Wayne Montessori School

Frequently Asked Questions About Montessori Schools

What special training do Montessori teachers have?
There are two major organizations that offer Montessori training in the United States -the Association Montessori International and the American Montessori Society (AMS). All teachers at Wayne Montessori are certified by AMS. Most training centers require a bachelor's degree for admission. Training covers principles of child development and Montessori philosophy as well as specific uses of the Montessori classroom materials.

Why are children placed in multi-age groups?
Montessori classes bring children together in multi-age groups, usually spanning three age levels. Children stay with their teachers for three years. This allows teachers to develop close and long-term relationships with their students and encourages a strong sense of community among the children. In a mixed-age classroom, the younger children have the opportunity to learn by observing their older peers and the older children gain confidence by sharing their experiences. These mixed groups do not lead to competition or bullying. They help children learn the value of teamwork and supporting one another.

How much freedom do children have in the classroom?
The Montessori setting offers "freedom within limits," not license to do anything one pleases. This approach allows children to develop decision-making skills, inner discipline and independence. Wayne Montessori children are free to work and move in their classroom at appropriate times. There are also times when children participate in structured group activities and one-on-one instruction with their teacher. As a child grows in the ability to make decisions for himself, he may earn additional freedom. At the same time a very young child, or a child new to the environment, would be offered less choices or freedom.

Do Montessori children have difficulty adjusting to traditional schools?
Children who have a positive view of learning and school tend to do well regardless of the kind of new academic setting. Children who have been in a Montessori environment are generally very flexible and adjust quite easily to traditional school situations. They may be better students and spend their time in more productive ways because of their self direction and positive attitude towards learning. There is, of course, an initial adjustment period, just as there is in any transfer between schools.

Are Montessori children successful later in life?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new situations.

Specific Questions About Wayne Montessori

What will my child be taught at Wayne Montessori?
Our curriculum is based on five specific areas and special Montessori materials are used in each.

Practical Life:
Everyday tasks such as pouring, sweeping, buttoning and tying help children develop independence, order, coordination and concentration. These tasks help children develop the skills they will need for future learning. For example, buttoning helps a child develop the fine motor skills she will later need for writing. These tasks help form a link between home and school. We also use grace and courtesy lessons to teach children social skills and movement control.

Sensorial:
Children are hands-on learners. In addition to listening, reading and writing, we also use special materials to help children focus on sensorial traits such as color, weight, shape, size and sound. By using these items, children sharpen all of their senses and develop better powers of observation.

Language:
A broad understanding of language is a vital building block for a lifetime of learning. We help children distinguish between different sounds, letters and numbers. We also work on vocabulary growth, sentence structure, phonics-based reading and creative writing. Most children who enter Montessori at an early age can read by the age of four.

Mathematics:
We use items such as sandpaper numbers, counting beads and number rods to help children understand math concepts. By using these tools children learn everything from simple counting and number recognition to more involved math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Geography and Culture:
Our classrooms help children learn about our world and its people. We use materials and exercises that teach children about geography, history, science, botany, music and art.

Is Wayne Montessori School affiliated with any religion?
Wayne Montessori is a secular school, and we are not affiliated with any religious groups. We respect and welcome the various faith backgrounds of all of students and their families.

Does Wayne Montessori cost more than other area preschools and elementary programs?
No. When you compare us to other private schools in Wayne County, our tuition is quite competitive. Some programs may be less expensive, and a few are more costly. Some private schools may require parents to make sizable contributions to their school's fundraising activities or pay large amounts for enrollment, processing or supply fees. We don't do that. All of our fees are listed upfront on the Enrollment page. Wayne Montessori also offers a discount for families sending more than one child to our school.

Why does Wayne Montessori offer classes only through the third grade?
We simply do not have the space to offer more classes. There are many Montessori schools around the country that offer classes for students through high school. Many of our parents have requested a Montessori program that goes through higher grades, and based on our three-year plan, we hope to expand through the middle school grades.