We are pursuing a Montessori education for Ivin because we love how the Montessori Method educates the whole child. We know that Ivin's growth cognitively, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically would all be valued in this environment. We are also drawn to Montessori because over the years, we have repeatedly seen concrete examples of how Ivin learns best through experience, through using his hands. "What the hand does the mind remembers" stands out to us as we think of Dr. Montessori's practices, and Ivin. Like so many, he learns by "doing", he loves to "work", he enjoys accomplishing tasks and projects. We also love how the Montessori method is self directed, with the individual child in mind. Each child can absorb the richness of their environment at his or her own pace. There is no comparison with others. We agree with the idea that comparison and competition are not necessary to learning. Learning is personal, and beautiful. It should be cherished and unrushed. We are also interested in applying for the Barron Area Montessori School because of the learning environment and community that Ivin would be a part of. Not only are the rooms calm, beautifully designed, and homelike, but the Montessori learning environments in Almena are welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and kind; staff and students reflect this immensely. A few years ago, I felt this as a substitute in Tawnee's room, while working with Kathy for the day. (What a joy!!) I felt it in conversation with Amanda in her room that same day, even receiving an invitation to come and observe. (What another joy!!) The impact of one day subbing in Montessori was huge for me. I had been learning about Montessori prior to the subbing day, and then continuing to learn about it after that day was a good thing as well. Then last week, to actually spend time in the environment for an observation was everything and more than we could have imagined. Everything I have read about what Montessori should be like, I watched first hand in this school. We appreciate how the staff truly carry out the principles Maria Montessori brilliantly brought together to create the best environment for children to grow in. It is vividly apparent that the Barron Area Montessori School is what Maria Montessori intended a learning environment to be, simply because it is CLEARLY seen in children! They are motivated and delighted in their work. Their spark and love for learning has been stirred and supported by their caregivers, their classroom environment, guides, and assistants. As one child said during our second visit, "You and your husband should go on a date so Ivin can stay here because he will learn a lot!" These children have the opportunity to enjoy the learning that they are created to do, at a developmentally appropriate pace; their own. The children are also extremely kind to each other and everyone else, another goal of Maria Montessori that we saw play out in Almena. (We also acknowledge that we all get grumpy sometimes and may not always say or do the kindest thing; "Nobody is perfect" and there is grace for that. We asked Ivin what he liked about his visit to Montessori, and he said, "The nice kids." The classroom environment that Miss Amanda has fostered truly does function based on respect and care toward others, the environment, and self. To go along with that, this classroom and school as a whole truly is a community. From our research we understand that Dr. Montessori intended to create a caring, community environment, and the guides and assistants carry out her desires beautifully and wholeheartedly. We want our children to be a part of this! We want to be a part of this as parents.
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"Dane loves Montessori! His Guides and friends are what he joyfully talks about daily in addition to the creative ways he learns to work and achieve!" ~Alicia
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"Aaron has been in Montessori for 3 years. Every year I have been overjoyed at how much he has grown and learned in Miss Amanda's class. He has come out of his shell and made wonderful friends. One of my favorite aspects of Montessori is teaching the children cursive. Every family member has been blown away by how well Aaron can write! I love how much Aaron loves school and his teacher." ~Michelle
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"My husband and I really thought long and hard about sending our daughter to school this year. It was her first time ever going to school and being away from me, a stay at home mom. We decided to send her to Montessori school based on the fact that she is more of a hands on learner and pretty independent, but also because my younger sister/her aunt went to that same school. Honestly, choosing Montessori was the best choice we have made! Miss Amanda and Miss Cathie were so patient with her during those first few rough weeks of getting adjusted to being away from me for a few hours. They have made her feel so comfortable to be herself and safe. She comes home with so many stories about her day, new work she was shown, funny moments and so much more. She has so much trust in her teachers and that is the biggest thing to me. I'm so thanful for all of the teachers there, they really pour their all into their classrooms and their kids!" ~Jennifer
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"We love the personal approach. Allowing our children choices in what and when they want to learn certain topics while still having a rounded learning experience. Montessori's concept of learn, do, teach helped build confidence in our daughter's skills and personal communication skills." ~Brittany
