Prospective Parents FAQ

Northwood Montessori does not provide transportation.

Children bring their own lunches from home. Each classroom has a microwave to warm up food prepared at home.

The children have a healthy snack and drink  each morning. Our families take turns providing snack for the classroom.

There is no school uniform. Play clothes are encouraged.

 There is an annual fee that includes everything and that is $500.

Each parent is a vital part of the school  organization as a whole. There are opportunities throughout the year to participate including planning school-wide parties, fundraising, sewing, carpentry, gardening and material making. A sign-up sheet is available upon enrollment. There are many ways for parents to become involved at Northwood Montessori.

We do not issue grades or report cards. However we are happy to provide a letter for parents to share with the receiving school upon completion of the Kindergarten year.

There are two scheduled observations during the school year in October and April. Parents are always welcome at school.

Yes, all primary classrooms are equipped with approved materials.

We have several social gatherings throughout the year. We host a Parent-Teacher Pot-Luck, an International Festival, Winter Party, Spring Festival and annual fund-raiser. The school also offers a parenting course each year in the Fall. The course meets once weekly for 6 weeks at the school. All parents and interested friends or relatives are welcome to attend. The classes are free and we strongly encourage all parents to attend.

The majority of our children attend the local neighborhood public school. However we have several children each year who attend area private schools or a Montessori school with a lower elementary program.

Because children develop self-confidence, inner discipline, and independence in the Montessori classroom, the transition to elementary school is usually a smooth and positive experience. To simplify this transition, Northwood teachers familiarize themselves with local school curriculum and prepare each child to meet the specific standards of the school to be attended.

Teachers at Northwood Montessori will write a letter to receiving schools, after completion of Kindergarten,  describing the child’s academic, social and emotional level.

Does Montessori Work? Research on Outcomes for Montessori Students

Students Prosper with Montessori Method

Playful Learning & Montessori Education, Angeline S. Lillard

Evaluating Montessori Education

To get the absolute best from the program, the child should stay at least through their Kindergarten year.  This is the year of fruition and most exciting work is done at age 5.

We suggest that parents educate themselves about the various Montessori accreditation associations. There is also advice on our Resources and LInks page on this website.

Upon consideration and staffing Spanish Classes are offered after school hours.

Northwood Montessori is licensed for 91 children.

Northwood Montessori population is representative of children from around the world. Families come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Northwood Montessori adheres to AMI guidelines and only offers a 5 day per week program.

The children begin to arrive at 8.30am , After greeting the teacher the children choose activities according to interest and ability.  They choose freely from areas which include practical life, sensorial, cultural, art, music, math, language and science activities. During this time the teacher/guide works with the children individually or in small groups.  Around 11.30 am the children put away their work and come to group. Activities in group vary. It might be, music, singing, stories, sharing or a  birthday celebration. After this group,  the children go outside to play. At 12 noon, some children go home or to the Home Environment Room. The children who are in extended day have their lunch, do their afternoon jobs and the afternoon work period starts. There are usually individual or group activities both student chosen and teacher directed, primarily academic in nature. At 2.45pm the children either  go home or to  the Home Environment Room.

While each child is different, typically between the age of 4 and 5

In recent history, Northwood Montessori guides have stayed until retirement.  Northwood Montessori  was then able to support former parents and assistants to become Montessori  guides joining our teaching staff with up to 18 years teaching experience at our school.