Since a Montessori classroom is structured quite differently from the classrooms in which most of us were educated, it is easy to make assumptions about what is going on...even when we are witnessing it first hand. As I progressed through my training, possibly the most significant discovery about Montessori was how every facet of the program had a carefully thought-out rationale. After 25 years in the classroom, I remain deeply appreciative of the devotion to the child and her development reflected in our methods and which underlies each feature of the Montessori environment.

Why do you have a specially prepared environment? The prepared environment is designed to meet the developmental needs of the children who call it their home. It is the environment, more than the adults, that direct the children through their learning. The materials are arranged to encourage maximum independence and enticement. The environment “coaches” the children to right actions leaving the teacher/guide free to observe and support the children in their choices.

Why are the classrooms multi-aged? Students in a multi-age classroom observe many learning styles and lesson levels and topics, inspiring them to join their peers in any interesting work, regardless of age. A young child can observe an activity a bit beyond her readiness, preparing herself for the day she will be ready to try it on her own. Multi-age classrooms foster leadership and helpfulness as students experience being the youngest and growing into the oldest. Students spend three years with their teacher/guide, so there is a deep understanding in their relationship. The familiarity that comes from several years in the same environment allows students to become increasingly independent in their learning and sense of mastery of the environment.

Why is there only one of each material? While Montessori holds academic learning as an important part of the curriculum, the values-based peace curriculum is interwoven throughout the fabric of our routines and methods. Children learn to share and support one another as part of their routine when there is only one of a material. Additionally, all supplies: pencils, paper, etc., are readily available in the classroom so the children have a sense of abundance in the consumable supplies they need to complete their activities. Having just one material also creates the need for order: a material, once used must be returned for the next person. This teaches completion strategies for the child using the material. It also teaches respect for others by returning the material in perfect order for the next person who will use it.

Why are the teachers called “guides”? The Montessori classroom is child-centered. Teachers are not perceived as the “givers of the knowledge,’ rather as guides in the child’s quest for learning. This develops a cooperative relationship and helps the child feel empowered.

Why is the curriculum integrated? The subjects of reading, writing, science, history and math are connected through cultural lessons. Connecting knowledge in this way has been proven to provide greater meaning and increased retention. It also allows children to follow their passions and interests, another factor that supports deeper learning.

Why do you have gardening, cooking, and sewing? Practical application of math, geometry, and science gives children a reason for acquiring skills. As stewards of the earth, children need to have a sense of how all the pieces fit together into a meaningful whole.  Further, these life skills help children feel self-reliant and confident in their ability to care for themselves.

Why do you encourage 5-day programs for the primary child? Young children’s minds are creating order in their world and are formulating their awareness of time. Consistency and regularity help the young child’s sense of predictability, instilling a feeling of control and safety. When a child’s school time is broken into a day here and a day there, the schedule, predictable as it might be to the adult, feels controlled by the adult. We understand that many parents who choose to stay at home with their young child, still want the benefits of the Montessori environment. To this end, we provide a limited number of 3-day and 4-day spaces in our primary classroom.

How does Montessori encourage creativity? Dr. Montessori realized that the natural world is full of wonder and magnificence. By revealing the whole of our world to the young child, she is able to make distinctions between what is real and what is not, preparing her for the more advanced distinction between reality and fantasy.  The Montessori environment provides experiences in art, music, and movement, giving the child the tools to integrate those skills into their daily lives, including academic and practical life activities. This is where true creativity begins: when a child can use all her thinking to invent, solve problems, and make meaningful connections between  the multiple facets of her world. 

How do you determine your tuition?
Tuition is the primary source of revenue that pays for our programs. While tuition may seem high, our tuition rates are in line with the national average from a survey done in 2005! Based on an hourly rate, our primary programs cost an average of $5 an hour or between $20 and $25 per day. The elementary program is just slightly more than that. 

The quality of our programs speak for itself: Our staff has more than 60 combined years of teaching experience and all are trained beyond the level in which they teach, making their connections to the overall learning goals far more meaningful. Our classrooms are state of the art with both Montessori and supplemental materials. Our technology resources continue to grow, providing children opportunities to use computers as learning and assessment tools. Our facility provides exceptional physical activity through a diverse playground environment. Our students receive instruction in art, music and health by professionals trained in their areas of expertise.

All of these features are implemented in an environment that values and fosters peaceful relationships among the members of our school and our community. Through service learning projects, our students see themselves as stewards of our school, our local community, the people of the world and of the planet. You simply won’t find a better educational value than CCMS!

To support a diverse community, CCMS provides generous support to our families through a financial aid program. Since our beginning in 2007, CCMS has offered more than $250,000 in tuition assistance.