Your Child is Our Focus
Our Montessori curriculum is designed to engage children's natural curiosity and promote their independence. Through carefully crafted materials and activities, children develop their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills at their own pace. Our classrooms are thoughtfully prepared to encourage exploration, problem-solving, and a deep sense of wonder.
Our commitment to the holistic development of each child extends beyond the classroom. We value the partnership between home and school, recognizing that parents are their child's first and most influential teachers. We actively involve families in their child's education, providing regular communication, parent workshops, and opportunities to participate in school events and activities.
We provide a safe, spacious, and nurturing environment where children feel valued, respected, and supported. Our children reflect the broad cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity establishing a sense of community at an early age.
Frequently Asked Questions
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01
What is Montessori Education?
Montessori education was introduced more than a century ago. The child-focused approach that Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, developed for educating children has been transforming schools worldwide.
Montessori classrooms are immediately recognizable. You may hear "prepared environment" often. Every material in the classroom has a purpose and is placed in a purposeful sequence. Children work independently, and in small group presentations with a teacher. Children are deeply engaged in their work using the unique Montessori curriculum materials. The Montessori teacher has undertaken training to learn the Montessori educational philosophy and deeply understands the curriculum. the Montessori teacher is prepared to implement both in the classroom.
The Montessori method is a child-focused approach to learning that fosters independence and self-motivated growth in cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.
Learn more about Montessori education at the American Montessori Society website, the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education:
> Benefits of Montessori Education
> Why Choose Montessori?
> Inside the Montessori Classrom
> Montessori Terminology
> History of Montessori
> Montessori Alumni
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02
What is the difference between Montessori and Traditional education?
The Montessori method is child-centered and encourages independent learning. Children choose their activities and work at their own pace implementing freedom of learning and discovery.
Montessori classrooms typically have mixed-age groups and a range of materials and activities that are designed to stimulate children's natural curiosity and help them develop practical life skills, motor skills, and academic knowledge.
Traditional education, on the other hand, has a more structured approach. Children are typically taught in single-age groupings and follow a standardized curriculum that all children are taught at the same time, at the same age. The focus is on developing literacy, math, and social skills through teacher-directed instruction.
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Why multi-age classrooms?
The multi-age or mixed-age grouping is a fundamental aspect of the Montessori method.
The rationale of mixed-age grouping is to create an environment that resembles a family or community, rather than a traditional classroom.
Benefits of the mixed-age approach:
- Leadership and responsibility as the older child is the model to the younger student
- Peer learning through exposure to more mature behavior and learning
- Individualized learning through guided selection of an array of materials
- Collaboration and cooperation among different ages of children
- Continuity and stability of curriculum, teachers, and other students over three years
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04
Is your school and staff affiliated with Montessori?
The Montessori School of Brentwood is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and licensed by the State of California through Community Care Licensing. Our lead teachers are AMS credentialed and all teachers are actively working towards their Montessori credential.
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Are you a religious school?
Our schools are non-sectarian and are not affiliated with any church or religion. Children from various ethnicities and religious beliefs attend our school. We foster an environment of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect. We are responsive to our families' various beliefs, values, and practices.
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How can parents be involved?
All parents are members of our Parent Association. Parents are encouraged to join one (or more!) of the Parent Committees of most significant interest. Each family is responsible for ten (10) hours of work commitment per year per child.
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How do you screen your employees?
All employees, teachers, assistants, administrators, and supporting staff receive a full background check through the FBI and Department of Justice. We do not employ any person with a criminal record.
Montessori Philosophy and Curriculum
Montessori education follows a unique curriculum that promotes children's independence, self-directed learning, and holistic development. Dr. Maria Montessori developed her educational method at the turn of the 20th century. The Montessori method consists of both educational philosophy and early childhood curriculum. The educational philosophy explains the nature and the needs of the child. The detailed and sequential curriculum supports the needs of the child. The key elements of our Montessori philosophy and curriculum follow.
Easy pick up and drop off
Mornings are busy for families. We have a designated drop-off and pick-up procedure. Drive up to the main entrance, and a staff member will hand you a QR code to scan with your digital device for easy check-in and check-outs. The staff then welcomes your child, helps them out of the car, and walks them to the classroom. If you wish to walk your child directly into the classroom, please park in the designated parking area and walk your child to the lobby.
