How will I know what my child is accomplishing at Montessori school?
Directresses monitor each child’s progress and keep in touch with parents. Conferences are held at least twice each school year, providing parents with a written progress report and time to discuss and ask questions about daily lessons. Directresses welcome parents to learn more about the Montessori activities, and workshops are available to introduce parents to the Montessori materials used by students.

Why should I attend parent workshops?
Workshops allow time for adults to explore our Montessori classroom ‘prepared environments’ and ask questions! Montessori is a developmental, ‘hands-on’ approach to learning for your child. When you explore our classrooms with the same ‘hands-on’ approach, you gain a deeper understanding of the value of a Montessori education. For the 2011-2012 school year, we have planned a series of parent workshops and look forward to sharing them with parents. Nannies of students are welcome to attend these workshops, too!

Are there opportunities for me to participate in my child’s Montessori education?
Absolutely! Your participation begins with the parent orientation that is held at the start of each school year, and continues when you join our parent workshops, participate in parent-teacher conferences, attend visitor days and special events (such as the December holiday sing at a local nursing home).

In addition, you will want to observe your child’s class during the school year … you are welcome to use our observation booth whenever it is available. This will give you a first-hand look at how your child learns and interacts with other children independently. These observations will form a valuable foundation for discussion when it is time for your parent-teacher conferences. Your child’s teacher will provide you with ideas for assisting your child’s developmental skills at home.
           
Other opportunities for parent involvement include volunteering. Do you play an instrument? Can you help with yard maintenance, do repair work or carpentry? When you volunteer, you bring an area of your personal expertise to benefit students or teachers!

Is Montessori a new method of education?
The year 2007 marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of Montessori education! The first Montessori school opened in Italy in 1907. Today Montessori schools can be found throughout the world. Maria Montessori, the Italian physician who developed this method of education, was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize in honor of her work with children.