Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Montessori Method?
The Montessori Method of Education was created by Dr. Maria Montessori, who based this new education on her scientific observations of young children's behavior. As the first woman physician to graduate from the University of Rome, Montessori became involved with education as a doctor treating children labeled as retarded. Then, in 1907, she was invited to open a child care center for the children of desperately poor families in the San Lorenzo slums of Rome. She called it "A Children's House", and based the program on her observations that young children learn best in a homelike setting, filled with developmentally appropriate materials that provide experiences contributing to the growth of self-motivated, independent learners.

What are the principles of the Montessori Method?
Montessori is a philosophy with the fundamental tenet that a child learns best within a social environment which supports each individual's unique development.

Montessori's dynamic theories include such revolutionary premises as:

• Children are to be respected as different from adults and as individuals who are different from one another.
• Children create themselves through purposeful activity.
• The most important years for learning are from birth to age six.
• Children possess unusual sensitivity and mental powers for absorbing and learning from their environment, which include people as well as materials.

What are the advantages of the Montessori Method over traditional education?
Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on his or her observations of the children to determine which new activities and materials he may introduce to an individual child or to a small or large group. The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning and to strike a balance of individual mastery with small group collaboration within the whole group community.

What are the benefits of mixing children of different ages in the same classroom?
Three year age span of children within the classroom - Older children teaching younger children, sense of community, builds self esteem. This provides abundant opportunities for learning and helps to create a sense of family while everyone contributes and takes responsibility for the functioning and maintenance of the environment.

Because of this multi-aged group, the classroom has a heritage. The older children provide leadership, guidance, and act as models for the younger children. The older children also benefit by helping younger children, reinforcing previous skills, and knowledge and benefiting from the satisfaction of helping others. The mix of ages also provides opportunities for a variety of safe, lasting, and meaningful friendships.

Do you issue reports cards?
Yes, we issue reports cards twice a year. Also, we encourage parents to stay in touch with the teachers and suggest them to keep pace with the student's workbooks, a richer source of information on the child's development.

How do the children do when they face the transition to a traditional school?
Naturally, they need a slight social adjustment to understand new rules and new routines for the classroom. But Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they've been encouraged to make decisions from any early ages, these children are problem-solvers who can make choices and manage their time well.

How does the School score in the SAT tests?
Our students score above the average on SAT tests.

How does the Montessori Method prepare our children for the future?
Research studies show that Montessori children are well prepared for later life academically, socially and emotionally. In addition to scoring well on standardized tests, Montessori children are ranked above average on such criteria as following directions, turning in work on time, listening attentively, using basic skills, showing responsibility, asking provocative questions, showing enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new situations. If he is in a stimulating environment, whether at home or at school, his self education - which is the only real education- will continue.

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self esteem. Montessori programs based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, help children develop good self-image and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.

Does the school offer a second language?
Yes, Spanish is offered. New lessons are presented weekly and are put on the shelf for the children to repeat as often as they like. Songs and
fingerplays are taught during line time.

Does the school offer Physical Education?
Preschool students do gross motor activities in their classrooms on line time. The children of elementary school go to the Village Green twice a week for their Physical Education class.

When can I visit the school?
The school has an open door policy, with a previous appointment made, we can share our classrooms with you. Please refer to our contact information.

Does the School offer summer camp?
Yes it does. Our summer camp is open to children from pre-school 3 years old (fully potty trained only) to Kindergarten 5-6 years old.
Classes are run on a two-week session basis, beginning generally mid
June to the third week of August. The program is a good starting point
for new students joining school in September who do not have experience in the Montessori method. Activities are Montessori based and children will learn how to work together. Each day has a different focus such as art day or science day and various outside groups come to the school in each session to entertain the children.

What if my family is not Episcopalian?
Although St. Christopher's is an Episcopal School, we respect and celebrate the diversity of all religious traditons; many of which are represented within our student body.

Accreditation and memberships.
St. Christopher's by-the-Sea Montessori School is a member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. The school is also accredited by Florida Kindergarten Council, Florida Council of Independent Schools and is a member of American Montessori Society.