I've been waiting until school was out to write this post.
First grade was a tough one for Alex. We had been warned that the transition from primary to lower elementary was a difficult one and we expected a transitional period. However, we went from a very nurturing environment where students were given lessons on a daily basis and had free choice of their works to an environment that was rigid, repetitive, highly teacher-directed and had elements that we found to be discouraging in the end. The school is still a wonderful place and I highly recommend it as an alternative for self-motivated students.
We were unable to change classrooms, so we decided to change schools altogether. The new school sits nestled among a 100+ acres woodlands, farm, & streams. It's very small, probably no more than 25-30 students. They have 3 teachers (two of whom are AMI certified & trained in Italy, and the third being a former teacher at the school we're leaving). It is also a year round school.
(the elementary building)
The school really uses the environment the nurture their students. The students are helping to raise & care for farm animals, gardens, etc. and there's a hope to oneday even branch out to include a erkinder school. My daughter was taken by the school right away and fell in love with the animals, land and even her future teacher...which was a little surprising because she's never had a male teacher. When asked the main reason why she prefers this school the reasons included "becuase I'll get lessons everyday, more challenging work, be able to learn something new & play with the baby chicks whenever I want."
(the primary house for 3-6 year olds)
A big plus is that her sister Jordan will be joining her in the fall. I'm super excited about Jordan being able to start & do a full 3 year cycle. Alex came in at Kindergarten since we were forced to send her somewhere & homeschooling wasn't an option. We're looking forward to the new school and eventually having all three girls there together.
***The pictures above were taken from the school's site, they are not my own.
That looks like some school!
Posted by: Kristal | June 12, 2011 at 18:26
Sounds like a wonderful choice! I hope that both of the girls thrive there!
Posted by: Alida | June 14, 2011 at 10:41
That really does look like a wonderful school. I am so happy you had a choice and your children could continue their Montessori education.
Posted by: Cynthia Dyer | June 18, 2011 at 11:37
The school sounds like a dream come true!!!
Posted by: Melanie | August 19, 2011 at 08:15