Wouldn’t it be nice if kids have school all year long? Working parents won’t have a hard time finding someone else to look after them. Speaking of…
Are Montessori schools open year round? Yes, most Montessori schools are open all year. Not all though. Montessori education supports each child’s learning so the work is continuous and flexible throughout the year. While most Montessori schools are open all year, some go the distance and offer a year-round curriculum. That’s dedication!
One Year Round Montessori VS Montessori That is Open All Year
It sounds tricky but there is a big difference between one-year-round Montessori and Montessori schools that are open all year. Let’s discuss them.
Montessori Schools with One Year Round Programs
There are a few Montessori schools in the country that offer a one-year-round curriculum. This is to address the needs of students that require more attention and support.
Children with special needs and advanced and gifted children are mostly enrolled in this program.
Some working parents also prefer this curriculum because they don’t have anyone to look after their kids while they are at work. The kids are safe, learning, and having fun all year.
How it Works
One-year-round Montessori follows the same guideline as regular Montessori. They do include seasonal activities to mix things up and keep children interested.
For example, during winter and summer breaks, they incorporate lessons that are specific to that season. Children get to enjoy the same fun activities as kids on break.
The good thing about Montessori education is that the fun does not stop. Learning is just like playing and experiencing new things. They don’t get bored.
Advantages of a Year-Round Montessori Education
- Children do not stop learning.
- They get short breaks so they still get to enjoy vacation time.
- They establish a stable routine.
- They don’t lose the Montessori skills and knowledge they gained.
- They are still having fun while in Montessori school
Montessori Schools that Are Open All Year
Most Montessori schools follow the same academic year as other schools. They do open their schools all year for short programs, special classes, and even summer camp.
This is to ensure that kids have Montessori activities even when they are on a school break. During school breaks, children’s need to explore and learn never stops.
Children must continue their Montessori training even when the school year ends. This is why most Montessori schools are open all year.
What Do Montessori Schools that Are Open All Year Offer
- A full academic year curriculum
- Weekend playgroups
- Special classes like music lessons, math classes, etc
- Summer camp
- Short classes that last for a week to 6 weeks
- Montessori daycare
Montessori schools that are open all year allow students to follow a regular school year, enjoy their school vacation, and continue their Montessori training as well.
Children do not lose their gained skills and establish consistency and routine. It is beneficial to the parents too. Parents can work without worrying about their children that are on school break.
The 6 Key Concepts of Montessori
All Montessori schools follow the 6 key concepts of Montessori whether they open all year or offer a one-year curriculum. These factors make Montessori unique to other schools and more effective.
Child-Centered
Montessori education is a child-centered approach in education where the individual’s needs are the main considerations in teaching.
All Montessori classes, short classes, or regular school classes, follow the child’s interests and learning styles.
The child-centered approach creates a safe and comfortable environment for each student. Most importantly, all developmental needs of the student are met and supported.
Individualized Learning
Montessori education believes that every child has an innate desire to learn. Given the right environment, tools, and support, they can explore, discover, and learn on their own.
Child-motivated and child-directed activities are the norms in Montessori classrooms. They are empowered to learn on their own.
Prepared materials and tailored fit lessons are available in a curated environment. Children then get to choose their work, when to do it, how long they want to do it, and with whom to do it.
Children can work individually or together as a group within pre-set boundaries.
Integrated Curriculum
Montessori uses an integrated curriculum also called the spiral curriculum.
It introduces interrelated topics and concepts to students which are repeated over time. As children learn, new information is added at a time.
This helps children gain a better understanding of their lessons and establish mastery.
Hands-On Learning
Children learn better when they experience the lessons rather than reading them from books or hearing them from their teachers.
Hands-on experience is helpful in retention and deeper understanding.
All subjects, academic and non-academic, are taught with an experiential approach.
Multi-Age Groupings
Montessori schools do not have age levels. They only have stages of education – preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, and high school.
Each Montessori classroom has students of varying ages within a Montessori stage. For example, a high school classroom can have students ages 12-15.
Children in mix-age groups learn from each other and work together to achieve their goals. Each child has different abilities and knowledge that they can share with one another.
Three-Year Cycle
A Montessori classroom has the same students and teachers for 3 years.
This is done to establish deep rapport, routine, and a sense of community for both students and teachers.
The three-year cycle eliminates the stress of students in having to adjust to a new environment, new peers, and new teachers each year.
Summary
Most Montessori schools are open all year. Not all though. Montessori education supports each child’s learning so the work is continuous and flexible throughout the year. While most Montessori schools are open all year, few go the distance and offer a year-round curriculum.
Both children and parents benefit from a year round Montessori for children. Because Montessori education does not use the traditional method of teaching, Montessori classes are not stressful and boring. Students have fun and enjoy learning.