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 and adhere to the charter contract. MECS 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. In this child centered learning environment, children develop a meaningful degree of independence and self-discipline. Students learn to take pride in doing things carefully for themselves. Students are free to move about and enjoy independently chosen work.

The role of the Montessori teacher is that of a guide and observer who prepares an enticing learning environment. Not usually, the center of attention, the teacher will be seen working with small groups of children. The teacher acts as the link between the child and the environment by removing obstacles, including stimulating objects, and demonstrating the apparatus.

The beautiful Montessori materials are used by the children to investigate and discover concepts. Children are able to manipulate and explore this concrete learning apparatus as often as needed to reach understanding. These materials are tools to stimulate the child’s logical thought and discovery.

Is Montessori right for my child?

Montessori educational methods work with all kinds of learners, visual, auditory, kinesthetic. Individual developmental rates and types of intelligence are recognized and respected. The student who will be most successful in the Montessori classroom will possess the following traits.

• Self motivation and self discipline
• Love of learning and broad interests
• Ability to work independently and complete a task
• Intrinsically motivated

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 community, cooperation rather than competition is encouraged. There is an attitude of respect for self, others, and the environment that is modeled by the teacher. Children are actively taught the skills of peacemaking. Conflict resolutions skills are learned and practiced. Classrooms have “peace corners” where children can go alone to quiet themselves or with a friend to work out a problem.

What about 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 individual students to advance independently of their peers. Long uninterrupted blocks of time allow for in-depth study of topics of choice.

MECS also serves gifted students using a consultant model. A Gifted Education specialist works with classroom teachers to plan, implement, and monitor instructional alternatives for each individual student. Goals are accomplished in the regular classroom.

Is there an Enrichment Program?

All students receive weekly instruction and practice in Music, Art, PE, and Spanish. Each year our Music Program presents a Spring Concert. Students also participate in our yearly musical drama production. Throughout the year, after school studios and clubs are offered.

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 some aspect of study or to take advantage of a community offering such as the Key West Symphony. In addition to field trips is the going out experience. This will involve only a few students who leave the school to use community resources to research a particular topic.

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
• Princes William & 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)