What is Montessori and why Country Montessori School for my family?

The Montessori Method refers to a child-centered philosophy of education developed by the Italian anthropologist and physician, Dr. Maria Montessori. It is not affiliated with any religious or political organization. Country Montessori provides an authentic Montessori education based on Dr. Montessori’s principles and the standards set forth by the American Montessori Society. Encouraging a child’s innate desire to learn, providing a prepared child-friendly learning environment, and supporting children’s need to work at their own pace remain the foundation of the program. In addition, our children learn in mixed-age classrooms under the guidance of Montessori-credentialed Directresses. Learning is emphasized through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Country Montessori is dedicated to the emotional, academic, spiritual, social, and physical development of the child.(BACK TO TOP)

What is meant by “spiritual” development of the child?

Inner peace and calm are essential to a child’s readiness to learn and their ability to concentrate. Country Montessori is a secular school and spiritual development of a child starts in the classroom where materials are carefully organized on shelves according to a curriculum sequence and with a Montessori-trained faculty. Grace and courtesy, essential elements of a Montessori classroom, are emphasized and modeled by the adults. Maria Montessori’s first classroom, opened in 1907, was named Casa dei Bambini, or Children’s House, because she believed the classroom belongs to the children where they work and learn in a secure, safe, and supportive environment. (BACK TO TOP)

What is the size of the CMS classrooms and the student-teacher ratio?

This fall, Country Montessori has 4 Primary or Early Childhood classrooms (ages 2.9-6) with 24 to 36 children and 2 Directresses. A Classroom Assistant is in the larger classrooms. Our Lower Elementary classroom (ages 6-9) has 45 children with 3 Directresses, a Classroom Assistant and a Reading Teacher. There are 20 students in our Upper Elementary classroom (ages 9-12) with a Lead Directress and an Assistant Teacher. The child-adult ratio is approximately 12:1, slightly lower for our elementary programs. (Country Montessori meets state licensing regulations for children five and under with an adult-child ratio of 2:1.) (BACK TO TOP)

What special training do the Montessori teachers have at Country Montessori School?

Teachers, also known as Directresses or Guides, receive their Montessori teaching credential from a MACTE (Montessori Accredited Center of Teaching Education) organization such as AMS (American Montessori Society) or AMI (American Montessori Internationale.)
Montessori Directresses study a rigorous curriculum of child development and Montessori philosophy as well as specific uses of the Montessori classroom materials. AMS Montessori credentialing requires a 9-month practicum and a series of written and oral exams. A Montessori-credentialed Directress is trained to recognize a child's readiness according to age, ability, and interest in a specific lesson, and is prepared to guide individual progress. All lead Directresses at Country Montessori School are Montessori-credentialed for the programs they teach. Some of our Directresses and Classroom Assistants are in-training and completing their practicum under the guidance of an experienced Directress. All elementary teachers must have a minimum college education of a Bachelor’s degree. (BACK TO TOP)

What is the role of the Classroom Assistant?

Each CMS classroom has one assistant who supports the directress(es) and children. CMS Classroom Assistants are viewed as an extension of the teaching team. In addition to providing classroom management, CMS assistants observe, help and prepare the classroom. If the assistant is in her practicum year of earning her Montessori credential, she will give children lessons under the guidance and observation of a lead directress. Otherwise, assistants do not give children lessons. Their responsibility is to ensure the classroom is a child-friendly, prepared environment. (BACK TO TOP)

How well do children from Country Montessori School transition to new schools?

Exceedingly well! Guidance counselors and admissions officers from the area's most demanding private and public schools consistently report that our students excel in their new environments because of their knowledge base, their poise and confidence, and their eagerness to learn. We have a reputation for working with children to help them become "confident achievers." But in a larger sense, Country Montessori is better measured by the characteristics our graduates have in common: a lifelong love of learning, self-confidence, honed problem-solving ability, and a strong social conscience. (BACK TO TOP)

How do I get information on my child’s progress?

Country Montessori believes that in order for a child to develop emotionally, spiritually, socially, and academically in the Montessori classroom, there must be a strong parent-school partnership. The foundation of this partnership is open, honest communication and trust. There are two formal parent-directress conferences during the year along with two written progress reports. Informal communication is encouraged and occurs through written notes, phone calls, and one-on-one meetings. Inform your child’s directresses about your preferred method of informal communication including type and timing. It is very important for parents to communicate with their child’s directress(es) if there’s been a change in the home that is significant to the child. A separation or divorce, a death in the family, a residential move, and a pet’s death are examples of life events that can be difficult for children to cope with. When important information about your child is shared with their directresses, they are able to respond and support your child appropriately. (BACK TO TOP)

Why aren’t there grades in a Montessori school?

