programs & Enrollment

 

When choosing Montessori for your child, you as a parent should be aware that the program is sequential. Maximum benefit is derived if the child enters the program by the age of three and remains in the Montessori program until he/she is ready for the kindergarten year.

our programs

montessori preparation CLASSROOM (AGES 3-4)

Montessori Preparation (MP) classroom is specifically designed for our younger students who are now beginning to consciously absorb information from their environment. The academic emphasis will be the “basics of Montessori,” which include independence, grace and courtesy, and fine motor work to prepare for more advanced concepts in the PreK classrooms. With all children being at this younger age, the teacher will emphasize “fostering independence,” a vital component of Montessori education. In addition, this classroom will focus on appropriate social and problem-solving skills, while acclimating them to a structured, school-day routine. These fundamental skills are necessary to succeed in any given Montessori program. Montessori materials will be utilized, and they will be appropriately refined for their age. Children entering the MP classroom should be primarily toilet trained with occasional accidents, if any. He/she should be actively and independently using the toilet in the home. Children in this program have the option of attending a half-day program. Class instruction is from 8:45am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday. The half-day program is from 8:45am to 12:00pm, Monday through Friday.

 

  • Annual Tuition: $11,950 or Monthly Installments: $1,195 (full day)
  • Annual Tuition: $10,200 or Monthly Installments: $1,020 (half day)

pre-K CLASSROOM (ages 4-5)

Our PreK classroom offers a complete curriculum including practical life, language development and writing, geography, mathematics, sensory education, botany, zoology, and other sciences. As they move through these areas of the classroom, the children develop their own capabilities, take charge of their own learning, and become accountable for their own knowledge. In addition to the Montessori areas of the classroom, projects such as art, cooking, creative movement, cultural projects, music, and gardening, are integrated into the curriculum monthly. The goal of the PreK classroom is to prepare the child, both academically and socially, for ultimate success in their educational years ahead.  The PreK classrooms will consist of a small group of students, allowing the teachers to provide individualized attention to their students, while creating a more academic, quiet environment in which the children can learn and work independently. Children entering the PreK classroom should be fully toilet trained. Class instruction is from 8:30am to 2:45pm, Monday through Friday. Half day is not an option in the PreK classroom.

 

  • Annual Tuition: $11,400 or Monthly Installments: $1,140

Kindergarten Program is also available. The child must be 5 years old by September 1. Please contact the school for details. 

summer camp program

Lodi Montessori conducts two fun-filled, exciting, and educational Summer Camps that are offered as a component of the yearly program. The two-week camps will be conducted once in June and once in July. Summer camp is intended to be a fun and relaxing time for your child. Summer activities will relate to the children’s favorite areas of learning during the school year. Additionally, there will be various hands-on activities for the children during weekly themes such as the ocean, the zoo, occupations etc. Fun, outdoor water games will also be implemented to “beat the heat.” First consideration for this program will be given to current students and all remaining students will be placed on a waiting list until an opening occurs.

areas of learning

practical life

Practical Life activities are offered to assist the child in developing a sense of order, concentration, coordination, independence, respect for others, fine motor skills, grace and courtesy, and self-esteem. This area of learning allows children to imitate adult activities that they see every day and is designed to teach the child to function on their own. Exercises include sorting, pouring, food preparation, care of self and care of the environment. As a result of these activities, the child’s attention span lengthens, they pay attention to detail, and they learn good work habits.

mathematics

Students use hands-on materials rather than struggling with abstract concepts, so they can visualize what happens during mathematical operations. Lessons are sequential, each one building upon the one before. Children first learn simple counting and number recognition, and progress to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using bead materials.

sensorial development

An array of activities to assist the student in developing the five senses to understand the information they receive from their environment. Sensorial materials help the child to learn concepts of size, color and shape, while improving eye and hand coordination. The children compare heights, weights, colors, sounds, smells, textures, and shapes. Music for the Montessori classroom is also covered.

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CULTURAL SCIENCE

  • Geography – Starting with land, water, and air, and progressing to studying the world’s different regions through photographs, art, geo-molds and geography puzzles.
  • Culture – Every month we emphasize a specific continent or area of the world. Children are exposed to the names of the continents and countries. They are introduced to a culture’s food, music, dance, art, holidays, etc. Our children come to enjoy and respect the diversity in their classroom and community.
  • History – By examining their own timeline from birth to present, and their own family tree, children gain their first sense of history as the concept of time is brought to life.
  • Botany – Assists the child in exploring the biological aspects of his/her environment. This helps them develop an appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. The study of botany is child centered using live plants as a knowledge and interest catalyst.
  • Zoology – Children by their very nature are fascinated with animals. We learn about animals and to respect their needs, habitat and characteristics.
  • Science Experiments – The activities are interesting and fun! They are all “hands on.” Prediction and analysis are incorporated into each experiment.

language arts

According to the Montessori philosophy, learning to read and write should be as natural as learning to speak. Through the use of a multitude of activities a child first learns his phonics, phonetic reading and writing, irregular or sight words, phonograms and blends, which will lead to fluent reading. Children also learn to write their own short stories using the Montessori Moveable Alphabet. We document journal keeping, creative writing, whole language and poetry as well.

How To Enroll

To apply for enrollment in Lodi Montessori, families will complete a tour/interview with the Director of Admissions during which the dynamics of our school will be discussed. This will also serve as an observation day for the parents to familiarize themselves with Lodi Montessori and to find answers to any questions they might have.  A ‘new student’ enrollment packet will be given, and the family and school can proceed with the admission process.

Children may enroll in Lodi Montessori after their name comes to the top of our waiting list and they meet the minimum age/toileting requirements. Siblings of enrolled children are placed on a separate waiting list and have the option of enrolling before children on the general waiting list. Families will have three days to respond when an offer is made. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the child’s seat and placement will go to the next applicant on the waiting list. 

enrollment procedures

STEP 1

Parent(s) attend a pre-enrollment tour/interview/observation with the Director of Admissions

STEP 2

Enrollment paperwork is completed, and both the deposit and registration fee are paid

STEP 3

Child’s immunization record is on file

STEP 4

Spaces will be filled with the children on the waitlist during the school year when there is a vacancy.

How To Get on the waitlist

Our waitlist is on a first come first serve basis. Families are required to complete a tour prior to being placed on the waitlist. There is no cost to be placed on the list. When a spot becomes available, the Director will contact the next family on the waitlist in order of priority.