Alternative Montessori Program at the CBE

Is the Montessori Program the Right Choice for My Child?

A successful student demonstrates:

• A willingness and capacity to work independently
• An ability to be self-directed
• Academic success through engagement in Alberta Programs of Study using the Montessori philosophy and methodology
• An appreciation for use of hands-on learning with a diminished focus on homework 

Characteristics of our Montessori Program

• Emphasis on intrinsic motivation and student choice
• Intentional learning environments designed to facilitate self-directed learning
• Where possible, multi-aged classrooms are provided, so that children develop trusting relationships within a peer cohort
• Working with children of differing ages encouraging leadership skills and collaboration
• Montessori teachers hold an Alberta teaching certificate and Montessori teacher training
• Beautifully prepared Montessori materials extend learning

Registration Procedures

To facilitate the organization of classes, registration of students for the upcoming school term needs to be completed by mid-February of the corresponding school year.

The following criteria are considered at the time of registration

• Availability of space
• Sibling(s) currently in the program
• Previous Montessori experience is not required for children enrolling in Kindergarten, Grade 1 or 2, but is an asset. Montessori schools maintain that the ideal time to start Montessori education is between 3 and 4 years old. Children entering the program in Grades 3 - 6 must have had continuous prior Montessori classroom experience.
• If registrations exceed available space, selection will be determined by random draw based on CBE protocols.

**Entry into the Montessori Program takes place in Kindergarten and Grade 1 and 2, unless a child has continuous documented Montessori experience (space dependent) **

Visit the CBE website to help determine whether or not the Montessori Program is right for your child and for the Alternative Programs Handbook (Alberta Education).

The Montessori Approach frames all we do at Lake Bonavista School.  Through setting of school and classroom expectations, welcoming students, buddy programs, cooperative learning activities, leadership opportunities and school wide events such as Terry Fox Run, local and global initiatives and sharing assemblies, we help students develop a sense of belonging to a larger community, one that celebrates the variety of strengths each of us brings to the group.

For more information please go to: CBE Montessori page

Homework

Parents and students are encouraged to set aside regular time each evening for home study. The amount of homework will vary depending on the age and grade of your child and on other factors such as project work. 

Homework is valuable for your child. We encourage your child to read at home each evening. Extending in-class learning can always be done through home related research. When, as parents, you take an interest in your child’s schoolwork it increases the child’s engagement in their learning. 

Homework helps the child develop responsibility and self-direction in studies. Please contact your child’s teacher to discuss expectations at that grade level.