What is the best age for my child to begin at Alef Bet Montessori School?

Children should begin the Montessori cycle as soon as they start walking or at 3. We accept children as early as 18 months old. The Montessori program is a 3-year cycle (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, etc..). A child age 2 will join the first cycle, in the Toddler Class. A child over 30 months but younger than 3, is welcome in the Primary Program, as Pre-Primary. Note that her cycle of 3 years (i.e. 3 - 6) starts in the next year, as she turns 3 years old.

Shouldn’t my child just play for a few years before starting school?

A  child’s work is play! Children love to explore, examine, and discover. The Montessori method was particularly designed for these “absorbent minds.” The children lose themselves in their “work” in a joyful and self-fulfilling way.

What is so important about the early years?

The first period in human development, from birth to age 6, is the time when the child’s character and intelligence are being formed. The child has great creative energies that are being used to develop a mind with the ability to think, understand and remember. This extraordinary power of the child is like a sponge, absorbing information from the environment.
Dr. Maria Montessori named this power the “absorbent mind.” Dr. Montessori used to say, “Impressions do not merely enter his mind; they form it” (Absorbent Mind, 1995). It is the work of the child to build the person that she will become, and the foundation for this important self-construction is formed in the early years.

Why are different ages grouped together?

Younger children benefit from the guidance and stimulation of older children, while older children gain additional self-esteem and independence by helping younger ones. Children can always find others who are working at their level, regardless of age. The children stay in the same class for several years, developing strong bonds with their classmates and teachers.

What is the Montessori Method?

The Montessori Method is named after Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori method of education is based on the scientific observation of the child. It recognizes in the child a natural curiosity and desire to learn. Montessori aids the child by emphasizing independent activity without the unnecessary help of an adult. This allows important aspects of character, such as independence, self-confidence, self-discipline and a love of learning, to develop spontaneously. Montessori also recognizes the importance of social interaction and movement in education. The child is able to learn by doing, moving about freely and working with the numerous educational materials available to him. Since all children learn differently, they are able to work individually at their own pace, assuring they will not be bored or frustrated by their activities in school.

Who is Maria Montessori?

Why should I send my child to a Montessori school?

Items used in a Montessori class are unique to this method. They are stimulating and the classroom provides an exciting environment for the child. Dr. Montessori recognized that each child has “sensitive periods” of learning when the child has an intense interest in acquiring a particular skill. His will to learn is particularly important during these sensitive periods and your child will be able to choose when and how to work with the many Montessori materials that will aid in her mental and social development.

Do you have a Kindergarten Program?

Yes, Kindergarten is the culmination of the Alef Bet Montessori program. In this final year, the child uses the very familiar materials that were introduced in past years, but in advanced ways geared for primary-school level curricula. The child shares work and lessons with the smaller children in the class, solidifying all the knowledge they have learned in the past years and developing them into group leaders.  Kindergartens truly feel confident, secure and independent with high self-esteem. There is a real graduation ceremony at the end of the year to mark this important milestone.

Does this open Montessori environment let children wander about aimlessly?

Montessori is highly individualized, but it is also structured, with clearly defined procedures, purposeful activities, and oversight from the teachers.

Do children get to socialize and make friendships?

It is of the utmost importance that children also experience their classroom as a place where they can develop socially. In our classroom, they are free to move about and relate to other children in conversation and in their play. The teachers show genuine respect to each child. The children, in turn, model this behavior in their social interactions. A special characteristic of the Pre-K & Kindergarten program is that the classroom encompasses the areas of learning and socializing which are designed to foster independence, concentration, self motivation and a love of learning.

What do children learn in the Primary class?

Children learn important social skills, grace and curtsy, reading, writing, language, mathematics, geography, science, history, music and Hebrew - using many manipulative materials in the room and through teacher guidance.

Will my child be able to adjust to a traditional school after this one?

Studies have shown that Montessori preschool and Kindergarten graduates make a smooth transition to any elementary program they go on to attend. They enter elementary school with curiosity, self-discipline, initiative, persistence, concentration, and a positive attitude toward school.

Is there a Montessori Program beyond Preschool?

Montessori education does not have to end with the preschool experience. It continues into a child’s elementary and even adolescent years. The Montessori elementary environment responds to the elementary-aged child’s expanding view of the universe. Some of the same materials from the preschool classroom are present, to be used in more complex ways according to the child’s development. In addition, many new materials are introduced as the child moves toward abstract thinking, developing his imagination to embrace concepts larger than his immediate environment.

Is Alef Bet Montessori School affiliated with a particular religion?

We are a Jewish school with a Judaic program. We celebrate the Jewish holidays, we put an emphasis on the Hebrew language, we embrace the festivities in Israel and the connection between our heritage to Israel. We are not affiliated with any particular denomination, however, our method of teaching is traditional. We honor our differences and will adhere to standards that will make all parents feel comfortable. It is part of our tradition to celebrate Shabbat and we are inviting our students’ families to share their customs with us. Our students learn about spirituality, love, kindness, and develop self identity through stories and lessons from Jewish culture.

Does the School have a Parent Committee?

Our school has a very active Parents Committee. Parents get together to plan social events for the school, such as a Shabbaton Dinner (where the school's parents cook the dinner together and enjoy a family-friendly Shabbat service and children's program). Other events include: an Ice Cream Social, Purim Party, and our Annual Fundraiser event – Chocolate Extravaganza. The fun doesn't stop when school lets out as parents also form after-school activities such as, soccer and karate.

Do You Offer Before and After Care?

We do not offer Before Care. The school hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parents can drop off their child as early as 8:30 a.m. We believe that a child at a young age needs to be with a provider one-on-one after several hours spent with other children. There should be some “down time” for the child after the school ends. Continuing After Care does not serve that purpose. Check our Tuition Schedule for information about available After Care/Extended Day Program from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

What Is AMI?

Dr. Maria Montessori opened a Center for Montessori training in Laren, Netherlands in 1938 and founded a series of teacher training courses in India in 1939. The training Center is called Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). This Center continues today to train teachers around the world. AMI therefore is the only Center that was established by Dr. Montessori herself. AMI has a branch in the U.S., AMI-USA, and is the main center for our school's teacher training and assistant teacher training. One of AMI main objectives is: "Spreading and upholding the pedagogical principles and practice formulated by Dr. Montessori, which ensures the independence of the child's personality through successive stages of growth until he reaches full, normal development by means of his own activity." For more information on AMI, click here.