FAQs at Clark Lake

The mixed ages of a Montessori classroom contribute to a calm and productive environment.   Older children enjoy the opportunity to role model, guide and assist the younger students with their work.  Our younger students look up to the older ones and are curious and motivated by their work.

The unique environment of the Montessori classroom can be surprising when you first observe.  The independence of the children is very evident; look for students choosing their own work, preparing snack by themselves, returning work carefully to the shelves and assisting other students.  This self discipline and independence is fostered through a long and patient process.  None of the children in the classroom were screened or behaved in this manner prior to coming to Montessori.  Your child does not need to be exceptionally disciplined at home, have any academic experience before attending CMS or be a certain age (the children you observe are ages 33 months to 6 years) to succeed.  The Montessori philosophy is founded on the principle that every child can succeed.

For the first week of school (4 days), students come for half of their normal time.  This schedule allows us to work closely with new students and introduce them to the classroom.  Before and after school care is not available during the week of orientation.  A schedule of the times your child will attend is sent out the second week of August.  The regular school schedule begins the Monday of the second week of school.

Yes.  There are no exceptions to this rule.

No, however, CMS will reasonably accommodate mild food allergies.

We maintain a ratio of 10 students to 1 teacher.

No.  This is a great age for a child to begin their Montessori education.  Our youngest students join us in the Montessori classroom for the morning.  After lunch and a playtime outside, these students enjoy a story, nap/quiet time, toys and snack.  They rejoin the older students for music time and stories.

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for siblings.