Frequently Asked Questions

Whats the difference between the Montessori Method vs traditional methods?

Traditional schools are teacher centered environments, which means education methods are group oriented as directed by the teacher. Learning methods are thus group based as are performance standards. A Montessori environment is student centered, which means education methods are developed around the individual student taking into account the learning styles, (i.e sensorial, kinesthetic, passive) and talents of each child. Children learn at their own pace, and are free to choose their activites making learning fun, and ulimately more effective.

Is Montessori only for preschool aged children?

Critics say Montessori students are unsupervised. Is this true?

No, this is not true. Montessori students are self-directed not unsupervised. Each student works at his or her own pace and in an area that interests them. A director or directress observes areas where the child needs improvement and guides them in that direction of personal development. This is especially helpful with special needs students because traditional schools offer teacher centered environments and montessori programs adapt to the child, or rather are student centered environments. Also, because Montessori schools are often multi-aged based classrooms, younger children tend to learn from older students.

How well do KMS students transition to traditional schools?

As most Montessori students, KMS students transition into traditional kindergarten schools quite well because they have already developed a passion for learning, are independent, and socially secure. Several kindergarten teachers at area schools have commented what a joy KMS students are in there classrooms.

Does KMS require students to be toilet trained?

Yes. While we recognize that not all students are not toilet trained before their early education begins, we do ask that all KMS students are. This is simply because we are a smaller school and do not have the resources to devote to a child who's not fully toilet trained.

How much does KMS cost?

Current school enrollment costs can be found in our materials download section.

Montessori?

Maria Montessori Biography

An Italian educator of the early 20th century, Maria Montessori is remembered as the founder of the famous Montessori Method of education which emphasized hands-on, individualized learning within mixed age groups in a child-friendly setting.

Her teaching strategies and her discoveries about the process of learning revolutionized the field of education in the United States and profoundly influenced children's education all around the world. Despite the familiarity of her name, few realize that much of the developmental, "hands-on" approach now employed in preschools and kindergartens can be traced to the innovations of Maria Montessori. Although best known as an educator, Montessori's formal training was as a scientist and medical doctor. She is also notable for having been Italy's first female M.D. For her committed efforts on behalf of children, especially in the face of the fascism of World War II, Montessori was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize (1949, 1950, and 1951).