School Profile
2010-2011
Description
Trinity Montessori is a private Christian school dedicated to the development of children ages 18 months through 14 years using the educational principals set forth by Dr. Maria Montessori. We are a thriving community of approximately 75 families and educators working together to develop each child's innate love of learning as well as a strong sense of community based on respect, trust and cooperation. Our classrooms offer low student to teacher ratios and individualized attention where teachers are able to address each child's individual needs. In addition to the child's cognitive and social development, Trinity Montessori School provides a rich spiritual curriculm utilizing the Catechesis of the Good Shepard religious formation program.
Mission
Trinity Montessori School strives to develop the whole child, not by simply transmitting knowledge, but by developing the child's fullest potential socially, psychologically and spiritually. In keeping with the principles of Montessori education, Trinity Montessori School creates a well-prepared classroom environment in which each child is free to explore his/her own passions and interests while being carefully guided by well-trained Montessori teachers.
Curriculum
Trinity Montessori School uses the Montessori curriculum as it was prescribed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the basis of which follows the natural developmental tendencies of the child. Lessons are aimed at building on the continuing self-construction of the child on a daily , weekly and yearly basis. Each day begins with an uninterrupted three hour work cycle in which each child chooses age appropriate work from a variety of disciplines including mathematics, language arts, geography, history, science and practical life skills.
"My vision of the future is no longer people taking exams and proceeding then on that
certification...but of individuals passing from one stage of independence to a higher (one),
by means of their own activity through their own effort of will, which constitutes the inner
evolution for the individual." - Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence
We adhere closely to the methods recommended by the Associacion Montessori Internationale, and are affiliated with the American Montessori Society. Our classrooms are grouped into three year age blocks as follows: Casa (3-6 years), Elementary (6-9 years), Upper Elementary (9-12 years), and Middle School Academy (12-14 years). Our toddler program begins at 18 months and continues through 3 years. In this manner, older children are able to develop strong leadership skills.
Trinity Montessori is a private Christian school dedicated to the development of children ages 18 months through 14 years using the educational principals set forth by Dr. Maria Montessori. We are a thriving community of approximately 75 families and educators working together to develop each child's innate love of learning as well as a strong sense of community based on respect, trust and cooperation. Our classrooms offer low student to teacher ratios and individualized attention where teachers are able to address each child's individual needs. In addition to the child's cognitive and social development, Trinity Montessori School provides a rich spiritual curriculm utilizing the Catechesis of the Good Shepard religious formation program.
Mission
Trinity Montessori School strives to develop the whole child, not by simply transmitting knowledge, but by developing the child's fullest potential socially, psychologically and spiritually. In keeping with the principles of Montessori education, Trinity Montessori School creates a well-prepared classroom environment in which each child is free to explore his/her own passions and interests while being carefully guided by well-trained Montessori teachers.
Curriculum
Trinity Montessori School uses the Montessori curriculum as it was prescribed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the basis of which follows the natural developmental tendencies of the child. Lessons are aimed at building on the continuing self-construction of the child on a daily , weekly and yearly basis. Each day begins with an uninterrupted three hour work cycle in which each child chooses age appropriate work from a variety of disciplines including mathematics, language arts, geography, history, science and practical life skills.
"My vision of the future is no longer people taking exams and proceeding then on that
certification...but of individuals passing from one stage of independence to a higher (one),
by means of their own activity through their own effort of will, which constitutes the inner
evolution for the individual." - Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence
We adhere closely to the methods recommended by the Associacion Montessori Internationale, and are affiliated with the American Montessori Society. Our classrooms are grouped into three year age blocks as follows: Casa (3-6 years), Elementary (6-9 years), Upper Elementary (9-12 years), and Middle School Academy (12-14 years). Our toddler program begins at 18 months and continues through 3 years. In this manner, older children are able to develop strong leadership skills.
