Question 1

Do you offer a sibling discount?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer discounts for siblings that are enrolled during the same school year.

Question 2

Can we show up at the school anytime for a visit?

Accepted Answer

We offer observations and school visits through appointment only. Observations begin in November and usually close by April, as we finalize enrollment by this time of the year. Click on the 'Inquire' button at the top of this page to complete the form. We will be in touch as soon as possible to schedule a visit with you. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Question 3

How soon should we apply?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in New Beginnings for your child, please inquire as soon as possible. Once we have received your information from the 'Inquire' page of our website, we will be in touch to schedule a classroom observation and school tour. This will begin the enrollment process. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Question 4

Do you offer part time care?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a Monday to Friday schedule, providing a consistent and structured learning environment for our students. We understand the importance of daily attendance and strongly encourage families to have their children at school every day to maximize their educational experience. Additionally, tuition rates are based on pick up times and will remain the same, regardless of daily attendance.

Question 5

What is the difference between traditional and Montessori classrooms?

Accepted Answer

1. Classroom environment 
2. Role of the teacher. 
3. Work/Activities.
4. Independent learning.

Classroom Environment 
The Montessori environment is designed specifically for the child. Instead of assigned desks, children have the freedom to move freely throughout the classroom; working on child sized tables or rugs. 
Role of the Teacher
In a traditional classroom, the teacher is the head of the classroom and all activities are teacher led. She controls the schedule of the day. The lessons given are pre-determined for the class as a whole. 
In a Montessori classroom, the teacher follows the lead of the child. The teacher observes the child to determine which lessons the child needs.  Children learn at their own pace, every child is different and every lesson plan is personalized.
Work/Activities
Montessori materials provide a hands-on learning experiences that are purposeful and engage the child's natural curiosity. Unlike a traditional classroom of scheduled lessons, children have access to all materials in the Montessori classroom throughout the morning. Once the child had a lesson on an activity, the child is free to choose that material again on his own.
Independent learning
Instead of a scheduled work time where the class works on a subject at the same time, children have the freedom to choose from all areas in the classroom throughout the un-interrupted work time in the Montessori classroom.  Children learn at their own pace as they follow their own interests.

Question 6

What is independent learning?

Accepted Answer

One of the misconceptions of the Montessori classroom is that independent learning means children can do whatever they want with no structure. This is far from the truth. Our classrooms provide a structured independence. Children have the freedom to choose their work throughout the morning with guidelines set by the teacher.  
Montessori understood that children learn best when they have the opportunity to make their own choices and gravitate toward their own interests.

Question 7

Are your teachers Montessori certified?

Accepted Answer

Every teacher at New Beginnings, that work in the classroom environment, has a Montessori certified accreditation. Guides and assistants have worked through Montessori in-person trainings provided by the North American Montessori Association and received certificates accredited by the American Montessori Society.  We take pride in providing high quality Montessori education to our community.

Question 8

Work vs Play

Accepted Answer

This is a common misunderstanding of Montessori education.

"Dr. Montessori realized that children’s play is their work—their effort to master their own bodies and environment—and out of respect she used the term “work” to describe all their classroom activities. Montessori students work hard, but they don’t experience it as drudgery; rather, it’s an expression of their natural curiosity and desire to learn. They engage in these activities with joy and focus—intent on mastering new skills independently!"
-American Montessori Society

"What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word ‘work’? And what do you think of when you hear the word ‘play’? There’s a VERY clear difference between the two, right? There’s a difference between the time we dedicate to each, our attitude, our effort we put into them, we even wear different outfits for each! Not to mention the difference in the reward we get from each. So why did then Maria Montessori call play the ‘work of the child’?
Maria Montessori spent a lot of time observing children. She noticed that when given the choice, they actually chose to do activities that are considered ‘work’, instead of playing with toys. This meant serving real food to each other and pouring water from real jugs. Or sweeping the floor with a broom. Or even clean the windows with a cloth!
After observing all this, Maria Montessori had the genius idea to make everything child sized. This way children had a much easier job doing their ‘work’.
It was just another mental jump for her to come up with an idea of a place which resembles a home, where children are surrounded by materials that are based on reality, and where they are allowed to contribute and be part of a community."
-montessoriedited.com

Question 9

How do teachers and parents communicate?

Accepted Answer

We are committed to keeping parents fully engaged and informed about their child's classroom experiences. To achieve this, we use a program called Brightwheel. This app allows teachers to send pictures to families, provide classroom updates, and correspond through one-on-one messaging directly between the parent and the teacher. Parents  download Brightwheel on their phones and also access it via an online portal. Additionally, we utilize Brightwheel for essential tasks such as signing students in and out daily and distributing monthly newsletters. This ensures that parents are always informed about their child's daily activities, developmental progress, and any important school updates, fostering a strong partnership between the school and families.