FAQs

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It’s the whole-child approach that makes us special. Our primary goal is to help each child reach full potential in all areas of life: physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Through our carefully prepared environments and the gentle guidance of our teachers, each child experiences the joy of learning and develops the ability to create his or her own knowledge. Each Montessori classroom encourages a creative approach to solving problems, with music and art both playing an integral part. Graduates leave our school confident and competent to face future educational challenges.

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Our curriculum is based on detailed, developmental continuums of knowledge and skill for each academic area. These continuums have been the basis for Montessori school curriculums – in this country and around the world – for years.

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All children enter the world as self-directed learners – some children, however, can easily unlearn this skill within environments that fail to support it. In our classrooms, you will observe children independently choosing from many purposeful activities teachers have placed on the shelves. The entire culture of CMH was created to support self-direction and independence. This culture provides lifelong skills. The classroom is structured to lead children to different disciplines and materials in ways that foster the child’s desire to learn independently. With low student-teacher ratios, teachers have the time to observe each child to see where to draw out his or her natural curiosity and encourage self-direction. Other students model this self-directed behavior and can help classmates who are struggling with this initially.

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We do. CMH offers an extended school day option to better accommodate working families. Children can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. before school starts at 8:35 a.m. Children who stay past the regular school day of 3:00 p.m. have the option of participating in after-school enrichment or joining our after-care session until 5:30 p.m. Fees for these programs vary, so please contact us for current rates.

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All students at CMH are required to supply or bring a daily lunch that follows the nutritional guidelines outlined in our Parent Handbook.

Additionally, during the week we currently offer healthy, nutritional, full-meal options. Lunch choices can be billed through CMH as a standing order or as-needed; both are completely optional.

For every lunch, we strongly recommend wholesome, balanced meals that include protein, fruits and vegetables, dairy, wholegrain bread or pasta, white milk or drinks made from 100% juice.

The following are NOT permitted: soda, candy, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, chocolate or other high-sugar snacks. We are also a 100% nut-free environment. Our teachers are always available to discuss this program with you and help with suggestions or options. We advocate for encouraging your child to participate in his or her own menu planning, specific choices and lunch packing. At CMH, children sit together with classmates at lunchtime in the spirit of good health, good manners and good companionship.

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Currently, parents are responsible for their children’s transportation to and from CHM. Carpooling is a common and popular practice. Some public school districts provide public bus service, or will reimburse you if they are unable to supply this service for you. Please check with your local school district before the start of the school year for more information on availability or reimbursement.

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Regular, one-on-one parent/teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year, with the option to schedule additional conferences by request if needed at any time. Parents are also encouraged to observe their children’s classroom by appointment. Annual standardized achievement tests are administered starting in 3rd grade, and continuing every year through 6th grade.

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The methods of discipline used in our classrooms include clear communication of behavioral expectations, modeling of desired behavior by adults, problem-solving, careful classroom structure and time-out to rethink one’s actions. CMH does not employ any form of corporal punishment.

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Diaper-changing facilities are not available, and therefore children having control over bladder and bowel movements is encouraged. We are very sensitive to the developmental differences of children in all areas of their lives, and we realize that not every child will have acquired this skill by a predetermined age. Our staff will aid any child in further developing and becoming aware of these bodily needs. More to the point, school readiness in general is really the more deciding of factors for enrollment into our pre-primary program.

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CMH is not affiliated with any religious denomination or organization, and therefore we do not offer any religious instruction or classes. Our staff does often explore various religious traditions and celebrations throughout the year and in tandem with certain cultural study work.

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We have an entire page dedicated to a collection of support materials, articles, books, videos and more. You can access that here.

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Upon enrollment of your child, all parents automatically become members of our PACT group, which stands for Parents Assisting Children and Teachers. Our PACT officers have important leadership roles, such as coordinating the many parent volunteers who serve such a vital role at CMH. Volunteer opportunities are available in many areas of our school, including participating in various parties throughout the year, school-wide activities, field trip assistance, making materials and other in-classroom support services, and helping with office work and fundraising events. For any and all areas, we welcome and encourage all parents’ participation.

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CMH graduates either continue on to another private school or enter their local school district. Research shows that Montessori alumni are independent workers, have good study habits and adjust well to new situations. They rate well for reading, writing and math skills. They also exhibit a consistent best effort, self-confidence, respect for teachers and fellow students, enthusiasm for learning, and the ability to work independently and creatively. The longer they are in a Montessori environment, the stronger these skills are. You can read more about what happens after CMH here.