2010-2011 School Calendar
August 9-10 Professional Development Day
11-12 Teacher Workday
12 Parent Night (6:00 pm childcare available)
13 Professional Development Day
16 First Day of School for all Returning Students (Noon Dismissal)
17 First Day of School for ALL students (Noon Dismissal)
18 Full Day Schedule Resumes (3:00 PM Dismissal)
September 6 Labor Day - School Closed
13 Enrichment Programs Begin Art - Ballet - Music - Karate - Etc.
16 Parent Education Night (6:00-7:00 PM) childcare available
October 1 School Closed - Professional development day
29 Conferences - No students (supplemental childcare available)
November 22-24 No enrichment programs
24-26 Thanksgiving Holiday
December 17 Moving Up & Advent Ceremony (dismissal immediately following program)
20-31 Winter Break
January 3 Students return to school
17 School Closed - MLK Jr. Day
27 Annual Parent Meeting
28 Registration (Current students & siblings)
February 5 Open House (Saturday 9:00 am to Noon)
18 International Day - Noon Dismissal
21 President's Day Holiday - School Closed
22 New Student Registration Begins
March 10 Parent Education Night (6:00-7:00) Childcare available
25 Parent-Teacher Conference - No Students - Supplemental Childcare Available
April 16 Auction (Tentative)
22-May 1 Easter Break
May 2 Students Return to School
27 Moving Up Ceremony - dismissal immediately following ceremony
11-12 Teacher Workday
12 Parent Night (6:00 pm childcare available)
13 Professional Development Day
16 First Day of School for all Returning Students (Noon Dismissal)
17 First Day of School for ALL students (Noon Dismissal)
18 Full Day Schedule Resumes (3:00 PM Dismissal)
September 6 Labor Day - School Closed
13 Enrichment Programs Begin Art - Ballet - Music - Karate - Etc.
16 Parent Education Night (6:00-7:00 PM) childcare available
October 1 School Closed - Professional development day
29 Conferences - No students (supplemental childcare available)
November 22-24 No enrichment programs
24-26 Thanksgiving Holiday
December 17 Moving Up & Advent Ceremony (dismissal immediately following program)
20-31 Winter Break
January 3 Students return to school
17 School Closed - MLK Jr. Day
27 Annual Parent Meeting
28 Registration (Current students & siblings)
February 5 Open House (Saturday 9:00 am to Noon)
18 International Day - Noon Dismissal
21 President's Day Holiday - School Closed
22 New Student Registration Begins
March 10 Parent Education Night (6:00-7:00) Childcare available
25 Parent-Teacher Conference - No Students - Supplemental Childcare Available
April 16 Auction (Tentative)
22-May 1 Easter Break
May 2 Students Return to School
27 Moving Up Ceremony - dismissal immediately following ceremony
Tuition 2010-2011
Application Fee (for new enrollees) $100
Commitment Fee (upon acceptance) is applied to tuition $350
Recommitment Fee is applied to the tuition $350 per family
Toddler Program
The staff ratio is low in this highly individualized program which is designed to nuture and encourage children from 18 months until 3 years old. Tuition is all inclusive and includes snack, art, music and materials fees.
Full-day Toddler Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7750
Half-day Toddler Tuition (8:15 am to 12:45 pm) $6250
Casa Program
The staff ratio is low in this exceptional program in which your child will develop a love of learning, sense of self reliance and invaluable numeric, linguistic and writing skills. Tuition is all inclusive and includes snack, art, spanish, atrium, music and materials fees.
Full-day Casa Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7375
Half-day Casa Tuition (8:15 am to 12:45 pm) $6375
Elementary Program
The staff ratio is moderate in these classes which are developed to build upon the Casa classroom and introduce the children to organized written expression, mathematical skills, historical and geographical facts and a deeply detailed scientific understanding. Tuition is all inclusive and includes art, foreign language, atrium, music and materials fees.
Full-day Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7875
The Academy
The program is designed to prepare students for life in the adult world. Building on their work in Elementary, Academy students expand their skills through the "real world" application of knowledge. In addition, the curriculum strives to help the young adult find his/her place in society through its holistic approach to physical and biological science. Tuition includes art, music and foreign language.
Full-day Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7625
Materials Fee $750
(Siblings will receive a 5% discount on each additional tuition)
Commitment Fee (upon acceptance) is applied to tuition $350
Recommitment Fee is applied to the tuition $350 per family
Toddler Program
The staff ratio is low in this highly individualized program which is designed to nuture and encourage children from 18 months until 3 years old. Tuition is all inclusive and includes snack, art, music and materials fees.
Full-day Toddler Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7750
Half-day Toddler Tuition (8:15 am to 12:45 pm) $6250
Casa Program
The staff ratio is low in this exceptional program in which your child will develop a love of learning, sense of self reliance and invaluable numeric, linguistic and writing skills. Tuition is all inclusive and includes snack, art, spanish, atrium, music and materials fees.
Full-day Casa Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7375
Half-day Casa Tuition (8:15 am to 12:45 pm) $6375
Elementary Program
The staff ratio is moderate in these classes which are developed to build upon the Casa classroom and introduce the children to organized written expression, mathematical skills, historical and geographical facts and a deeply detailed scientific understanding. Tuition is all inclusive and includes art, foreign language, atrium, music and materials fees.
Full-day Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7875
The Academy
The program is designed to prepare students for life in the adult world. Building on their work in Elementary, Academy students expand their skills through the "real world" application of knowledge. In addition, the curriculum strives to help the young adult find his/her place in society through its holistic approach to physical and biological science. Tuition includes art, music and foreign language.
Full-day Tuition (8:15 am to 3:00 pm) $7625
Materials Fee $750
(Siblings will receive a 5% discount on each additional tuition)
Montessori Activity Plus (MAP)
Family Registration Fee: $25 is required of all families who use the service.
