Families who are interested and active in their child's education
share many traits. Often, they pose common questions to our
faculty. This page will attempt to answer some of these common
inquiries:

Why must my child wear a school uniform?
Employing a school uniform is not a normal aspect of the Montessori method, but it is a
Jane's Montessori Academy staple. One of the goals of the academy is to prepare its
students for the future. As your child enters other academic institutions, there may be
restrictions on dress which they will be prepared for upon graduation from the academy.
Additionally, students learn to take pride in their own appearance. Finally, the uniform aids
learning in the classroom by creating a sense of community. As such, an added bonus has
been that new students are accepted immediately by established students as one of their
own because they all wear the Jane's Montessori Academy crest on their chest.
What is the difference between the three classrooms
The Children's House is comparable to a preschool and Kindergarten classroom in
traditional child care. The Young Children's House is comparable to a toddler classroom.
Finally, The Nest is comparable to an infant room.
The difference in the three classrooms is age. The Nest consists of children 6 weeks to 18
months. The Young Children's house consists of children 18 months to fully toileting, while
the Children's House consists of children who are 2 1/2 (provided they are fully toileting) to
6.
Being fully toileting means the students are able to recognize the need to go to the
restroom, are able to leave their work to go to the restroom by themselves, are able to pull
down their own pants and seat themselves on the toilet by themselves (our toilets are child
sized and we do have step stools), can wipe themselves with toilet paper, pull up their
pants and flush the toilet. Failure to complete any of these steps means the students are not
toileting themselves.
Of course we make allowances for accidents, but these should be rare. Additionally, we
do provide resources on toileting the Montessori way if you are interested.
How "Montessori" is Jane's Montessori Academy?
This is a very common question from parents who are researching the Montessori method
as well as traditional education opportunities for their children. There is no central
governing Montessori body, therefore anyone can use the Montessori label to describe
themselves, regardless of how closely they follow the method. Jane's Montessori
Academy is certified through United Montessori Association and we consider ourselves to
be strict adherents to the Montessori method.
Does Jane's Montessori Academy screen prospective students?
No. We understand that some schools screen prospective students to see if they are a
good fit, but we truly believe that the Montessori method is right for all children, even if
some families have difficulty wrapping their arms around the method given their familiarity
with traditional education. It is the only scientifically studied method of education and it is
how children learn. Therefore, we operate on a first come, first serve basis. We have
found that as long as families are willing partners with us, we will be able to educate any
child.
Why does the academy have school breaks?
Jane's Montessori Academy is a school as opposed to a daycare. We do have academic
breaks, but child care is offered for most of these breaks.
Does the academy have field trips?
Every month, we provide an opportunity for students, faculty and families to get together
either at the academy or off campus. We never take field trips during the school day as it
disrupts the routine which is so critical to learning at this age.
How does the academy address discipline?
Discipline problems will be addressed by use of the Montessori Method, which in time will
lead to students making disciplined decisions for themselves. Each child reaches this state
in his or her own time, and will be supported throughout his or her journey. Positive
approaches will used including redirection, complimenting good behavior, ignoring negative
behavior that does not harm another, and showing students what proper behavior looks
like. Problems that harm another child physically (for example, biting, hitting, or pushing) or
emotionally (such as harassment) will be addressed by redirection and removing the child
from the situation, as well as trying to discover the root problem of the behavior. A parent
conference will be necessary so parents can address these behaviors at home. If the
behavior continues, the student may be removed from school until the behavior
discontinues. We do not use any form of punishment, such as time-outs, but rather allow
the students a chance to make proper choices.
How will I know if my child is making progress?
Family involvement is a key element of any child's education. As such, we strive to have
constant communication with families. Daily reports are sent home with students so
parents are aware of their child's activities. Additionally, detailed quarterly progress
reports are sent home and quarterly parent-teacher conferences are scheduled so families
can better understand how their child is progressing academically and socially.
Additionally, parents are more than welcome to observe class through our one-way
mirrors at any time, scheduled or unscheduled.
My child is primarily interested in science. How will you make sure they visit all
of the learning centers?
It is completely natural for students to have a favorite subject or two. When students first
enter the academy, there is a period of acclimation which the teachers will use to observe
and learn about their likes, dislikes and personalities in general. As students get through
their period of acclimation, their curiosity will naturally lead them into other areas of the
classroom. However, if they remain reticent to venture into other areas, the teachers will
use their knowledge of the individual student to entice them into another area.
For example, if the student is primarily interested dinosaurs, and never ventures into the
mathematics or language sections, the teachers may use dinosaur bones for counting and
other math applications, or various dinosaur names for reading.
At various times in a student's development, which is different for every individual, they go
through "explosions" for a particular subject such as mathematics or language. At that time
they may not be interested in other subject matter. While we try to encourage students to
visit other areas, we will never force a child to work in an area in which they are not
currently interested. Forcing students results in an aversion to schooling, which is the
opposite of our goal to foster a lifelong love of learning.
Can my child stay at the academy for Kindergarten?
Yes. We do have a certified Kindergarten teacher on our faculty. She will work with
families of students in their Kindergarten year to make sure they are progressing in
accordance with state standards. In addition she will work with students who are in their
final year of preschool to make sure they are ready for Kindergarten, whether they remain
at the academy or choose another option for their Kindergarten year. Finally, students who
have been enrolled at the academy may be able to stay through their third grade year. As
we do with every student, we will work with individual families to determine the best
course.
"One test of the
correctness of
educational
procedure is the
happiness of the
child."
~Dr. Maria Montessori
"Our aim is not only to make the child understand, and still less to
force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse
him to his innermost core."
~ Dr. Maria Montessori
Jane's Montessori Academy Frequently Asked Questions
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