monroe montessori school

No two students have exactly the same skills or learning style. That’s why we create an individual learning plan for every child.  In Montessori terms it is often referred to as  "following the child". 

Our school is based on Dr. Maria Montessori's groundbreaking work with children.  Montessori has been widely adopted throughout the world. The Science Behind the Genius is a recent book that details her method and how they confirm the latest ideas in child learning and brain development.  You may be surprised to learn there are many famous Montessori graduates.  The founders of Google both give credit to their experiences at their Elementary Montessori school as being the inspiration for Google. 

The Montessori approach to the development and education of a child recognizes that all children have a natural drive that inspires them to reach their potential. Their minds are like fertile fields, and their inherent love of learning is stimulated when they are given opportunities to engage in meaningful activities with the proper balance of autonomy and guidance from specially trained teachers.  

Montessori children develop skills of concentration, motivation and self-discipline. Within this framework, each child progresses at his own pace and rhythm, according to his individual capabilities, and is inspired to learn with wonder and confidence. Our school bears witness to the viability and brilliance of this educational approach.

How many students have attended your school?

The Monroe Montessori School is the largest and most well known private Montessori school in the Skykomish Valley.  We have worked with over 5000+ students since establishing the school in 1978. 

How many children are in a class?

Monroe Montessori School follows statewide guidelines for classroom ratios and capacities. Maximum class size is 20 students with a full time assistant.  A class with 10 students would have 1 teacher.  The West Campus Toddler class is capped at 10 children and has 1 teacher for every 6 students. Our transitional preschool classroom is capped at 15, with 1 teacher for every 7 students.

Can I volunteer in my child's class?

Yes.  Each family is asked to help in their child's classroom during the year.  There is a 15 hr. volunteer requirement.  Many parents comment that working in our classrooms gives them a new and deeper understanding of the development of a child as a whole person.  They find the teacher's insight and reflections into each child's individual needs to be far greater than they first realized.

Is Montessori for only a certain type of child?

Monroe Montessori does not cater to a particular type of child; exceptionally bright, average and more slowly paced students have all blossomed in our environment.  On occasion the classroom may not be an ideal fit for a particular child.  After assessing the situation the teachers and administrators may need to assist the parent in finding a more appropriate setting for their child.

What ages do you work with?

The school serves children toddler through the Sixth Grade level with a singular mission: to enable them to develop their individual gifts within a respectful, loving and supportive community.

Are you State Certified?

Monroe Montessori School is an approved Washington State certified private school.  Our staff is comprised of both Washington State certified teachers and Montessori certified teachers. Our Enrichment staff has additional training in their specialty.  Our full day preschool program is licensed by the state.

Where do students come from that attend your school?

Students come to us from throughout the Skykomish Valley area.  Families from Monroe, Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Everett, Sultan, Index, Duvall, Clearview and Maltby can be found attending our school.

How large is your campus?

Our main campus is comprised of three buildings, 8 classrooms and two playgrounds.  The newest classrooms were constructed in 2001. We also offer toddler and preschool programs at our West Campus building.  

Do you offer Enrichment Classes?

Yes.  We have a strong art program headed by a talented artist.  Our music teachers have over 15 years experience teaching music, voice and piano.  Students in K-6th grade have PE twice a week. Spanish vocabulary is introduced beginning in preschool.  Conversational Spanish begins at the elementary level.  Additional Enrichment classes are offered each quarter in our After School Program.  Classes might include:  Chess Wizards, dance, carpentry, cooking, art, yoga, mad science, lego's, bridge building, computer skills, etc.

Do you offer early admittance to kindergarten?

While many of our 4 and nearly 5 year olds are able to read simple text and may be doing addition and subtraction we do not recommend early admittance.  It is best to wait and see how the child develops.  If a child is truly advanced and is emotionally and academically capable of jumping a grade we typically recommend he or she jump from 3rd grade to 5th grade.

Drop off and Pick up

Students may arrive as early as 8-10 minutes before class begins. At the end of class, students will be waiting on the benches outside the building. We ask that you not use the parking stalls at dismissal time. If you are waiting less than 5 minutes you may use the outside lane next to the grass strip as a temporary parking area. Remain in your vehicle and pull as far forward as possible. The inside lane closest to the building is used for through traffic. Staff will escort students to waiting cars during dismissal. If you would like to take a few minutes to visit with the teacher, it works best if you park across the street. If another person will be picking up your child from school, please add them to the emergency contact information form.

Absences

If your child is going to be absent, please call the Main Office at 360-794-4622 and notify your child's teacher via REMIND. Elementary students absent from class while on a family trip will need to get a homework packet from their teacher.