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A Montessori school offers both a highly organized and carefully crafted curriculum plus the ability to differentiate instruction so students learn in a hands-on manner at their own pace. A Montessori education not only teaches all the skills (our curriculum Scope and Sequence meets or exceeds all state and national standards), but in addition prepares children to accept responsibility for their own learning, make choices about their use of work time, and delve deeply into projects and topics. The Montessori approach to education has a 96 year history of producing eager scholars, not just passive receivers of information. Lastly, a Montessori education is based on a community of learners and is international in its reach. What this means to most of our families is this: we don't hold a child back. In a conventional school all students in a class have the same assignment; in a Montessori school each student meets goals that challenge them in each subject area. A student who is ready to learn more in math will be able to learn more in math. A student who is ready to write a novella will write one. Excellence has as many faces as there are children in a Montessori school. What is special about MSR? The Montessori School of Raleigh is the only school in North Carolina accredited both by the American Montessori Society and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This is but one indication of our strong stable faculty, forward-looking leadership, strong financial health, solid board leadership, and strong Montessori educational programs. We hope you are looking for a school to stay with until your children graduate from our 9th grade, and no other Montessori school can offer your child the chance to "explore, cooperate, create, and become" all the way from 18 months through 9th grade. How do your students do when they leave MSR? Our first graduating class of 10th graders were accepted at every independent secondary school to which they applied, including some of the most academically rigorous schools both here and in New England. Our graduates enrolled at local magnet or charter programs as well as independent schools. For many years when MSR ended after 6th grade, the graduates of our Elementary program were similarly successful. Some became valedictorians, and many continue to stay in touch about their successes in high school and college. For the most part, our graduates enter conventional academic settings because no Montessori high school is available to them. Not only do they do well (on tests, or as measured by grades), but their independence and eagerness for learning are qualities noticed and valued by their peers and teachers. How much homework do MSR students have? Until the Middle School years we do not assign daily homework for many reasons. First and foremost, the school day at MSR is full of active learning-by-doing. The success of our graduates, as well as the academic achievements of millions of Montessori students in the United States and around the world demonstrates beyond doubt that students receive enough practice and instruction during the school day. Additionally we are convinced that there are many other activities students need to be doing at home after school: active outside play, reading, exploration, chores at home, and more. Too often "homework" crowds out other worthwhile pursuits, as well as becoming a battleground for parents. By the Upper Elementary years students begin to assign themselves whatever work they have not finished during the day in order to meet their weekly goals, complete projects, or practice skills. In Middle School students complete an average of two hours of work each night. When is the best time of year to apply? We accept applications at any time, but most people apply between September and February of the year prior to entry. What is the best age to apply? Our Montessori program
starts at 18 months. There is no doubt in our minds that our Toddler program
prepares children admirably for Children's House (ages 3-6), our Children's
House prepares children admirably for Elementary (ages 6-12), and our
Elementary program prepares children superbly for our Middle School (ages
12-15, grades 7-9). However, it is a myth that children who have not attended
a Montessori school can't transition successfully to MSR. That being said, it is also true that we have the fewest openings and generally accept few students at the third year of each 3-year cycle: that is Extended Day in Children's House (equivalent of K), 3rd year in Lower Elementary (equivalent of 3rd grade), 3rd year in Upper Elementary (equivalent of 6th grade), and 3rd year in Middle School (equivalent of 9th grade). We encourage you to consider entering at the first year of each cycle and make a commitment to at least complete each three year cycle. Is it easy for a new child and family to become a part of MSR? We know that changing schools or starting school are transitions that follow a course unique to every child and family. We make every effort through the admissions process to get to know you and your child. There are opportunities for each new student to visit prior to the start of school. These visits, as well as picnics and other social occasions, are low-key and friendly. The parent staff association, MPSA, and especially each room parent, reach out to new families and are always available should you have questions. One indication of the success of our efforts is the strong support for the school shown by new parents in both the annual Parent Survey and the Annual Fund. |
How long is our school year? What are our tuition and fees?
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