• Principal: Adrienne West

    Assistant Principal: Erin Goldenstein

    Grade Level: Kindergarten - 8th Grade, Montessori Magnet and Kindergarten & First Grade, Fine Arts Magnet
     
    Kankakee,  IL 60901 
    240 Warren Avenue
    (815) 802-4801
    (815) 933-0710 fax
     
    School Hours: 7:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.
    Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
    What is Montessori?
    • Montessori is a personalized approach to learning which recognizes that each child learns with a unique style and pace.
    • Children learn best in a prepared environment which supports and respects their individual development.
    • It is also based on the premise that the intellectual, physical and social needs of children are inseparable and equally important.
    • The century-old Montessori education method is based on how children learn naturally and many believe it is the way every child should have the opportunity to learn.
    • Montessori students develop positive attitudes about learning, a positive image of themselves as a learner and a strong sense of independence and responsibility.
    • Montessori experience produces self-motivated, independent learners with characteristics that benefit them throughout their school years and into adulthood.

    Curriculum

    • Montessori children move from concrete to the abstract. The basic skills learned in the primary classrooms are polished in the elementary classrooms.
    • Children go on to pursue their passions for learning. They are ready to explore culture, science, the arts, and the universe.
    • Students learn to take responsibility for their own learning and initiate their own experiences.

     

    Cultural Education 

    • All students participate in the schools annual project fair.
    • Children become aware of the history and the needs all people share.
    • Students gain global awareness. 
       

    Science

    • Units of study cover topics in the life and physical sciences, characteristics and classification of living things, life cycles, botany, matter, energy, the solar system and weather.

    Language Arts

    • Phonemic Awareness
    • Word Building
    • Phonics Instruction through district and Montessori Materials
    • Grammar/Sentence Analysis
    • Guided/Shared Reading Instruction-90 minute

    Math

    • Students work from concrete to abstract
    • Montessori math materials enhance math curriculum
    • Math Curriculum is hands-on problem solving
    • Junior high students take Pre-Algebra and Algebra course work

    How is Montessori Different than the Traditional Classroom?

    Traditional

    Montessori

    Teacher Centered
    Student Centered;
    Students choose activities to work on
    Direct Instruction Teacher prepares the environment and acts as the facilitator
    Abstract Concrete to Abstract
    Single Grade Classrooms Multi-Grade classrooms
    What to Think How to Think
    Teacher as Authoritarian Teacher as Guide; Peer helpers
    Assignments Work plans and projects