Yearly MAP $1500 (If paid by July 28, 2010)
Monthly MAP $170 (Offered Sept to May)
Drop-In Care $15 per day or any part thereof. Spaces are limited. You must call the
office for this service. Space is limited and not guaranteed.
Before care(7:30 to 8:00) $3 per day or $350 for the entire year.
Yearly MAP $1500 (If paid by July 28, 2010)
Monthly MAP $170 (Offered Sept to May)
Drop-In Care $15 per day or any part thereof. Spaces are limited. You must call the
office for this service. Space is limited and not guaranteed.
Before care(7:30 to 8:00) $3 per day or $350 for the entire year.
Catechesis of the Good Shepard
The Catechesis of the Good Shepard is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather witha Catechist who presents lessons using simple yet beautiful materials.
You may be wondering how these materials help the religious life of children. if an adult hears a beautiful passage from the Bible, the adult might take a Bible, find the passage, and read it slowly again and again. He or she may think deeply about the words and perhaps speak to God in a thankful or hopeful prayer. But a little child, too young to read, needs another way. In an atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it - placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepard, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Older children who do read often copy parables from the Bible, lay in order written prayers from the rite of baptism, or label a long time line showing the history of the kingdom of God.
History
The Catechesis of the Good Shepard is the result of a long period of careful observation of children by Sofia Cavalletti and her Montessori collaborator, Gianna Gobbi, in Rome. It began quite by accident, without warning or planning, the way God so often comes into our lives. In 1954 Sofia was a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, comfortable in her role in the academic world, when a mother asked her to give some religious instruction to her son. At first Sofia refused, saying she knew nothing about children. But the mother persisted and eventually Sofia consented. That experience with a 7 year-old changed her whole life. She saw in that child, and in numerous other children since, a way of being in the presence of God that is both unique to the child and a gift to the adult who stops long enough to notice. Perhaps it is because Sofia went before the child with no preconceived ideas of what should happen that the child responded with such joy. Certainly her background in Scripture made it possible for her to talk about God in a way that opened and enthused the child as well as Sofia herself. From that day to the present time Sofia and Gianna remind us constantly to look to the child to watch for that sign of a deeply religious life - joy - and to always ask the question: "What face of God is the child telling us he or she needs to see?" Today The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has grown and spread amazingly. At last count it is in 35 countries: Australia, Austria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Serbia/Bosnia, Slovenia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, and the United States. In the United States there are hundreds of atria in Catholic and Episcopal settings, as well as several other Christian churches.
"If we want to help the child draw nearer to God, we should with patience and courage seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child will be our teacher if we know how to observe."
-- Sofia Cavalletti
You may be wondering how these materials help the religious life of children. if an adult hears a beautiful passage from the Bible, the adult might take a Bible, find the passage, and read it slowly again and again. He or she may think deeply about the words and perhaps speak to God in a thankful or hopeful prayer. But a little child, too young to read, needs another way. In an atrium the child can ponder a biblical passage or a prayer from the liturgy by taking the material for that text and working with it - placing wood figures of sheep in a sheepfold of the Good Shepard, setting sculpted apostles around a Last Supper table, or preparing a small altar with the furnishings used for the Eucharist. Older children who do read often copy parables from the Bible, lay in order written prayers from the rite of baptism, or label a long time line showing the history of the kingdom of God.
History
The Catechesis of the Good Shepard is the result of a long period of careful observation of children by Sofia Cavalletti and her Montessori collaborator, Gianna Gobbi, in Rome. It began quite by accident, without warning or planning, the way God so often comes into our lives. In 1954 Sofia was a Hebrew and Scripture scholar, comfortable in her role in the academic world, when a mother asked her to give some religious instruction to her son. At first Sofia refused, saying she knew nothing about children. But the mother persisted and eventually Sofia consented. That experience with a 7 year-old changed her whole life. She saw in that child, and in numerous other children since, a way of being in the presence of God that is both unique to the child and a gift to the adult who stops long enough to notice. Perhaps it is because Sofia went before the child with no preconceived ideas of what should happen that the child responded with such joy. Certainly her background in Scripture made it possible for her to talk about God in a way that opened and enthused the child as well as Sofia herself. From that day to the present time Sofia and Gianna remind us constantly to look to the child to watch for that sign of a deeply religious life - joy - and to always ask the question: "What face of God is the child telling us he or she needs to see?" Today The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has grown and spread amazingly. At last count it is in 35 countries: Australia, Austria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Serbia/Bosnia, Slovenia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Uruguay, and the United States. In the United States there are hundreds of atria in Catholic and Episcopal settings, as well as several other Christian churches.
"If we want to help the child draw nearer to God, we should with patience and courage seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer. The child will be our teacher if we know how to observe."
-- Sofia Cavalletti