What is Montessori education?

‍In a nutshell, Montessori is a dynamic form of education that uses a developmental approach to learning. Through the scientific method, Maria Montessori discovered sensitive periods, which are natural windows of opportunity where children learn effortlessly. It is the teachers job to observe children for sensitive periods and then guide them to lessons that match their intrinsic needs. This is what it means to “follow the child”.

Montessori lessons have been specifically curated to demonstrate a concept in an interactive manner, which gives students first hand experience. The purpose of these lessons is to develop mastery of a topic that moves from concrete lessons to permanent abstract knowledge. The children have freedom (within boundaries) to choose what to practice within their personal repertoire of lessons. What to work on, where to work, how to work, and how long to work are all within the child’s scope of choice. The ability to make these choices and work at an individual pace comes from a three year learning cycle, which results in a mixed age classroom. In Montessori, the focus is developmental cycles, which last about three years, versus singular grades.

-Movement is fundamental to Learning

Movement is the first tenant of freedom. Without the freedom to move about the classroom the children would not be free to choose their lessons and therefore would not be able to fulfill their physical and intrinsic needs.

-A Prepared Classroom naturally creates freedom within limits

To have the liberty to move around the classroom and make active choices the classroom must be prepared to be a “yes zone” for the children. Everything in the classroom is designed to be used and accessible to the children. The classroom is carefully designed to be a peacefully stimulating and organized space where children can choose their activities and work independently.

-Academic Interests

The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, geometry, language arts, grammar, physical science, history, geography, botany, zoology, and any subject that strikes the imagination of the children.

-Integrated Curriculum

Unlike traditional schools, the Montessori elementary program emphasizes the interconnectedness of different subjects, such as math, language arts, science, and history. A topic can be explored on multiple levels enhancing the deepness of understanding and creating lasting memories of what was learned.

-Emphasis on Practical Life

The Montessori method also emphasizes the development of competency across a broad span of practical skills, including life tasks, chores, self-care, knowledge of how to care for the natural world, conflict resolution, and social interaction among all age groups.

-Three Year Cycle Classrooms

Montessori classrooms are organized by developmental groups instead of singular grades. For example, the lower elementary classroom is 1st grade through 3rd grade. Our society is used to singular grade classes even though it is common sense that not all children mature at the same rate or learn at the same rate. A three year classroom not only fosters peer learning and mentorship but also gives the children a few years to mature and learn at their own pace.

-Uninterrupted Work Time

Each morning the children have what is called a work cycle, which is a long block of uninterrupted time where the children can engage in any lesson or subject. This schedule prevents the frequent disruptions that happen in traditional school where the whole class needs to transition from one subject to another. The work cycle format allows the children to engage deeply with their work and develop focus and concentration.

-Required and Inspired Learning

At the preschool level children are free to choose the lessons they would like to work on. At the elementary level, children still have the freedom to work as they please and pursue inspiring topics, but now there is the added element of responsibility to complete lessons that are assigned by the teacher. This looks like the teacher presenting a small group lesson to a few students and then a follow up work is assigned. The teacher may choose the assignment but often the teacher and student collaborate to come up with a follow up work that is agreeable to both. It is important to strike this balance so necessary skills do not go under practiced.

-Focus on Mastery

The curriculum aims for students to achieve mastery of fundamental skills and concepts rather than simply covering a set of topics. The Montessori Method promotes practice as the main focus of learning. A topic or lesson may be repeated as many times as needed, which is how mastery is achieved. Instead of a test, the teacher assesses the accuracy of the lessons being practiced and gives the next lesson in the sequence when the student shows comprehension of the previous lesson. Grades and tests are unnecessary when there is time to master a topic. After a few years of this type of learning children have a significant storehouse of concrete knowledge.

What is the elementary curriculum?

The Montessori cosmic curriculum aims to inspire children with awe and curiosity using the start of creation as the framework for which all life on earth comes from. This framework provides interconnected study as children are taken through stories that include the history, geography, and biology of the evolution of the world and the development of all living and nonliving things. This study progresses to ancient human civilizations and cultures throughout the world. Since the beginning of humanity, humans have been developing and advancing themselves. The countless individuals who have come before us are unknown to us but we benefit from their experience, curiosity, and sacrifices.

In Montessori, we do not just learn reading and math but the history of how humans developed reading and math and its evolution. Therefore it is a fundamental part of the Cosmic Curriculum to be grateful and to practice gratitude for people who have come before us. This interdisciplinary approach to learning is part of what makes Montessori elementary education unique. Our goal is to strike the imagination of the children and provide them with the hands-on materials they need to develop themselves, and give them the tools needed to produce the fruits of their imaginations.
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*At True North we believe God created the earth and humans. Our curriculum aims to take a scientific approach without compromising that belief.

How are lessons given?

In Montessori elementary classrooms, most lessons are given in small groups of 3 or 4 students. There will also be individual lessons as necessary and whole class lessons when a topic applies to everyone and a whole class lesson would be effective. Children who are not directly being given a lesson by the teacher will be working on their own lesson or project.

Did my child have to attend Montessori preschool to attend elementary?

Although children who have already been in a Montessori school will be familiar with the structure of a Montessori classroom it is not necessary to have been in one to start in elementary.

If Montessori is child-led how do you ensure they are learning enough?

It is the teachers responsibility to track students progress, plan lessons, and make real time assessments of a students ability and administer assessments as needed. The children must meet the requirements set by the teacher. They will not be allowed to skip subjects or neglect their assignments.
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Our goal in Montessori is to prepare children for life, therefore we do not have the same values or timelines as traditional schooling. It is important for parents to understand we are not trying to be equal to public school standards. Instead, our outcomes may differ from student to student over a 3-year cycle but we firmly believe that the learning potential far exceeds what is possible in public school.