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"Our son has been in Montessori since he was 3 years old. He is now in 4th grade. We chose Montessori school because we love the freedom that it offers and the fact that Montessori focuses on the individual child. Kids learn at different paces and Montessori allows them to do so. Students who have not fully grasped a lesson, continue to work on that lesson until they understand They don't have to move on until they are ready. Also, if they are advanced in a subject, they work at their level. We love that Montessori teaches them life skills as well. Our kids cook and clean! The school is now located in Almena. Our son is able to ride the bus from Barron to Almena making it easy on us. THe class sizes are small with multiple ages in each class. We have the best teachers who truly care about each and every student. ~Amanda
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"Our three children have had nothing but positive experiences at BAMS. The teachers are phenomenal! The child-led learning has been great for our kids. Every day they come home from school and are so excited to share all they have been learning. They are also ahead of their peers in several ways: writing in cursive, understanding math concepts, and being independent. I could not recommend this school enough!" ~Christy
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"Jayden has been at the Barron Area Montessori School since he was three years old. He is now nine. During his time at BAMS, I have seen my son grow from a shy and anxious little human into a confident and animated young boy. A large part due to his experience with the Montessori program. He has learned how to think for himself, how to feel confident in making choices, and his love for research has been fostered and celebrated. He is curious about the world around him and is a sponge for learning. His math and reading has excelled. He is actually counting the hours on the weekends until he can return to school. Not a joke! I am so appreciative the children are taught cursive, old school math and even more, community and caring. We love our BAMS and recommend it to everyone. Even in moving out of the area, we continue to open enroll and drive for the quality education. ~Becky
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"Montessori is a great school for Bella. She has come a long way in her learning and is so happy to get up and go every day to learn something new. The hands on learning is one thing I really love and the reason why I chose Montessori for Bella." ~Shawna
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"Henry loves his time at school. He loves the sandpaper letters and being able to use tools. He has become so much more independent. He has friends in his class that he works with on something, then turns around to use that at home with his sisters. He shows patience and attention, something he tells me Miss Amanda worked with him on at school." ~Racheal
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"I like the small classroom sizes and hands on learning. The fact you build on what Christian is interested in, I love! He enjoys all his teachers and classmates and wants to go every day! I wish I would have had this option when I went to school." ~Jeff
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"I love how present Miss Amanda is with all of the children. Whether it be school or life skill based, she is always teaching and being a tremendous role model!" ~Alicia
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"Crystal has been in Montessori since age 3 and is now 8 years old, in her second year of E1. Montessori has been the best experience for her! The independence and growth has shown so much in even short periods. She has learned to do things educationally and socially much different than my kids that go to traditional classes, but it's been in a good way, where she really grasps what she's taught and learned before just moving on. An example is math. It's her speed and she doesn't advance until she gets the concepts of what she's learned. Almena school is a great location because of the size, it's small and the teachers/guides take the time to get to know each student and family. You are not just 'a number'. I chose Montessori because of the independence and the life skills you're taught that traditional schools don't seem to teach (or spend that much time teaching). Children are proud of coming home and talking about their day it seems. They like it more so than sitting in a classroom all day watching the teacher teach. Montessori is more hands on. ~Kelle
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"We love the new location in Almena! We like the idea of our child being in a smaller school with less children. The staff is all friendly and is able to get to know you on an individual basis. We have previously had children in the Montessori school. Both of our children had extremely opposite personalities and the Montessori was a great fit for both extremes. We were able to work closely with teachers and the aides. Our children have always felt nurtured in Children's House. The Montessori method promotes the children to learn in a way that a child enjoys. They learned without even realizing they were being taught. When we transitioned our children to furthering grades they really excelled within the school. They knew the core educational materials and beyond. For these reasons we chose to continue our Montessori journey with our younger child." ~Stephanie
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