FAQ's

At what age can my child start?

We enroll children beginning at age 3 and up to 6 years old for the early childhood classrooms. Our elementary program is 1st through 6th grade.

Why do students spend up to 3 years in one classroom?

In Montessori education, children spend three years in the same classroom because of the multi-age classroom structure, which is a core principle of the Montessori method. The key reasons for this approach include:

Peer Learning – Younger children learn from older peers, while older students reinforce their knowledge by teaching younger ones.
Consistent Teacher Guidance – Spending three years with the same teacher allows for deeper relationships and personalized learning.
Individualized Learning Pace – Children progress at their own speed rather than being restricted by grade levels.
Community & Stability – The mixed-age setting fosters a strong sense of belonging and cooperation.
Leadership Development – As children grow, they take on leadership roles, building confidence and responsibility.

This structure nurtures independence, collaboration, and a love for learning, aligning with Montessori’s philosophy of child-centered education.

Is Montessori right for my child?

The Montessori Method is designed to support children of all backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities, making it a wonderful choice for any child. In an early childhood Montessori classroom, you’ll find a dynamic environment where children engage in hands-on learning at their own pace, fostering independence, curiosity, and a love for discovery.

At Sunrise Montessori, we celebrate each child's unique strengths, interests, and personality. Our approach nurtures not just academic growth but also social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. Montessori classrooms encourage collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking—skills essential for lifelong success.

If you want your child to develop independence, a passion for learning, and the confidence to explore the world, Montessori is the perfect fit. With a carefully prepared environment, individualized learning, and experienced guides, we ensure that every child thrives in a setting that respects and nurtures their natural potential.

Montessori children generally transition well to other educational methods because they develop strong foundational skills like independence, problem-solving, and adaptability. However, the transition process can vary depending on the child and the structure of the new school.

How do Montessori children transition to TRADITIONAL educationals?

Love of Learning: Montessori students are naturally curious and engaged, which helps them adapt to new learning environments.
Independence & Self-Motivation: They are used to working independently and managing their own time, which can be an asset in structured settings.
Social & Emotional Skills: Montessori fosters collaboration and respect, helping children build positive relationships in any school setting.
Academic Readiness: While Montessori focuses on self-paced learning, students generally meet or exceed grade-level expectations in core subjects.

How does Montessori education compare to public school goals?

Montessori education and public school systems share some common goals, particularly in ensuring that children reach key academic milestones. However, they differ significantly in their approaches:

Academic Goals: While Montessori schools do not follow a strict public school curriculum, they often meet or exceed state standards and Common Core benchmarks. Montessori emphasizes mastery learning, ensuring children fully grasp concepts before moving on, which often leads to strong preparedness for continued education.
Learning Approach:
- Montessori: Hands-on, self-directed learning with multi-age classrooms and individualized instruction.
- Public Schools: More structured, teacher-led instruction following standardized grade-level expectations.

Skill Development: Both aim to develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills, but Montessori places a strong emphasis on independence, critical thinking, and intrinsic motivation, which can lead to advanced academic and problem-solving skills.
Assessment:

Montessori: Uses observational assessments and student portfolios rather than standardized tests.
Public Schools: Relies on frequent testing and benchmarks to track progress.

What challenges might my child face when transitioning from Montessori to a traditional school, and how can I help them adjust?

Adjusting to Structured Schedules: Traditional schools have more rigid schedules, so practicing structured routines at home can help.
Different Teaching Methods: Montessori emphasizes hands-on learning, while other schools might focus more on textbooks and direct instruction. Encouraging curiosity at home can bridge this gap.
Assessment & Grading: Montessori avoids traditional grades, so explaining grading systems and standardized tests ahead of time can ease the transition.

How do you track academic progress?

Written observation is a key element in the Montessori classroom. Our teachers conduct both formal and informal observations regularly. This ongoing assessment allows us to track each child's progress, ensuring that concepts and skills are being practiced and mastered.

We maintain a portfolio for each student on our school platform, Transparent Classroom. This portfolio serves as both an internal reference and a communication tool for parents. We share updates weekly and discuss progress in more detail during conferences.

Are all Montessori schools the same?

While Montessori education follows a shared philosophy and methodology, not all Montessori schools are the same. Factors such as teacher training, interpretation of Montessori principles, adherence to authentic materials, and overall school culture can vary significantly.

Some schools strictly follow the guidelines set by organizations like the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or the American Montessori Society (AMS), while others may incorporate Montessori-inspired elements but deviate from the core philosophy.

Visiting the school, observing classrooms, and asking about teacher certifications and materials are great ways to ensure you're choosing a school that truly aligns with Montessori principles.