The fall is a very important time for making decisions concerning your child’s future schooling. We are fortunate to live in an area filled with many fantastic public and private schools — including our own! We know that while every one of our families sees Gladwyne Montessori as a pre-eminent preschool, about half never even consider us as a school for children going into 1st through 6th grade.

So what’s going on? After all, our graduates are sought after by all of the best schools:

While it is up to you to research and understand other schools in our area, we want to make sure you know all the advantages our school offers as you make this important decision. Gladwyne Montessori has an excellent reputation with other schools for preparing bright, articulate children with strong leadership skills and the ability to work both independently and in groups.

We think parents may not realize how much we continue to offer older students. That is why we invite you to take a tour of the Elementary program, and why we have prepared this Q & A document. So read on — then attend the November 6th and November 8th programs and/or schedule a tour today! The best school for your child may be the one he or she already attends!

As the only Montessori school in the area that goes through 6th grade, we provide an exceptional educational experience. Montessori offers multi-age classrooms and a unique hands-on approach, where children set their own work plans (with teacher guidance) and work at their own pace. The result? Unmatched self-confidence and extraordinary skills, particularly in reading, writing and math. Beginning in first grade, students are encouraged to develop public speaking skills through poetry recitation, plays and presentations.

When natural curiosity motivates learning, children excel beyond their own dreams. The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality. - Maria Montessori

A second advantage is our small class size and personal teacher attention. The three 1st through 3rd grade classes, as well as our Upper Elementary, have on average 15-18 students, all with two full-time, highly experienced teachers as well as specialists who work with the students in reading, French, music, physical education, and computers. This level of individual attention is remarkable and helps explain why GMS students often operate at levels grades ahead of where they might otherwise be.

A third strong point is the emphasis on individual learning. Students meet weekly with their teacher and make a work plan covering the various disciplines. Students work at their own pace fulfilling their agreed-upon work. The next week, they review the process and make new plans. This process is empowering! Rarely will you see a teacher stand at the front of the room and lecture. Lessons are taught in small groups and students work on projects independently and collaboratively.

A fourth strong point is the focus on non-academic qualities. Because the students are responsible for their own learning, and they operate as part of a group, they become aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. They are part of a community and become good citizens. Other schools consistently tell us our students are academically poised, well-behaved and self confident beyond their years!

No, it is simply not true that you must apply in Pre-K or give up on a school forever. At other area independent schools, typically only 10%-15% are “lifers,” meaning they arrived at Pre-K and graduated from 12th grade. It is true for certain schools that there are years when more students are accepted. Pre-K is the entry point for most private schools but there may be openings in certain grades yearly and at other entry points. We know that there is pressure to apply to meet other schools’ preferred timetable. And it may even be tempting to think that you will make one decision now and be finished forever. A very viable option is to stay at GMS and be very well prepared for your child’s next right school. If your child stays through 6th grade he or she will benefit from the Montessori curriculum in its entirety and will enjoy a program that will help him or her integrate into non-Montessori settings.

The bottom line is, as we see it, that if your child is happy here and thriving in a Montessori setting, it may be a very wise choice to keep him or her here at GMS.

The K-12’s are wonderful schools but be sure to keep an eye on the grade levels at which they operate. Most do not start interscholastic sports until 6th grade.

No, GMS is a competitive school with regard to admissions and we do not take all students who apply. Not all students are right for our school. Because of the very nature of Montessori — its emphasis on self-directed learning — certain children will not thrive here. However, if your child is highly motivated to learn, is excited by knowledge and likes to work independently or in small groups, then GMS is likely a good fit for your child, particularly after the preschool years.

Answer: Call today to schedule a tour with Robyn Stearne or Abbie Miller. Spend as much time as you like, exploring the program in action.

~ Abbie