Elementary

 

Elementary School Programs for 1st through 6th Grade Children

Following completion of the Children’s House Program, children move to the McGlaughlin School, our elementary program housed in the west wing of Columbus Montessori. The McGlaughlin School has been inspiring learners since 1994 and currently offers a first through sixth grade Montessori program. As a program of Columbus Montessori, we firmly believe in the academic and social benefits created by following the educational and developmental philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Elementary children experience an individualized program in multi-age groupings with a comprehensive curriculum that includes traditional subject areas as well as enrichment activities in the arts. Each class offers a child-to-teacher ratio of 22-to-1.

Program Highlights

• Multi-age program for children in grades 1-3 and grades 4-6
• Individualized learning
• Montessori trained teachers
• Tuition includes all program materials and field trips
• Collaborative learning
• Hands-on materials
• Caring and nurturing environment
• Exceeds Ohio standards for learning
• Core curriculum includes: Art, Music, Physical Education and Spanish

What is the educational background and teaching experience of the staff?
All teachers have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education as well as Montessori credentials. Many have their Master’s as well as Ohio teaching certification.

How do parents find out about what is happening in the classroom?
Parents can schedule time to speak with classroom teachers. Students take their planner home each week so that parents can see the work that has been done. Each class distributes a monthly newsletter that describes the current and upcoming activities, projects, events, and areas of study in the classroom. Class e-mail lists are also used to keep parents up to date and facilitate communication. There are also two parent teacher conferences required during each school year.

How is the child’s progress monitored?
In the Elementary program, student progress is monitored through careful observation by the teacher during the day’s activities, including both individual and small group formal lessons, social interactions, and independent choices made by each child. The student’s work also shows the progress made in each subject. The teachers are highly skilled observers with many hours of training and practice. Both formal and informal assessments are used on a daily basis to assess student learning and monitor progress. Even more important is the assessment for learning that allows the teacher to plan for future learning opportunities for each child as an individual.

Parents are kept abreast of their child’s development and learning in a variety of ways. Formal conferences are schedule two times during the year. There are a variety of other informal ways that teachers and parent share information. There are frequent face-to-face conversations. Parents are welcome to telephone any teachers after class to discuss any questions they may have. All teachers are dedicated to on-going personal contact with all families on a regular basis. This contact may be of a personal nature including face-to-face conversations, a written note, e-mail, or a telephone call.

What is the discipline policy?
Columbus Montessori believes in a peaceful resolution in all matters involving students, parents, and staff members. We teach students of all ages how to use their words to communicate their needs and desires which helps to abate potential conflicts. We also teach students how to resolve disputes peacefully. The Center’s philosophy of discipline is based on the concept that the child who knows what limits are set on behavior, why those limits exist and how they are implemented, is a happier, more secure child. Respecting the child and involving him or her in the discipline process as much as possible is also characteristic of our philosophy. No child shall be bribed or coaxed in order to maintain discipline in the classroom or playground. Such tactics deprive the child of self-respect and threaten his status as a responsible person in his school family.

For more information about our Elementary Program or to schedule a tour, please contact our admissions office at lsachs@columbusmontessori.org.

For an application for our Elementary Program, click here.