Harry Stone Montessori Academy FAQ's

Harry Stone Montessori Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:         What is Montessori?

Answer:           Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children's learning processes. Guided by her discovery that children teach themselves, Dr. Montessori designed a "prepared environment" in which children could freely choose from a number of developmentally appropriate activities. Now, nearly a century after Maria Montessori's first casa dei bambini ("children's house") in Rome, Montessori education is found all over the world, spanning ages from birth to adolescence.

Question:         What is the difference between Montessori and  traditional education?

Answer:                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. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

Question:         What ages does Montessori serve?

Answer:           There are more Montessori programs for ages 3-6 than for any other age group, but Montessori is not limited to early childhood. Many infant/toddler programs (ages 2 months to 3 years) exist, as well as elementary (ages 6-12), adolescent (ages 12-15) and even a few Montessori high schools.

Multi-age grouping : Children are grouped in mixed ages and abilities in three to six year spans: 0-3, 3-6, 6-12 (sometimes temporarily 6-9 and 9-12), 12-15, 15-18. There is constant interaction, problem solving, child to child teaching, and socialization. Children are challenged according to their ability and never bored.

Question:         Once accepted, is there transportation?

Answer:           Upon acceptance your child is put into our database. The Department of Transportation will ask us for a report. They will determine the designated bus stops for each area based upon the address you have listed on the application. 

Question:         What is the test like?

Answer:           Every grade level has a different assessment and or observation. This information is not    available.   We can inform you that they will be assessed on basic knowledge for the grade level they are applying for. Your student’s score for the assessment combined with their requirements must be an 80 or above to qualify for competing for a seat. 

Question:         What if we cannot make it to the testing date you gave us?

Answer:           If you fail to show up for the designated date/time that your child was given; there will NOT be any rescheduling.