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Introduction Mrs. Evelyn Lopez-Couto, opened the Montessori School of North Miami in June 1998, to serve children from the ages of Pre-K 3 through Eighth grade as a continuation of the Children's House of Miami Shores. The Montessori School of North Miami is affiliated to the American Montessori Society. The school is housed in three buildings with a large open playground. The primary grades are held in the main building while the elementary grades are housed in the two adjacent buildings. The primary goal of the Montessori School of North Miami is to help each child reach full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of a specially prepared teacher, allows the child to experience the joy of learning, time to enjoy the process and ensure the development of self-esteem, and provide the experiences from which children create their knowledge. "Our aim is not merely to make children understand, and still less to force them to memorize, but so to touch their imaginations as to enthuse them to their innermost core."- Dr. Maria Montessori Every classroom is equipped with state-of-the art didactic Montessori material. These manipulative materials make it possible for children to learn by doing rather than by being told. The materials are age appropriate and are intended to be presented to children in order to enhance their learning and awareness, first of simple concepts, and later of complicated academic ideas. The classroom is under the direction of a certified Montessori teacher who knows the functions of these materials, understands how children learn, is adept at observing and interpreting children and their work, and is prepared to meet the educational needs of each child in an individual basis. Arts and science is specially approached in our curriculum, children learn and enjoy our unique "Earth's Library". Our science program is based on a see, touch and explore the earth's library. The Montessori Method The Montessori method is based on years of patient observation and study of children by Dr. Maria Montessori, who was a scientist uniquely educated and qualified for this task. She was a medical doctor, a student of psychology and a professor of anthropology; a science which is concerned with man in a unique way. She worked out her method and developed the materials by letting the children show her what worked and what did not work. There are responsible organizations such as the American Montessori Society, which operate on behalf of its proper development in the United States. The Montessori method allows your child to learn the way he learns best and easiest by doing things himself. Within certain limits, children can choose work that appeals to their own interests. They can exercise their sense of freedom and spontaneity. They feel joy and enthusiasm in learning because they are doing what they want to do instead of what someone else tells him he must do. Montessori children enjoy considerable freedom of movement and choice, however, their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits on the range of their behavior, and is redirected promptly and firmly if they cross over the line. Children of Montessori construct their own sense of individual identity and right and wrong. Gradually, the child builds a strong sense of independence and self-confidence as his skills increase. The Montessori method is built on your child's natural love of learning and instills a life long motivation for continuous learning. It helps your child remain in touch with his natural growth and development. Each child works at his own pace, hence, the quick child is not held back by the slow, nor is the latter, in trying to keep up with the former obliged to flounder alone hopelessly in his depth. While the Montessori method offers the child a maximum of spontaneity, it nevertheless, enables him to reach an even higher level of scholastic attainment than other systems. Admission Montessori School of North Miami has an open admission policy. We do not discriminate against or exclude any student based on ethnic origin, race or color. Montessori School of North Miami provides instruction only in English. In all cases, new students are accepted conditionally and are on academic and behavioral probation for one academic year. New families wishing to register their children must complete the necessary applications and submit the required documentation. The application and documentation will be reviewed by the school administration. If the documentation meets the requirements for admission an appointment will be arranged to meet with the school administration. School Calendar The school publishes a calendar for each month school is in session. In an effort to be as accurate as possible, this monthly calendar is released close to the beginning of each month. It is vital that you check this calendar every day! We utilize this calendar to communicate much information. |
