Montessori offers several opportunities for Parent Education.
Journey and Discovery- A two day workshop set aside by the school to give parents an opportunity to “journey through’ classrooms” and to “discover” for themselves the wonders of working with Montessori materials.
Monthly Discussion Groups – Different topics concerning parenting and child development.
Book Club Discussions – Parents meet to discuss books which are relevant to child rearing, education, and challenges facing parents and educators in today’s environment.
Primary and Elementary Work nights- Children are able to show their parents what they are working on during thier school day.
Elementary Question and Answer with teachers
Activities for parents to be involved in within the Montessori community
Volunteer chaperones
Attending Parent Education events
Volunteer readers
Help with material making
Assisting with holiday celebrations
Gardening activities
Volunteering for special events
Activities for Families
Parent Student Work Mornings
Fall Festival
Family fun nights on the playground
Family activities scheduled around National Screen Free Week
Gardening activities
Family dance
Parent socials
Parent Handbooks
(click on relevant link below)
ARE ALL MONTESSORI SCHOOLS THE SAME?
Parents desiring to enroll their children in a Montessori School are interested in criteria by which such a school may be evaluated. Of special concern to parents are the qualities which identify an exemplary Montessori school. Since the name Montessori alone cannot be copyrighted, schools may use this name in various ways.
In 1929 Maria Montessori established the AMI organization. Its mission is to ensure that teacher training centers and Montessori schools maintain the exacting standards she established. Dr. Montessori believed strongly that her curriculum should remain intact and exact in its implementation. AMI certification of the school assures parents that the school and the teachers meet the highest standards.
Montessori schools are independent of each other. Even among AMI schools, you may find that leadership, governance or physical space may vary. Some schools may meet minimum standards, while others provide exceptional environments and leadership. Visit the school and ask questions to assess the standards the school has established.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A GOOD MONTESSORI SCHOOL
1. AMI recognition is the highest certification a school can attain. AMI is the only authentic certification for Montessori schools.
2. An Established School with multi-age classrooms. The interaction of the experienced older student with the younger child is crucial to establishing a normalized Montessori community. An established, well reputed program assures parents of stability and consistency in staff, policies, parent satisfaction and community involvement.
3. A school serving a variety of ages ( toddler – elementary) is best to accommodate families over a longer period of time. It also maintains peer groups and minimizes transitions.
4. Observe a class in session and tour the entire school. Authentic Montessori requires spacious, fully equipped classrooms with access to safe outdoor environments and gardens. You should see calm, gracious teachers who are respectful of the child. The children should be engaged in purposeful work exhibiting competence, independence and grace.
WHAT MAKES MONTESSORI EDUCATION UNIQUE?
- Children learn by exploring and discovering concepts with hands-on manipulative equipment.
- Individualized learning allows students to progress at their own pace.
- Logical and creative thinking are developed and problem solving skills encouraged.
- Lessons in grace and courtesy teach respect for self and others. They also promote positive social interactions and development.
- A noncompetitive environment encourages children to learn to work and achieve intrinsic rewards rather external reinforcement or to please others.
The Montessori Method develops the whole personality of the child, not merely his intellectual faculties but also builds initiative and independent choice making. This method help to form the basis of good citizenship.
“My 11 yr old son spent 3 years at Fayette Montessori School. I feel his Montessori education developed confidence and a true fascination with learning. The Montessori materials gave him a far greater understanding of concepts, which have allowed him to excel in all areas especially math.”
“My daughter has been attending FMS for three years. She was very shy and quiet when she started. It is amazing how the Montessori environment has helped her develop socially and academically. She has become a very self confident little girl who loves to learn.”
“My child attended Fayette Montessori School for 5 years in the toddler and primary programs. I believe that through the Montessori experience she developed a true love of learning. She is very inquisitive and always wants to learn more. This desire has followed her through her elementary years and I believe that since we instilled it in her youth, she will maintain this love for life.” “My daughter has been attending FMS for three years. She was very shy and quiet when she started. It is amazing how the Montessori environment has helped her develop socially and academically. She has become a very self confident little girl who loves to learn.”
“My son attended Fayette Montessori for five years. The toddler and primary programs spurred my son to be such a leader and able to handle himself independently. I only wish they could have had the elementary program when he attended because being able to pursue some of his interests and work at his own pace would have been a wonderful, challenging way for him to learn in his elementary years.”
The following people were Montessori educated:
Sergey Brin & Larry Page, Founders of Google
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, former first lady
Anne Frank, famous diarist
Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon.com
Julia Child, famous chef
Gabriel Garcia Marques, Nobel Prize winner for Literature
“I feel that my children really are part of a community. I love that they enjoy learning. Alex was so excited about his two week project, he did it on the first day. He has since moved on to public middle school and has had no transition problems. He is well-behaved and well-adjusted and motivated to complete his homework assignments.”Winnie Stephens, FMS parent of two Elementary students and 1 former Elementary student
“Fayette Montessori has given my daughter the courage and ability to take charge of her work. She is learning to independently manage her time and take responsibility for her own education. My son also attended FMS and has transitioned well into the gifted and advanced courses of high school.”Denise Spinney, FMS parent of Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary student
“I can’t say enough about how lucky I feel that we had access to Fayette Montessori’s elementary school program. My oldest children are now in public middle school and high school, both reaping the rewards of the unique Montessori elementary classroom methodology. Although both are strong students, I feel the most obvious result, what “I feel distinguishes them in school, is the way they approach their peers and teachers in the traditional school setting.. The Montessori experience taught them to relish class participation and to treat all comers with respect. I feel strongly that it has prepared them to become leaders and excellent citizens as they move through the rest of their school life. What more can I ask. Amazing ….and bonus….it absolutely DID NOT require my kids to be constantly tested and home-worked to death.”Chris Bottka, former FMS parent of three
More information coming soon…
Association Montessori International
“A Whole New Mind” by Daniel H. Pink
“Montessori Today” by Paula Polk Lillard