FAQs

Our school was originally founded by parents in 1982, with a passion for Montessori education and since then has never stopped fulfilling its mission to provide child-centered education in a peaceful environment. We have been fortunate over the years to be able to obtain a wooded property in Manheim Township and built our own facilities, suitable for a Montessori education. We continue to be passionate about our students and seek to provide an inclusive, hands-on, and holistic education, suitable to their needs and interests.

Maria Montessori created an educational approach based on the scientific study of how children learn and was deeply passionate about treating children with respect and allowing for freedom of movement and independence. Observing the child was an important tool, allowing the teacher to gain insight into each child’s interests and needs. She created specific materials to support self-directed learning and designed learning spirals to meet the needs of the child, integrating practical life skills, academic curiosity, and independence. Her values included peace education, awe for the natural world, and respect for each other as diverse members of the human family. Montessori schools can be found throughout North America and worldwide, with the start of Casa dei Bambini, in Rome, Italy in 1917.

Children who participate in Montessori education have opportunities to learn in a self-directed environment designed to promote concentration, independence, and responsibility. The environment, the teacher, and the materials are designed to cultivate curiosity and holistic growth in all areas of development: cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. Children learn to be empathetic and caring as they are part of a community that models concern for each other and constructive problem solving. Read what other parents are saying about their experience here at Montessori Academy! (link to testimonials page)

How are we governed and accredited as an educational institution?
The Academy is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of parents and community leaders. This group oversees the business and financial affairs and long-range planning of the school. The Montessori Academy of Lancaster is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools and certified as an affiliate by the American Montessori Society. In addition, before care, after care, and all programs for children under two and a half years of age are licensed by the Department of Human Services.

The Academy is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of parents and community leaders. This group oversees the business and financial affairs and long-range planning of the school. The Montessori Academy of Lancaster is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools and certified as an affiliate by the American Montessori Society. In addition, before care, after care, and all programs for children under two and a half years of age are licensed by the Department of Human Services.

We have a rolling enrollment contingent upon availability in your specific child’s age group. We recommend requesting information and visiting our school as early as possible prior to the start of school in August in order to ensure availability and options that meet your needs.

Full time programs are available for children ages 18 months to 6 grade. Part time options may be available for children in primary and younger. We offer toddler, primary, kindergarten (last year of primary program), and elementary programs. All programs are available Monday through Friday; times vary according to the age group.

• 8:45-11:45 Toddler a.m.
• 8:45-2:45 Toddler all day
• 9:00-12:00 p.m. Primary a.m.
• 9:00-3:00 Primary all day
• 8:30-3:00 Elementary

*Please note we have a staggered dismissal. Children with siblings will be dismissed together at the earliest assigned time.

Yes! It is not too late to enroll and experience the benefits of a Montessori education. We welcome children to join us for kindergarten and see what a difference the Montessori approach makes.

Montessori education groups children in multi-age classroom, typically over a three-year span. For example, children ages 3,4, and 5 are part of a primary classroom for three years then move onto lower elementary for ages 6-9. Children “move up" to the next age group based on readiness versus a traditional grade level.

Toddler & primary children can expect to have ample time for exploration, choice of work, group time, outdoor play, snack, and active engagement with their teachers.

Elementary age children typically spend the morning engaged in core academic work and cultural subjects as part of the three-hour work cycle, followed by lunch, and classroom jobs. Afternoons consist of outdoor play, enrichments, and journaling.

Class sizes can range from 14 to 24 students, and teacher-to-student ratio vary depending on the age group of the students.

• Toddler Classes:
  Toddlers under the age of two have a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:5 and a maximum class size of 15 with 2 teachers.
  Todder two-years-old and older have a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6 with a maximum class size of 18 with 3 teachers.
• Primary & Elementary Classes:
  The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:12. The maximum class size is 24 children with two teachers. In primary, we strive to assign an even number of three-, four-, and five- year-old children. With a class of 24, we would hope to assign 8 children from each of the three ages represented.

Our school follows curriculum guides approved by the American Montessori Society. When teachers complete their Montessori training for their age group, they begin their teaching practice with curriculum guides and materials they have studied and developed. Many materials are concrete and self-correcting in the younger ages and become more abstract as children grow and grasp concepts.

During the school day students have opportunities to explore music, art, movement, languages and other cultural studies. After school clubs are available to elementary age students and typically run after school from 3:30-4:30, Monday-Friday. In the past clubs have included: art, cooking, drama, American Girl Doll, EnviroThon, and chess.

We are an inclusive school that embraces peace education and respect for each other and the diverse cultures we represent. We learn about holidays as related to our culture studies but do not celebrate nor advocate for specific religious holidays. You can expect to see classroom parties pertaining to the change of seasons and friendship. Our annual Winter Program and Morning of the Arts are musical performances showcasing our cultural studies with parents and family members. Birthdays can be recognized but are always optional, depending on family preference.

Join the Parent Community Group! We offer opportunities to participate in annual events like our annual Community Day Fest, Pastries with Parents, gardening, Teacher Appreciation Week and much more. Our amazing classrooms offer opportunities for you to pop in and be part of the Montessori experience. For more information about joining our Parent Community Group, please email them directly at: parentcommunity@montlanc.com.

School safety is of utmost importance, and we thank you in advance for entrusting us to provide the very best care and nurture of your child while at school. Our staff is trained in first aid annually and each classroom has a first aid kit, reviewed monthly. We practice our emergency procedures throughout the year in a nonthreatening manner with our young students and have evacuation plans in place should a situation arise. We expect our students and staff to practice playground safety, peaceful conflict resolution, and display care and respect for each other. It takes a village!