Children in a Montessori environment work without competition and coercion. Each child works at his or her pace, enabling the child an opportunity to explore intellectual challenges for the sake of learning and accomplishment. Assessment in Montessori is integrated into teaching and lesson planning through a variety of methods such as observation, recordkeeping of a child’s practice and mastery of lessons, portfolios, written reports, presentations, and dialogue. Standardized testing is administered once a year to students in 2nd level and above. Assessment is a crucial and everyday part of the Country Montessori approach. Teachers integrate assessment with their lesson planning allowing them to “follow the child” according to his or her progress. (BACK TO TOP)

Why are there children of different ages in the same Montessori classroom?

Dr. Montessori observed that adult society is represented by multi-age beings and the benefits of peer observation and learning and collaboration could be successfully implemented in a classroom. Young children flourish more rapidly in classes that span two or three years. Multi-age grouping encourages older children to assist and mentor their younger classmates, while the younger ones look forward to moving on to the more challenging activities they see around them. Most importantly, the multi-age grouping allows children to master work at their own pace. Students move on to advanced topics as they are academically prepared for them, not simply when they reach a given age level. (BACK TO TOP)

How does CMS’s curriculum compare to that of public schools?

Country Montessori School meets or exceeds California standards of education. In addition, we meet the more stringent requirements of the National Association of Math and Science Teachers. However, as Montessori school, we are proud to provide children with the tools and opportunities to learn much, much more. At CMS, children have limitless opportunities to learn and explore in great depth and breadth topics of interest to them. Additionally, the CMS experience focuses on the development of the whole child in addition to a solid academic foundation, the children develop important attributes such as a love of learning, independence and responsibility, collaborative skills, grace and courtesy, confidence, and the knowledge that they can contribute meaningfully to society. (BACK TO TOP)

What is the difference between AMS (American Montessori Society) and AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) schools?

Dr. Maria Montessori and her son Mario established AMI in 1929. In AMI schools, Montessori philosophy and curriculum are implemented in a way that is consistent with the original approach of Maria Montessori. The Montessori materials are used precisely in the manner used by Dr. Montessori without deviation or extensions.
In the late 1950’s Nancy McCormick Rambusch, a young teacher who had undergone AMI Montessori training in London, became inspired with the idea of reviving Montessori education in America. She soon founded and became headmistress of the Whitby School in Greenwich, Connecticut, which became the flagship school of the American Montessori revival. This led, in 1960, to the founding of the American Montessori Society (AMS), with Rambusch as its first president. She firmly believed that aspects of the Montessori method had to be modified to accommodate the culture in America. In AMS schools, directresses continue the methods developed by Dr. Montessori while bringing in outside resources, materials, and ideas to extend or supplement the Montessori curriculum. (BACK TO TOP)

How old must my child be in order to begin CMS?

Children must be 2 years and 9 months AND they must be toilet-trained, before starting CMS. Sometimes children at this minimum age are not ready for a school atmosphere. The Director of Admissions will meet with your family and child(ren), and provide you with guidance prior to enrollment. (BACK TO TOP)

When are tours available to observe the school?

Tours are given Wednesdays or Fridays during the months of October through December at 9:15 a.m. Please call (858) 673-1756 ext. 101 to schedule your tour. (BACK TO TOP)

What are M&R Fees?

Materials and Registrations (M&R) Fees cover materials used by the children throughout the year as well as the costs associated with school registration. (BACK TO TOP)

Are lunches included in the cost of tuition?

Due to the special needs or diets of children, parents provide lunch for their child. Parents are expected to send lunches that reflect good nutrition. Lunch options, provided by local eateries are also available. Depending on the day of the week, parents may select from deli sandwiches, corn dogs, chicken strips or pizza for a nominal fee. (BACK TO TOP)

Why is the Primary program 5 days a week?

The Montessori education system was designed around the premise that children are provided ample time to practice lessons, observe, work with their peers and directresses. Children learn to master a lesson through observation and practice. The child in a Montessori program builds on their foundation of experience and confidence to move on to other challenges in the classroom. Everyday, the Montessori directress has scheduled lessons with each child one-on-one as well as in small groups. Country Montessori is a serious education institution and not a daycare facility. Parents who become knowledgeable of and embrace the principles of Montessori support their children by ensuring they arrive at school everyday on a punctual basis. (BACK TO TOP)

Why doesn’t my Primary-age child bring their work home everyday?

