The Montessori Preschool at St. Joseph Catholic Academy
The Montessori Preschool at St. Joseph Catholic Academy is a unique institution founded on the model of The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which is inspired by Maria Montessori's pioneering work in the field of education and her observations concerning the developmental and spiritual needs and capacities of the child. The Montessori Preschool at St. Joseph Catholic Academy will be run by Ms. Peggy Sauer, Directress, AMI Certified.
The mission of the school is to provide each child with a rich and substantive educational experience that will inspire a lifetime love of learning. Students will be exposed to a wide curriculum including gym, music, computers, and foreign language.
The Montessori method is a unique philosophy for education young children. Montessori believes that young children should have favorable learning conditions because this is the time of greatest mental development. St. Joseph Catholic Academy and its dedicated staff will provide the proper environment necessary for your child’s learning.
What is the Montessori Philosophy?
The Montessori philosophy is based on the principle established by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, that education should be an aid to life and that every child should be given the opportunity to cultivate his/her own natural desire to learn. The Montessori approach is “child centered” as opposed to teacher centered and designed to assist your child in acquiring the social skills, self-confidence, and self-discipline that motivates him/her to find joy in lifelong learning.
What are the Goals of the Montessori Program?
The Montessori program provides a preschool education that emphasizes self-discipline, social interaction, sensory-motor integration skills, quiet play, and independent learning. One of the
major goals of Montessori education is to help children become independent and gain a sense of responsibility for not only their work but also their behavior.
major goals of Montessori education is to help children become independent and gain a sense of responsibility for not only their work but also their behavior.
What about Discipline?
The freedom of the environment is based on self-discipline and a respect for others. Simple ground rules define the accepted behaviors. By adhering to these ground rules, your child becomes responsible for his/her own behavior while learning self-control and cooperation with others.
What is the Classroom Environment?
A Montessori classroom is a carefully prepared environment where your child is exposed to a variety of materials in six major areas: practical life, sensorial, language, social studies, science, and math. He/she will also have the opportunity to explore creative art experiences, music,
physical education, and computer studies. The program emphasizes “hands-on” learning with the help of concrete materials or “works” designed by Dr. Montessori.
physical education, and computer studies. The program emphasizes “hands-on” learning with the help of concrete materials or “works” designed by Dr. Montessori.
What are “Works”?
Equipment or “works” are part of the “prepared environment” of the Montessori classroom. The works are clean, small, and light enough for young children to move by themselves. The easiest works are placed to the left, the most difficult to the right, following a child’s natural progression of thought. Works are not toys but small replicas of adult work tools.
Is this Environment too Structured for my Child?
While the Montessori classroom is structured, each child has the freedom to work at his/her own pace choosing his/her own work. Your child can move freely around the classroom thereby encouraging him/her to learn by choice and cultivating his/her own natural desire to learn. The Montessori philosophy views your child as an active participant in learning with a style all his/her own.
Enrichment Program
The Montessori Preschool day can be complemented with our Extended Day Enrichment Program. Here, students will continue their love of learning in a relaxed environment with themed enrichment activities. This program is staffed by a certified teacher and provides an option for an all-day learning experience.
Montessori Preschool & Enrichment Tuition Schedule
The St. Joseph Catholic Academy Montessori school is open to children ages 2 ½ to 6 years old.
Primary Half Day – Ages 2 ½ - 4
Monday through Friday
Morning Class (8 to 11 a.m.)
Afternoon class (12-3 p.m.)
Tuition: $2340 ($260/month)
Primary All Day – Ages 5-6
Monday through Friday
Full Day (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Before Care - 6:30 to 8 a.m.
Tuition: $4500 ($500/month)
An optional Primary three day option is available.
Tuesday through Thursday
Tuition: $1980 ($220/month)
OPTIONAL PROGRAMS
· Before Care – 6:30 to 8 a.m.
· After Care – 3 to 6 p.m.
· Enrichment Classes (to be announced) – 3 to 5 p.m.
The Montessori Preschool will be headed up by Ms. Peggy Sauer, AMI Certified.For additional information, please contact the St. Joseph Catholic Academy Admissions Office at (262) 654-8651 for additional information.