Montessori Centre Academy

THE TYRANNY OF LOGIC

The power of deductive reasoning. It propels us to explore and to question. But at the same time, its rigid boundaries can often unjustly limit the extent of our thinking.

What frees us from these constraints is the necessary spark. The unpredictable leap. The inevitable flight of fancy that is vital to the creative process.

In business, education, as well as the arts, we must release ourselves from the burden of logic and find inspiration where it lies. In music and dance. In the visual arts. But most importantly, in ourselves.

These qualities are nurtured within us as children.

The evaluation of the child's growth from 18 months to 12 years from the concrete, absorbent mind to a wider abstract plane of activity occurs within the distinctive stages as outlined by the Montessori Method.

The Montessori stages are Toddler (18 months to 3 years), Primary (3 to 6 years), Elementary I (6 to 9 years), and Elementary II (9 to 12 years).

• The similarities among these age groupings are:
• Prepared environment
• Deductive apparatus
• Freedom of choice
• Multi-age grouping
• Cooperative learning
• Subjects developed in relationship to one another and interrelated for holistic learning.

From a sense of discovery a child's own curiosity propels him to persistence, initiative and concentration. The fostering of Montessori elements of self motivation, freedom of movement, and responsibility encourages the child to work within his classroom on the Montessori materials provided. Materials in themselves become goals not only short term but long term. The child's reality is his own reality now in and out of these goals as he perfects himself as the "learner."

The "parts of the whole" philosophy of Montessori education provides the scope of study and experience that encourages children to strive for achievement with real and profound understanding. The methodology and structure of mixed ages allows the greatest opportunity to devise and adapt the curriculum according to student interest and needs.

Elementary 6 to 12 not only continues with the Montessori materials in math, language, geography and cultural studies but also uses standard texts that integrated into the curriculum. Homework is assigned to children in elementary to provide the child with the opportunity to experience independent accomplishments. The standardized texts are used at higher grade levels and allow the child to become familiar with standardized testing skill and drill in appropriate areas. This allows the child to easily transfer into private and public education. In addition to our core curriculum, the school offers weekly instruction in art, music and gym for a well rounded education.

Classes

Toddler - - - 18 months to 3 years - - - 5 mornings a week

Classes introduce children to the Montessori philosophy and help them to become more independent. Parents learn how to carry over the Montessori philosophy into the home.

Primary, Half Day - - - 3 to 4-1/2 years - - 5 mornings a week

More involvement with practical life and sensorial material. Increasing intent of purpose and independence.

Primary, Partial All Day - - - 4-1/2 to 5 years - - 5 mornings/3 afternoons a week

The partial extended day (3 afternoons a week) is a transition into the all day program. During the afternoon more advanced materials are presented from the curriculum.

Primary, All Day - - - 5 to 6 years - - 5 full days a week

For older Primary children who need an extended day. The afternoon program offers the possibility of extending their work in Geography, Language and Science.

Elementary - - - 6 to 9 years - - 5 full days a week

The first step in a five year development program which includes the second stage of development: moral and intellectual growth.

Advanced Elementary - - - 9 to 12 years - - 5 full days a week

Prepared environment includes abstraction, research, creative extensions to academic work: high independence.