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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE?

We offer programs for children from early infancy through 8th grade. The curriculum presented in classroom communities is organized in developmental cycles. Infant: 3 months to 16 months; Toddler: 16 months to 3 years; Primary: 3 to 6 years; Lower and Upper Elementary: 1st to 6th grade; and the Junior High Program: 7th and 8th grade. The most important factor in program placement is developmental readiness.

WHAT IS THE TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?

We are an independent school that follows the teaching philosophy and methodology developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

ARE THE TEACHERS CERTIFIED?

Our faculty have attained professional Montessori certification at well-respected AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) and AMS (American Montessori Society) teacher training centers.

HOW CAN PARENTS BE INVOLVED AT THE SCHOOL?

Parent/Teacher conferences, parent education workshops and volunteer opportunities are among the many opportunities offered throughout the year to keep families connected to the life of the school. In addition, our parents receive weekly news emails and bi-annual newsletters.

An enthusiastic group of parent volunteers is deeply rooted in the school and is critical to our success. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to participate in school activities.

Our school partners with families to raise exceptional learners. We create a social fabric for families and meaningful communication between school and your home. The Children’s House Parent Association (CHiPA) is a bridge between the families and the school. 

HOW IS THE SCHOOL BUSINESS STRUCTURED?

Our school is an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt educational institution governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. A $2.9 Million annual operating budget relies entirely on income from tuition, fees, and gifts.

WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL CALENDAR AND SCHEDULE OPTIONS?

Our academic year begins in early September and ends in mid-June. Our summer program begins one week after the close of the academic year. Before and after school care is offered year-round for the convenience of parents with children enrolled in any one of our Montessori programs. The school day schedule for Kindergarten through sixth grade is 8:30-3:30 and Junior High students attend 8:00-3:00 Monday through Friday. Extended hours are available from 7:30-5:30.

IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?

Yes.  Tuition assistance is available to qualifying families for children in Primary through Junior High.  For the 2019-2020 school year, 18% of our students received tuition assistance. Please ask the Director of Finance for specific information about this program.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE AND A PUBLIC MONTESSORI PROGRAM?

The Children’s House is an independent Montessori school. Our independence allows us to fully implement the Montessori methodology by prioritizing the key components of the philosophy: Balanced, mixed age classrooms where children learn skills of collaboration and community; authentic assessment based on ongoing observation by well trained teachers rather than standardized testing; uninterrupted time for children to work in the prepared classroom environments with hands-on materials; and a commitment to making decisions based on what is best for the child.

The Children’s House does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin (or any other legally-protected status) in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, and other school administered programs.