Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Why should you choose a Montessori education for your child?

Q. What is the difference between Montessori and traditional education?

A. Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning.

Q. Why Are There Children Of Different Ages In The Same Montessori Classroom?

A. Dr. Montessori observed that adult society is represented by multi-age groups of people and the benefits of peer observation and learning and collaboration could be successfully implemented in a classroom. Young children flourish more rapidly in classes that span two years. Multi-age grouping encourages older children to assist and mentor their younger classmates, while the younger ones look forward to moving on to the more challenging activities they see around them. Most importantly, the multi-age grouping allows children to master work at their own pace. Students move on to advanced topics as they are academically prepared.There is constant interaction, problem solving, child to child teaching, and socialization.

Q. What Is Meant By “Spiritual” Development Of The Child?

A. Inner peace and calm are essential to a child’s readiness to learn and their ability to concentrate. Christ Cathedral  Montessori School is a  Christian preschool and the teachers communicate that God, our creator, loves and cares for the child and his or her family and friends. The spiritual development of a child also starts in the classroom where materials are carefully organized on shelves according to a curriculum sequence and with a Montessori-trained faculty. Grace and courtesy, essential elements of a Montessori classroom, are emphasized and modeled by the adults.

Q. Is Montessori good for children with learning disabilities? What about gifted children?

A. Montessori is designed to help all children reach their fullest potential at their own unique pace. A classroom whose children have varying abilities is a community in which everyone learns from one another and everyone contributes. Moreover, multi-age grouping allows each child to find his or her own pace without feeling "ahead" or "behind" in relation to peers.

Q. If my child is left to choose his/her own projects, won't he/she do the same thing day in and day out, or do nothing at all?

A. Our teachers are trained to observe children as they work. When a child has mastered a skill, the teacher will give the child a lesson that is more challenging, giving special attention to the age and interest of each child. Because the environment is so stimulating and exciting, children seldom "do nothing." There are hundreds of prepared lessons for the child to choose from everyday.

Q. How Do I Get Information On My Child’s Progress?

A. Christ Cathedral Montessori School believes that in order for a child to develop emotionally, spiritually, socially, and academically in the Montessori classroom, there must be a strong parent-school partnership. The foundation of this partnership is open, honest communication and trust. There are two formal parent-teacher conferences. Informal communication is also encouraged and occurs through written notes, phone calls, and one-on-one meetings.

Q. Do Montessori teachers allow children to be creative?

A. Montessori classrooms encourage creativity by helping children develop the skills they need to express themselves. For example, as they develop hand-eye coordination through the guided use of metal inset materials, children also begin to express themselves by creating beautiful drawings and paintings.  There is also an "arts" area that is available in the classroom as children choose their learning experiences.

Q. Is there too much individual work in Montessori? Do children learn how to get along with others?

A. Montessori children are free to work alone or in a group. Although younger children do often choose to work alone as they master challenges, there are many aspects of Montessori schools that help children learn to get along well with others. They learn to share. They learn to respect each other’s work space. They learn to take care of materials so other children can learn from them. They learn to work quietly so others can concentrate. And they learn to work together with others to take care of the classroom.  There is a daily "group" time as well as outside play where children interact with each other.

Q. How will my child adjust to public schools after Montessori School?

A. Whether the child attends another private school or goes on to public school, Montessori education provides an excellent background for traditional education. Studies show that Montessori children adjust well and are generally among the better students. They spend their time more productively because of their self-direction and positive attitude toward learning.