FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is “Montessori”?
Montessori is a teaching method based on the life’s work of Dr. Maria Montessori. The first Montessori school was opened in 1907 and today Montessori schools can be found throughout the world. They continue to operate within the guidelines set by founder, Dr. Maria Montessori, assuming that children are born intelligent but simply learn in different ways and progress at their own pace. The Montessori approach to education is consciously designed to recognize and address different learning styles, helping students learn to study most effectively. Working independently, students progress as they master new skills, moving ahead as quickly as they are ready.

For more information on Montessori or Dr. Maria Montessori, simply click on the links.

Who governs the curriculum?
The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) governs the pedagogy or preparatory training that lead teachers receive. AMI requires a lead or AMI certified teacher to be present in each class. The association also dictates the types of materials used in the Montessori classroom. The materials allow the child to engage in self-directed, purposeful activity. While enhancing the curriculum is possible, for the most part, the Montessori curriculum encompasses five broad areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural Extensions.

Please refer to the Curriculum page for more information.

Why do Montessori classes have mixed ages?
Montessori classes bring children together in multi-age groups, usually spanning three age levels. Children stay with their teachers for three years. This allows teachers to develop close and long-term relationships with their pupils, allows them to know each child’s learning style very well and encourages a strong sense of community among the children. The interaction between the mixed-ages provides ample opportunities for the younger children to learn from their older peers while the older children gain a sense of responsibility; ultimately instilling confidence all of them.

What is the student-teacher ratio?
AMI accredited schools are expected to enroll between 28-35 children to 1 AMI trained teacher. Atlanta Montessori Academy attempts to balance requirements for accreditation with parent concerns of large class sizes by staffing classes with 1 AMI trained teacher and 1 assistant teacher. Atlanta Montessori Academy also works to keep student enrollment closer to the lower end of class size requirements while maintaining a well-balanced division of ages to ensure social development.

Is there any structure to daily classroom activities?
While many unfamiliar with Montessori may view the classroom as unstructured, it is actually quite structured. Because children are at different stages of development, the materials are designed for independent manipulation, enabling each child to work at his/her own pace. AMI mandates an uninterrupted three-hour work cycle each morning. Within this three hour period, time is scheduled for independent and group study. During independent study, children are allowed to choose their work. However they may only work with material on which they have had a one-on-one lesson with the teacher. Children may also choose to work in small groups on some exercises. The children learn to handle the materials with care, how to take them out, place them on mats or at a table and return everything to where it belongs. During group study, the class may engage in circle time or work on lessons together, as a whole. So, while there is more freedom in the Montessori classroom as compared to traditional classrooms, it is freedom with responsibility”.

How do teachers assess a child’s progress when every student is working on something different?
Montessori teachers undergo rigorous training at AMI training centers found throughout the world. One of the most important talents that an AMI certified teacher acquires is the practice of constructive observation. With the younger students at each level, the teacher is more active, demonstrating the use of materials and presenting activities based on an assessment of the child's requirements. However, more and more the role of the teacher becomes one of observer as they intervene less and less and the child develops. The Montessori teacher is constantly observing each child, assessing their needs and moving them on to the next lesson.

How will I know how my child is doing?
Atlanta Montessori Academy (AMA) schedules two Parent/Teacher conferences each school year. However, we encourage parents to speak with teachers and staff as often as needed to feel comfortable with your child’s progress.

Will my child be prepared for a “traditional” school environment upon graduation from AMA?
Absolutely. The goal of Montessori is to develop students who realize their strengths and weaknesses and who are able to think and make decisions for themselves. Following completion of AMA’s three-year primary program, students are confident and well versed in all areas of study found in any traditional curriculum. In fact, students are often ahead of most traditional curriculums for their age level.

Does AMA offer any extracurricular activities? Is the cost included in tuition?
AMA does provide extracurricular activities such as dance, music and golf lessons. Spanish is also offered as part of our enrichment program. The cost of these activities is not included in tuition.

How many field trips does AMA participate in yearly? Are they culturally enriching?
The number of field trips that AMA participates in varies from year to year. Some field trips are off-campus like our outing to the Pumpkin Patch in October and some are in-house with professionals who are invited into our classrooms. Field trips are directly tied to the on-going work of the children in the classroom. Our focus is to always plan field trips that are informative and often culturally enriching.

Does AMA have a dress code?
AMA students are required to dress in school uniforms Monday through Thursday. Proper attire is navy blue bottoms with yellow tops and black or blue shoes. Girls may also wear navy plaid rompers or skirts. Friday is considered “casual day”; students may come dressed in regular clothes.

Does AMA provide breakfast?
AMA does not provide breakfast. However, we do stress the importance of parents providing time in the mornings to prepare a well-balanced meal for their child. A meal that is nourishing and low in sugar content provides the energy your child needs to successfully complete the tasks of the day and helps to get him/her off to a great start.

Does AMA provide a snack?
Snack preparation is part of Montessori’s practical life curriculum. AMA families provide the food used. Each child is assigned a week and given a list of food items needed for that week. This is a great opportunity to introduce your child to the art of grocery shopping (e.g. list preparation, setting a budget, food/brand selection).

Does AMA provide lunch?
We are currently exploring this option for our College Park location. Please inquire with the administrator.

Does AMA provide supplies?
All school supplies and materials are provided by Atlanta Montessori Academy. However, at the beginning of each school year, parents are given a supply list of items that assist the children in the area of practical life specifically hygiene and table manners (e.g. Kleenex, antibacterial soap, cloth napkin).

Is there a before and after school program?
AMA provides before school care (7:30-8:15a.m.). There is also an afternoon program (3:00-6:00p.m.). Both before and after school programs are part of AMA’s Enrichment Program.

For more information please refer to our Programs page.

Is naptime offered to children who may need it?
All of the children under the age of five (5) take a nap. The older children (5-6 years) participate in the afternoon class once it is determined that they are ready for the extended day of study.

How do teachers and the school deal with discipline?
Atlanta Montessori Academy’s approach to discipline is to lead the child towards self-discipline. It is very important for children to clearly understand the rules and possible consequences for violating rules. In the Montessori classroom, the child’s opinion is respected and the child is asked to share his/her view. Children want to follow the rules if the adult clearly defines the rules and then invites the child to assume responsibility for his/her behavior. Assuming responsibility for behavior is to understand and accept the consequences for violating rules.

Children whose rights are violated by physical harm are asked to report this problem to the nearest adult or any available adult rather than hit back. This instills the practice of following legal procedures that adults follow when we enlist the help of law officials when our rights are violated. AMA operates on the fundamental belief that everyone will take good care of every person as well as the school. That means two behaviors are completely unacceptable: 1) No child or adult may hurt another in any way, and 2) No child or adult may disturb the work or materials or another. AMA teachers and staff endeavor to continuously provide a stimulating, creative, safe and positive environment with fair application of ground rules and consequences.

Does AMA have a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)? How often are meetings held?
Yes. Atlanta Montessori Academy’s parent-teacher association is called MPACT (Montessori Parents and Community Too). It is an organization, run by parents, with the assistance of faculty and staff and is comprised of several committees that work towards the goals of the school in a number of ways such as fundraising, curriculum enhancement, event planning and new program development, to name just a few. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month.

Parent participation is highly encouraged and absolutely necessary to develop a cohesive community of students, teachers and parents for the success of the entire school.

How do I learn more about Montessori?
To learn more about Montessori, refer to some of the publications and Montessori links found on our Links page.