Global Montessori Academy Programs

Toddler Community, 18 months–3 years old

Our youngest students work and play to progress in acquiring physical independence. They enter this program at 18 months old, and they are ready to move and communicate, and are interested in meeting their own needs. As they grow, they become more coordinated in caring for themselves–dressing, feeding and using the restroom. We hear them say, “I can do it myself!” as they move from one activity to the next. The activities offered are simple, suited for the needs, interests, and capabilities of very young children. The pace is unhurried and the children have the opportunity to be occupied with an activity for a period of time uninterrupted. When a child is ready for a new activity, the teacher is ready to give individual attention to that child.

The goals of the program are to foster good learning habits, language development, motor control, social development, how to deal with conflict in a constructive manner, to respect the other children, and to develop a positive attitude toward school and learning. As their time in the Toddler Community comes to an end, we notice that our little ones are more aware of their environment and their peers. When they transition from helping themselves to helping others, we know that they are ready for Children’s House.

Children’s House, 3–6 years old

Fundamental to the Montessori theory is the multi-age classroom. Each Children’s House classroom includes children ages three to six. Children come together in an environment prepared to meet the needs of the whole child–the mind, body and spirit. With guidance from a certified Montessori teacher, children work at their own pace and the teacher observes the child’s interests and gives new lessons at the moment of readiness. Working individually or in small groups, they explore the areas of practical life, sensorial, math, and language. Throughout the cycle (3-4 years), the child is given lessons in each area of the classroom with the sixth year (Kindergarten year) bringing together the culmination of the previous years and the important role as leader of the classroom.

The Montessori Classroom is a carefully prepared environment. The physical environment is sequential, precise, and attractive. The psychological environment set by the teacher is encouraging and supportive of purposeful activity. Children have a freedom, within limits, to pursue their own needs while learning to respect the needs of others.

Extracurricular Activities

Global Montessori Academy currently offers the following extracurricular activities. Please check back as the programs offered may change.
Tiny Toes and Tippi Toes Dance
This class helps students develop a love of dancing through a positive experience that promotes healthy living habits and helps build self-confidence and a love for others. Tiny Toes (ages 2-3) meets Mondays from 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. and Tippi Toes Ballet/ Tap/Jazz (ages 4-6) meets from 4:15-5:00 p.m.
Chess Club
The Midwest Chess Academy continues to offer Chess Club on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for students who are five and older. Chess club meets on Tuesday after school for a fee of $150. For more information, contact Tim Steiner by visiting the Midwest Chess Academy website.
French Club & Spanish Club
Global Montessori Academy has partnered with the French and Music House to provide language instruction beginning at four years of age and up. French class is taught on Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Spanish is taught as well, by Angie Chen, a native speaker of Spanish, on Wednesdays from 3:45 to 4:30. The cost for language class is based on the number of children who enroll per session, usually between $50 and $70 per session. Sessions typically run for six- or eight-week increments. French is also taught to the Elementary children twice a week as part of their curriculum.
Happy Feet
Students ages 2-5 are now able to participate in the Happy Feet soccer program each Wednesday afternoon from 3:45-4:15 p.m. Happy Feet uses familiar songs, stories, and games with a soccer ball to build coordination, balance, and creative thinking. The curriculum intertwines stories and adventures in each class to ensure children are engaged and having fun while building self-confidence and getting hundreds of touches on their soccer ball. Each child own self-concept will be enhanced while learning real soccer moves.
Art Explorer Club
Join this advanced art class to explore, create and have focused time for fun art-making. The students have the opportunity to learn about various forms of art and make their own masterpieces! This club is led by Trudi Patterson and meet Thursdays from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Piano and Music Lessons
In addition to teaching French, the Language and Music House also provides music lessons. (Cost varies based on the instrument.) Piano lessons are 30 minutes once per week and typically cost approximately $100 per month. Violin and vocal lessons are available as well. Global Montessori Academy was blessed to be the beneficiary of a beautiful baby grand piano, a spinet, and a valuable upright piano when we purchased our new facility. These pianos and the lovely sanctuary and chapel spaces provide an excellent space for the children to practice and learn music in.