1. How does a child transition from attending a Montessori school to another setting?
2. What about discipline?
3. How do children do after graduating from Bayside Montessori?
4. Are lessons self correcting even in the elementary classes?
5. What about grades and tests?
6. Do other schools recognize Bayside Montessori transcripts?

How does a child transition from attending a Montessori school to another setting?

Children who are involved in a Montessori program have been described as having developed self-discipline, self-knowledge and independence, as well as enthusiasm for learning, an organized approach to problem-solving and solid academic skills.

Due to this self-development, and the development of the child’s self-esteem, the Montessori child makes the transition to a more traditional environment in later years with confidence and characteristic success.

What about discipline?

Moral education and self-discipline evolve naturally as the children interact with one another in this environment. The environment offers them the opportunity to grow and develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually in an integrated fashion. Children will be treated with respect and dignity.

Children must show respect for themselves, for their fellow students and teachers, personal property and for the school facility. In the event children encounter a situation in which their own self-discipline is inadequate, the teacher will intervene. A frank discussion of the problem with both teacher and child contributing to the discussion will follow. On occasions when the unacceptable behavior is judged to be a disruption to the other students in the room, children may be required to “sit aside” until they are ready to return to work. Parents will be made aware of discipline problems that are thought to be of a serious nature.

How do children do after graduating from Bayside Montessori?

Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Since they have been encouraged to make decisions from an early age, these children are problem-solvers who can make choices and manage their time well.

They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and to discuss their work freely with others and their good communication skills ease the way in new setting.

Research has shown that the best predictor of future success is a sense of self-esteem. Montessori programs, based on self-directed and non-competitive activities, help children develop good self-images and the confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.

Are lessons self correcting even in the elementary classes? 

In the elementary classrooms, it is not feasible that all lessons be self-correcting. Accordingly, all work is reviewed by the teacher. Errors in a particular work may be pointed out to children in a positive way by the teacher, may be marked on papers themselves, or may be left uncorrected if it is the judgment of the teacher that this would be the best course. Care is taken that the learning process be viewed as a positive adventure. If it is the decision of the teacher that the errors are not critical for the children to correct at their particular level of development, or that to do so would be disheartening to the child, the teacher may simply make a note of the error, to be dealt with at another more age-appropriate time. Teachers make every effort not to ask children to do lessons that are beyond their capabilities. Parents who are concerned with errors observed in their child’s work are encouraged to discuss them with the teacher. Please remember that children who come to feel that their work will be viewed critically by their parents often resist taking further work home.

What about grades and tests?

At Bayside Montessori parents meet twice a year with their child’s teacher for a conference.  Each child’s development is discussed at this time. Although Bayside Montessori does not give letter or number grades, the developmental report covers academic and social skills, advances, challenges, and future individual goals.    

Bayside Montessori does not administer the WASL test to its students.

Do other schools recognize Bayside Montessori transcripts?

Bayside Montessori is an approved private school in the state of Washington.  All public and private schools recognize the transcripts from Bayside Montessori.