HMA Montessori Programs
We offer extended hours for working families, therefore we open at 7:00 am and close at 6:30 pm. Our Montessori Method starts at 8:30am and continues until 2:45pm with a diversified arts, sports, languages, outdoor play, music, computers taking the reminder part of the day. This balanced approach allows challenging the children as well as letting everything seem like play. Montessori Method advocates self-discipline to care for the environment and others, self-directed learning and developing passion for learning. We differentiate ourselves from day care environment which emphasizes state minimum standards and DFPS inspections and not learning. We certainly understand you are looking to give your child a strong start in learning.
Infant Program
Each class may have one non-teaching assistant. Should local regulations make it necessary to have more than one aide, he/she should be a non-teaching aide and should assist the directress by making materials, supervising outdoor activities, and assisting with field trips or “going-out.”
The Prepared Environment
The AMI school recognition program was initiated in the United States to assist parents in assessing whether schools are following Montessori’s principles and practices in their original integrity and completeness. It is upon these standards that AMI recognition is granted.
Waddlers Program
Perhaps the greatest testimonial to the success of the Montessori method is Montessori student work. The quality, creativity, and cross-disciplinary nature of the class work speak to the intelligence and curiosity of the Montessori students that created it.
The Class Size and Age Range
Classes include a well-balanced division of ages as well as an appropriate number of children to ensure social development. For the detailed information on class sizes and age ranges refer to Waddlers Program page.
Toddler Program
Each class may have one non-teaching assistant. Should local regulations make it necessary to have more than one aide, he/she should be a non-teaching aide and should assist the directress by making materials, supervising outdoor activities, and assisting with field trips or “going-out.”
The Prepared Environment
The AMI school recognition program was initiated in the United States to assist parents in assessing whether schools are following Montessori’s principles and practices in their original integrity and completeness. It is upon these standards that AMI recognition is granted.
Primary Program
Perhaps the greatest testimonial to the success of the Montessori method is Montessori student work. The quality, creativity, and cross-disciplinary nature of the class work speak to the intelligence and curiosity of the Montessori students that created it.
The Class Size and Age Range
Classes include a well-balanced division of ages as well as an appropriate number of children to ensure social development. For the detailed information on class sizes and age ranges refer to Primary Program page.
“The teacher’s role is to observe each individual child and provide safety, comfort, guidance, strength and coaching.”
– Dr. Maria Montessori
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How can children learn if they're free to do whatever they want?
Dr. Montessori observed that children are more motivated to learn when working on something of their own choosing. A Montessori student may choose his focus of learning on any given day, but his decision is limited by the materials and activities—in each area of the curriculum—that his teacher has prepared and presented to him.
If children work at their own pace, don't they fall behind?
Although students are free to work at their own pace, they’re not going it alone. The Montessori teacher closely observes each child and provides materials and activities that advance his learning by building on skills and knowledge already gained. This gentle guidance helps him master the challenge at hand—and protects him from moving on before he’s ready, which is what actually causes children to “fall behind”.
Do Montessori teachers follow a curriculum?
Montessori schools teach the same basic skills as traditional schools, and offer a rigorous academic program. Most of the subject areas are familiar—such as math, science, history, geography, and language—but they are presented through an integrated approach that brings separate strands of the curriculum together.
Why don't Montessori teachers give grades?
Grades, like other external rewards, have little lasting effect on a child’s efforts or achievements. The Montessori approach nurtures the motivation that comes from within, kindling the child’s natural desire to learn..