The leaders of Squamish's fledgling Montessori school are inviting parents to an open house next week to learn more about the Montessori concept and prospects for the school's future.
The event, planned next Thursday (March 10) from 7 to 8 p.m. at the school classroom at Squamish Elementary School, will include a presentation from Grade 1-2 teacher Nikolai Gurda, demonstrating the hands-on approach to learning practiced in Montessori classrooms, Brenda Chelswick, the parent of two students at the school, said on Tuesday (March 1).
The Montessori movement was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman physician in Italy, according to the website www.montessori.edu. It emphasizes learning through all five senses through a process of discovery, "leading to concentration motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning," the site states.
Squamish's Montessori school started with preschool classes in 2008 and opened as a primary school in September 2010 in space at Squamish Elementary rented from the Sea to Sky School District. This year it has a preschool and a single class of Grade 1-2 students, Chelswick said.
Montessori classes are generally organized in three-year increments, so beginning this fall, the school will have a full complement in Grades 1 to 3.
"You get the older kids helping the younger kids, with lots of small-group learning, which helps with buddying and bonding," Chelswick said.
Because it's designed to teach through hands-on experience, Montessori education includes a lot of outdoor, experiential learning, she said. While many youngsters find their learning is accelerated by the Montessori approach, students at the school learn the B.C. curriculum, she said.
The Squamish school recently received Group 2 provincial certification, allowing it to receive some provincial funding, Chelswick said.
"They're seeking a higher level of certification, so there should be more of a (tuition) rebate coming back to parents come September," she said.
In the fall of 2011, the school will have to move to a new location because the Sea to Sky district needs the space at Squamish Elementary for its French immersion program, Chelswick said. The new location should be determined soon, perhaps in time for next week's open house, she said.
