FAQs

For middle and high school students, homework takes on a variety of forms. It could range from reading and reflection on an article presented in a language class, to responses seated in guided questions about the role of the United States government in the creation of the Panama Canal, and include a pair of Geometry questions that ask students to stretch their understanding of the proofs they have been working on in class. Regardless of the form of assignments, they all share the following traits: 1) homework is intended to serve a bridge from the classroom to home; its purpose is to extend, to gauge, and to help students to demonstrate their understanding of the topics with which they are presented in class; 2) homework assignments help guides to have a better understanding of students’ emergent knowledge as well as the gaps in their understanding; 3) homework, and students’ engagement with it, help guides to better understand where and how to focus classroom time with the intention of making deeper connections to discipline-related concepts within the class period.

All students are welcome to campus at 8 a.m. Middle School students will make their way to their first class, and high school students will be able to have a study period, clubs, or social time. 

When middle schoolers end their school day at 3 p.m., we will have options for sports and other enrichment activities (schedule to come). Middle School students will not be permitted to leave campus after school and come back after school ends. 

When high school students end their day at 4:15, there will also be athletics and other groups/clubs meeting until about 5:30 p.m. If a high school student is not participating in any organized after-school activities, all high school students must be picked up by 4:30 p.m.

Our average class size is 16 students. We have 30 to 40 students in each grade level.

School starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:55 p.m. We have early drop-off for no additional fee at 8:00 a.m. Sports practices, theater rehearsals, and choir practices take place after school. Unless they are involved in one of these activities, students should be picked up by 4:15 p.m.

All students take six classes per year: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language, and an Arts of their choice. For physical education, Middle School students take a daily PE class Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and a series of wellness seminars on Wednesday. High School students are required to earn a physical activity credit each year through our school sports program, the Outdoor Leadership program, or activities in the community. High School students also take courses College Planning as well as various electives. Every student participates in an advisory curriculum to foster character development; earns yearly community service hours; and executes an independent project with extensive planning requirements, practical experience, and a presentation in our Project Fair.

Our 11th and 12th grade program is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, and our 6th through 10th grades are influenced by both Montessori and IB.

No, all of our Montessori programs are five days per week. It is an important component of the Montessori philosophy that children experience the consistency of returning to the same environment day after day.

For families who are interested in a shorter school day, a half-day program is available for Primary and our Young Children’s Community.

Children’s clothing should be comfortable (allowing complete freedom of movement), washable, and suitable for daily indoor and outdoor activities. Because children spend time outdoors almost every day, parents should consider weather conditions when planning daily dress. Children are encouraged to wear shoes that are practical as well as comfortable. For safety purposes, gardening shoes and flip flops are strongly discouraged.

We don't have a dress code for this age group, but we believe that as long as items are not distracting to the child wearing it, it should be fine.

We are also using the outdoors more often and when the weather changes, we will send out reminders about layers in cold weather, too. Labeling personal items is by far one of the most important things so that when layers come off, they make it home later!

Yes, there is a Montessori-trained teacher in every classroom.

In the Young Children’s Community program, toilet-learning is a part of the curriculum, and children are expected to be working towards being self-sufficient in the bathroom. In the Primary program, children should be self-sufficient before starting school.

We use the circle drive with guides and admin helping students out of vehicles at arrival and dismissal time. Families will also be given a paper placard with their child’s name for their car window to make the process easier.

Staggered Arrival Times 8:00-8:10 Upper Elementary (4-5th) 8:10-8:20 Early Elementary (2nd-3rd) 8:20-8:30 K/1 * For families with siblings, please drop at the oldest student’s arrival time.

• 3:10-3:20 K/1
• 3:20-3:30 Early Elementary (2nd-3rd)
• 3:30-3:40 Upper Elementary (4-5th)

Children’s clothing should be comfortable (allowing complete freedom of movement), washable, and suitable for daily indoor and outdoor activities. Because children spend time outdoors almost every day, parents should consider weather conditions when planning daily dress. Children are encouraged to wear shoes that are practical as well as comfortable. For safety purposes, gardening shoes and flip flops are strongly discouraged.

We don't have a dress code for this age group, but we believe that as long as items are not distracting to the child wearing it, it should be fine.

We are also using the outdoors more often and when the weather changes, we will send out reminders about layers in cold weather, too. Labeling personal items is by far one of the most important things so that when layers come off, they make it home later!