Do you have open enrollment?

Yes. We accept students all year round.

Do you have part-time enrollment?

Yes. We have drop-in classes and weekly themed classes perfect for homeschooling families.

Are there military or first responder discounts?

Yes. Military and first responders will receive a 10% discount.

Do you teach Evolution?

The first Great Story in the Montessori cosmic curriculum is the story of creation. This story is a fantastic story that describes the Big Bang and the elemental laws of nature. The story is open-ended enough to include religious interpretation, such as the stories in Genesis, and we always accept the religious perspectives students share during these discussions. If you have questions or concerns about how this aligns with your beliefs please ask us about it. We do NOT teach humans evolved from monkeys. We encourage families to discuss with their children their beliefs surrounding creation.
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*At True North we believe God created the earth and humans. Our curriculum aims to take a scientific approach without compromising that belief.

What are your vaccine policies?

True North abides by all state laws governing health including accepting exemption forms.

Are you a religious school?

No, we are not religious in the sense that we teach a specific doctrine but we believe that our “True North” is the plan God has for us and we undoubtedly believe in God and are not afraid to say so. This is our underlying belief but not something that we will be explicitly communicating to the children as a part of the curriculum. We will happily celebrate and explore many of the world’s religions and spiritual beliefs if they naturally come up, but it will not be a specific part of the curriculum outside of cultural studies.

Do you provide discounts?

There will be a 10% discount for second and third siblings that are enrolled at True North.

Do you give out referral bonuses?

Yes! We will happily give referees $100 dollars after a new student has been enrolled for a month and an additional $300 after they have been enrolled for 6 months. This is per child!

What grades are in each classroom?

Elementary classrooms can include 1st-6th grade in one classroom or they are often split into lower elementary (1st-3rd grade) and upper elementary (4th-6th grade). For the 2025-2026 school year we will be starting with lower elementary and kindergarten with the plan to include upper elementary the following year.

Are there tests and grading?

No, not in the traditional sense. Grading is a type of reward system that we do not use in Montessori. The children work until they have gained mastery and then they move onto the next lesson in the sequence. Tests like spelling tests or skill drills are a type of self assessment that each child does individually to see how they are doing and are often enjoyed by the child as if they were a game.

Can my child opt out of parts of the curriculum that do not align with my family’s belief system?

As a part of the Cosmic Plan (the elementary curriculum) we will often explore many cultures, ideas, and philosophies. The exploration of these ideas does not mean we are asking a child to believe them but be aware of them as a citizen of the world.

We also must acknowledge that other children in the class may come from the backgrounds we are exploring and it would not be appropriate to not be friends with another student because they have a different background or belief system. Therefore, children will not be allowed to opt out of these lessons as it would create constant adjustment of the curriculum and exclusion from others in the classroom community. If you have concerns on this issue please speak with us. We strive to address these lessons with transparency and respect.

Does True North teach CRT?

No.

Does True North celebrate black history month?

Yes, but in lower elementary we keep it light and do not extensively cover the topic. Our attitude toward black history is one of love and respect with a focus on the incredible people who embodied the spirit of freedom and courage in the early years of our country. We do not focus on oppression but on liberation and the strength of character that it took to overcome slavery and racism. It is important to look at slavery throughout the world and develop a curiosity of why slavery has existed and the human psychology behind it. These are important discussions that are best had as neutrally as possible. Strong moralism and victor/victim mentalities often prevent curiosity and open discussions. Maria Montessori called children citizens of the world and we aim to uphold that notion.

What are your policies in regards to discussing sex and gender? (Biology and anatomy lessons are separate)

Many families have different feelings in regard to how to talk about sex and gender identity. To respect all families we will not allow this topic of discussion at school so that it may not be promoted or demoted. We will also not allow the use of chosen pronouns as this opens up the topic. We believe in developmentally appropriate discussions around these topics and it is for parents to determine the readiness of their child and when to have them in the safety of their own home. If these topics are brought up at school by the children we will kindly say: That is a really important topic that you can talk to your parents about at home. That’s not a school topic.

Can my child opt out of recess or P.E

A fundamental part of our philosophy at True North is that physical movement is a vital part of wellness and self regulation. Therefore all children will be required to participate in daily and weekly exercise activities.

What food is provided during the day?

We will provide as much fresh, organic, dye-free, and seed oil-free food as possible. It is our goal to have the children help prepare fresh snacks daily. At this time, we do not provide lunch and lunch from home must be provided daily.

Are there uniforms or a dress code?

There are no uniforms but there is a dress code as outlined in our parent handbook.

What is your behavior policy?

True North has a strict behavior policy that is outlined in the parent handbook. We will not tolerate behavior that is distracting, disruptive, dangerous, rude, antagonistic, disrespectful, or harmful in any way to our community. Correcting behavior is the parents responsibility and students may be dismissed from our school if parents do not cooperate with teachers and administrators and abide by our timeline for improvements. Deep intrinsic respect is earned, but basic respect is a non negotiable requirement that goes both ways.

Do you give homework?

Generally, there will not be daily homework. However, we can not emphasize enough how important it is to read everyday. Therefore it is highly recommended that you read with your child everyday. Homework in the form of projects may be assigned from time to time. Any daily homework that children may have will be the logical consequence of not doing enough work in class and therefore they will be held accountable for making up for it at home.

Do you accept IEPs?

We are happy to accept all children who fall within our scope of care. However, as a small private school we do not have the resources to accept IEPs. If you believe your child would still thrive in our community please reach out and we can discuss your child’s individual needs and whether or not we are able to accommodate them.