Teaching Children About the Importance of Giving Back
As parents, we want our children to soak in as much knowledge as possible early on. But nothing compares to our desire for our children to be good citizens of the world. Character ... read more
Click to Request a Free Magazine
150+ Pages on ATL
Even for the littlest learners, choosing a school that teaches in a way your student understands and embraces is a critical building block in creating a passionate, engaged student. Below, school leaders at Primrose Schools, Springmont, Arbor Montessori and High Meadows explain their schools’ unique instruction styles and share the most important questions to ask when determining whether a new school is the right fit.
If you are seeking a specialized teaching method, such as Montessori, make sure you consider this when narrowing down your search. Both Springmont, located just inside of the I-285 perimeter in Sandy Springs, and Arbor Montessori, which offers two locations in Decatur, follow the Montessori method of instruction.
Established by Maria Montessori over 110 years ago, the curriculum is child-centered with a foundation of self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaboration. “The Montessori approach views the child as one who is eager to learn and capable of thoughtful, independent work in a supportive environment,” said Stephanie McCaa, Arbor Montessori’s communications director. Serving students age 18 months to 14 years old, the school’s multi-age classrooms allow students to work with others who are older and younger than themselves. The older students serve as role models and tutors for the younger students, and in the process they gain confidence in their own abilities and self-esteem regarding their skill level and expertise.
At Springmont, which serves students from 18 months to 14 years old, a distinctive Montessori approach balances individualized learning with challenge and expectation, equipping students with the communication, collaboration and leadership skills needed to be effective in the future. “Students are encouraged to be inquisitive and compassionate and to develop both a global perspective and a sense of self,” said communications manager Julie Strickland.
But Atlanta area pre-K and early learning schools offer a variety of instruction styles. At Primrose, which has several locations throughout Atlanta, the school has an exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum that includes both purposeful play and nurturing guidance from teachers.
In Roswell, High Meadows School’s educational model is built around dynamic student engagement, incorporating inquiry-driven learning and hands-on application. Students in pre-K through 8th grade are actively involved in shaping their learning experiences in classrooms and across an expansive outdoor campus where problem-solving, deep thinking and citizenship are key to the curriculum.
High Meadows School
Still not sure which style suits your learner’s needs? Most of the pros said websites and mission statements are the best place to start, and many noted that many schools have a student profile, which is a clearly articulated description of the type of child that is the best fit with their programs, they would be glad to share. “ can ask school representatives or current parents at schools to describe an average day at school for them,” said Laura Nicholson, High Meadows’ director of admission and enrollment. “Including questions about opportunities for movement, academic challenge, outdoor time, lunch, and even after school programs can help a family establish a sense of what kind of fit the school might be for their child and family.”
Broken down by area, these are the questions the pros say should be at the top of your list:
As parents, we want our children to soak in as much knowledge as possible early on. But nothing compares to our desire for our children to be good citizens of the world. Character ... read more
By Primrose Schools Many parents agree that finding the right child care provider can be a nerve-wracking and lengthy process. On top of the pressures of moving into a new home, th... read more