FAQ

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  • What is the difference between the Montessori method and traditional education?

    Montessori education emphasizes learning through all five senses. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to motivation, self-discipline and concentration.  Montessori places children into mixed age groups, forming classroom communities in which the older children share their knowledge and mentor the younger children. Montessori provides a wonderfully effective approach to learning and allows children to reach to their academic potential.

  • What is the role of the teacher?

    Montessori teachers create an environment that is both nurturing and challenging, comfortable and stimulating. Through observation and assessment, the teacher plans individualized lessons to enable each child to achieve their goals and continue to expand their knowledge.

  • What if a child doesn’t feel like working?

    Montessori students are expected to complete goals and to work within a framework. Within every society there are cultural norms; expectations for what children should know and be able to achieve by a certain age. Trained Montessori teachers are aware of these standards and give as much support as is necessary to ensure that students meet and exceed them.

  • How much are parents involved?

    As much as possible. A strong connection between family and school is encouraged and, at Foothills Montessori School, there are many opportunities to get involved. Family members are made to feel welcome and children are always proud to see a family member on campus.

  • Are Montessori children successful later in life?

    Research studies demonstrate that Montessori children are well prepared for life, not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as listening attentively, following directions, showing enthusiasm for learning, using basic skills, adapting to new situations and resolving conflicts peacefully.

  • Are Montessori schools religious?

    Foothills Montessori School is independent of any religious affiliation.

  • What special training do your teachers have?

    Each of our head or co-teachers holds a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree, as well as a diploma from an accredited Montessori training program. The traditional Montessori training requires a minimum of one full year of graduate level work for each of the multi-age groupings and stages of development in children, but it typically takes two years to obtain certification.