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Q: COMPARE MONTESSORI CURRICULUM TO THAT OF OTHER SCHOOLS.
A: WVMS has an academically competitive curriculum. We cover all the same basic core curriculum as other schools. What we teach in the core curriculum is the same; how we teach it is different. We use a lot of materials and we individualize lessons so that students who are advanced can work ahead and those who need extra help get it. We also teach geography, geometry, astronomy, geology and the development of life on earth in ways that capture the interest and imagination of young students. Students also learn conflict resolution, communication and leadership skills.

Q: I WANT MY CHILD TO BE ACADEMICALLY WELL PREPARED. WILL WVMS DO THIS?
A: Definitely. Our goal is to assist each child to become a confident, independent learner and to reach his or her highest academic potential. Our small teacher-to-student ratio means that your child will receive individual attention. Our well-equipped classrooms and well-trained teachers allow children to work at levels that are challenging for them. Children who need extra time and help are given it along with the encouragement they need to succeed. In addition to the basics, our students learn problem-solving strategies and critical-thinking skills. They learn how to learn and are able to use these skills for the rest of their academic careers.
 

Q: DO YOU GIVE STANDARDIZED TESTS? HOW DO WYOMING VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL STUDENTS SCORE?
A: The California Achievement Test is given to students in the spring of the third through sixth grade years. The tests are scored on national norms, and Wyoming Valley Montessori School students achieve very competitive scores. Along with most other independent schools, WVMS recognizes that standardized tests do not adequately measure the full range of a student's academic abilities. We use detailed narrative evaluations to measure a child's progress through the year.
 

Q: HOW WILL MY CHILD FIT INTO A TRADITIONAL PROGRAM WHEN HE OR SHE LEAVES WYOMING VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL?
A: Montessori students are noted for their independent thinking, self-confidence and ability to assume responsibility and leadership. The longer they are in our programs the stronger these characteristics grow. After a brief "get acquainted" period in which they become familiar with the new "ground rules", Montessori students typically do very well in new settings, including more traditional programs. WVMS students are academically well prepared. Our sixth grade graduates are accepted into advanced level programs at the private or public schools of choice.

Q: WILL MY CHILD HAVE A BIG ENOUGH PEER GROUP?
A: Each of our elementary classes spans a three-year age range. We group first, second and third grades together, and then fourth, fifth and sixth grades together. There are close to 22 students per class so children enjoy a family-like atmosphere of a mixed-age class.

Q: SOCIAL SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT, TOO. WILL YOU HELP MY CHILD LEARN THESE?
A: Yes, one of the wonderful things about a Montessori program is that equal attention is given to a child's social and emotional development. Our teachers will work with your child both individually and as part of the classroom community to develop successful social skills. As parents, you will be invited to join the teachers as part of a "support team" for your child.

- Web Team Publishing -