When your child chooses their own work all morning, it is fair to wonder how anyone keeps track. In Noozhawk's 2023-24 Private & Independent School Guide, Chelsea Frei, then our Marketing and Communication Specialist, answered that and several more questions about the school.
How your child's progress is recorded
Each child records every lesson they are given in their own journal, and follows it up in their own creative way. The teacher keeps a separate record of each day's lessons. Teacher and child meet regularly, one to one, to review all the work and to set and record goals. They also check the California requirements together to make sure every standard is met.
Mistakes are part of the work
South Coast Montessori is dedicated to the principles of AMI, the Association Montessori Internationale. Montessori materials have a control of error built into their design. That lets children work on their own, unafraid of getting something wrong, and comfortable with the idea that errors are essential to learning. The school's mission puts the aim plainly: “We are dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of each student.”
Small groups and trained teachers
At the time of the guide, our ratios were 4 to 1 for infants, 6 to 1 for toddlers, 12 to 1 in Primary, and 12 to 1 in Elementary. Our lead Primary and Elementary teachers hold diplomas from AMI training centers. We meet all of California's child care requirements, and professional development is regular and continuous. When a child needs extra support, we work with the child, their parents, and specialists as needed on a learning plan that meets the child's needs.
Parents shape the school year
Our Fun & Fundraising committee is formed by parents and serves as our version of a PTA. Every parent is invited to take part at whatever level suits their family. The committee hosts social events and raises money for scholarships and capital improvements. Need-based scholarships are available for Primary and Elementary, and our rates are on our tuition page.
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South Coast Montessori
