Frequently Asked Questions
What is a
Charter School?
Charter schools are public schools funded by the same per pupil
funds that traditional schools receive. Charter schools are privately
run and operate with freedom from many regulations. Charter schools are
accountable to their sponsor to produce positive academic results while
adhering to their charter contract. KWMCS was established as a charter
school in 1998.
Who was Maria
Montessori?
Born in Italy in 1870, Montessori was an anthropologist, pioneer
educator, and the first woman to receive a medical degree in Italy. The
first Montessori school, Casa dei Bambini, opened in Rome over 100 years
ago in 1907. Montessori based her educational ideas on her observation
of children in diverse cultures. She discovered that there are universal
principles of human behavior in all cultures around the world. She made
it her life’s work to transform adult beliefs about children and their
education. Maria Montessori was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace
Prize for her work with children.
What makes
Montessori different?
Montessori classrooms are bright, inviting multi-age learning
communities. Students develop independence and self-discipline, and are
free to move about in a child-centered learning environment.
The Montessori teacher is both a guide and observer who prepares
the learning environment. It is customary for the teacher to work with
small groups of children, rather than present to the whole class at
once. The teacher acts as the link between the child and the environment
by demonstrating the Montessori didactic materials and observing the
child’s interaction within the lesson.
The Montessori materials are naturally appealing, and have been
designed to stimulate logical thought while investigating specific
concepts. Students are able to manipulate and explore these concrete
learning apparatus as often as needed to achieve understanding.
Is Montessori
right for my child?
Montessori educational methods work with all kinds of learners:
visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Individual developmental rates and
types of intelligence are recognized and respected. The student who will
be most successful in the Montessori classroom typically possesses the
following traits:
ü
Is intrinsically motivated
ü
Has self-control
ü
Is able to work independently and complete a task
ü
Loves learning and has broad interests
How does
Montessori address Gifted Students?
The Montessori program is inherently suited for the gifted
learner. The curriculum is open- ended and presents many opportunities
for problem solving and critical thinking. Learning is self-paced,
allowing students to advance independently of their peers. Long blocks
of learning time allow for in-depth study.
Our school serves gifted students using a consultant model. A Gifted
Education specialist works with classroom guides to plan, implement, and
monitor instructional alternatives for each individual student. Goals
are accomplished in the regular classroom.
What is Peace
Education?
Dr. Montessori proposed that we could ensure world peace by
producing children who are independent, secure, and at peace with
themselves. She was a powerful peace advocate in Europe who focused on
children as the future world leaders.
In the Montessori classroom, cooperation is encouraged, rather
than competition. There is an attitude of respect for self, others, and
the environment that is modeled by the teacher. Students are actively
taught the skills of peacemaking and conflict resolution. Classrooms
usually have a “peace corner” for personal reflection or for resolving
disagreements between students.
Do you have a
lunch program?
We do not have a school lunch program. Children bring their own
lunch to school. On Fridays, there is an option to purchase a pizza
lunch.
Are there field
trips?
Classes take field trips throughout the school year. These are
designed to enhance a particular aspect of study or to take advantage of
a community event. Our program also promotes enriching community
experiences, involving students who are interested in offering their
support to our community. These experiences provide intrinsic
reward as well as a unique learning experience.
Are there any
famous people who were Montessori educated?
Yes, there are a number of famous people who attended Montessori
schools including:
-
Jacqueline Kennedy
-
Julia Child
-
Jeff Bezos (Amazon.com founder)
-
Anne Frank
-
Prince William & Prince Harry of Great Britain
-
Gabriel Garcia Marquez ( acclaimed novelist)
-
Sergey Brin & Larry Page (co-founders of Google.com)
-
T. Berry Brazelton (pediatrician & author)
-
Sean “P. Diddy” Combs
-
Peter Drucker (management guru)
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