On any given day, your child has the opportunity to select his work. Our authentic Montessori environment at Country Montessori School provides many opportunities from which to choose. Children are presented lessons for a work and then given the opportunity to practice it themselves until they master it. The Directress records their progress as they practice and learn a lesson. Children development concentration through practice and repetition of a lesson. This can last a short period or span a few days, depending on its complexity. Your child is constantly working, observing, and learning in the room. It just may not be physical work that goes home frequently. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment to observe their child working. The visit will give you more insight of your child. (BACK TO TOP)

How can I create a Montessori environment in my home?

Children need a sense of belonging, and they get it by participating fully in the routines of everyday life. "Help me do it by myself" is the life theme of the preschooler. You can find ways for your child to participate in meal preparation, cleaning, gardening, and caring for clothes, shoes, and toys. Providing opportunities for independence is the surest way to build your child's self-esteem. (BACK TO TOP)

How do I get information from the school?

Each child has a folder hanging in a labeled, mail cart next to the office. This is the family’s “mailbox”. The staff of CMS or the Circle of Friends places school-related information in the folders. During Primary dismissals your mail is handed to you by a Directress when you sign out your child. Elementary children check the mail in the boxes during the 3 p.m. dismissal. You will need to check your folder when your child stays for after-school activities or childcare. CMS also sends information through email and posts it on our website. Inform the office if you change your email account. Mail folders are for “CMS related information” only and are not intended for personal mail delivery such as party invitations. (BACK TO TOP)

How do I get involved in the school?

Parent involvement is a critical factor in a child’s successful experience in their school. We encourage parent participation through conferences, the Montessori Journey, observations, parent evenings, and assisting in the classroom. The more parents understand the classroom experience, the better able they are to follow through at home. When parents follow through at home, the child benefits even more because she has a consistent environment in which to grow and develop. In addition, parents are modeling community behavior for their children when they are actively involved in the life of the school through events and fundraisers. More opportunities exist through the CMS parent organization, the Circle of Friends. (BACK TO TOP)

My child has a fever this morning. I gave him some medication and he seems fine. Can I still bring him to school?

No, your child should be at home resting. Parents may not be aware that these children are lethargic or “zoned out” until the medication wears off. Usually the fever returns and the child feels miserable. Medicated children coming to school can easily become more ill or spread their illness to their friends.
What are other health related issues when my child must stay home?
Be prepared by having plans for back-up care in case your child is ill. Keep your child home and be sure to notify the school if your child shows any symptoms mentioned below:
• If your child has vomited within the last 24 hours.
• If your child has a body rash, especially with a fever or itching.
• If your child has diarrhea or watery stools within the last 24 hours.
• If your child has itching or crusting of eyelids, or has thick mucus or pus draining from the eye.
• If your child has a sore throat with fever or swollen glands.
• If your child is just not feeling well, is unusually tired, pale, has a lack of appetite, a headache or abdominal pain, and is confused or cranky.
• If your child has a fever. Must be free of fever (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to school.
• If your child has a rectal itch, especially at night.
• If your child has small blisters filled with thin yellow fluid, dried to a yellow crust or scab on face near nose, mouth or hands.
• If your child has lice or nits. (BACK TO TOP)

Is Country Montessori School of Poway non-profit?

Yes, CMS is 501(c)(3) organization. Our Federal Tax ID is #33-0363869. (BACK TO TOP)

Who runs the school?

Holly Williamson, the School Administrator manages the daily operations. The Board of Directors has the responsibility for setting policy and providing oversight and guidance to the school. (BACK TO TOP)

What is the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors is the guardian of the school’s mission. It is the board’s responsibility to ensure that the mission is relevant and vital to the community it serves and to monitor the success of the school in fulfilling its mission. The board assures that the school and board operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The board accepts accountability for both the financial stability and financial future of the institution, engaging in strategic financial planning, assuming primary preservation of capital assets and endowments, overseeing operating budgets, and participating actively in fund raising.
Parents with expertise in various areas are encouraged to join a Board committee and/or to run for a board seat. Board Directors are elected each September by school parents, also known as members, at the Annual Meeting and Ice Cream Social. This informative and fun event is an opportunity for families to become informed about the status of the school, while meeting existing and potential board members. CMS families elect the Board Members at the Annual Meeting and Ice Cream Social. CMS welcomes community board members who have an interest in providing professional guidance and stewardship for the school. (BACK TO TOP)