The Montessori method nurtures a child's love of learning while teaching the importance of respect, an ability to work with others and a strong sense of independence. Montessori teachers are trained to model these positive values as well as teach them.

At Beach Park School, our educators recognize that different children learn in different ways and guide them in their studies accordingly. They allow children to select their own learning activities. In the elementary and middle school classes, they work within a prearranged work plan developed between teacher and student. Montessori students work in mixed-aged classrooms and as they grow in their skills, the teacher's role is to guide them in their learning. They can go at their own pace and grow in their own ways, learning through direct experience, investigation and discovery. Because Montessori programs are based on self-directed and noncompetitive activities, children develop strong self-esteem and the lifelong confidence to face both challenge and change with optimism.

The Montessori classroom is purposefully organized to create a logical sense of order for the child. Everything has a place. The educational program is just as well organized, systematic and carefully sequenced based on principles of development. Every activity is designed to build upon new learning and skills that have been acquired.

We find that Beach Park School students take great care to maintain the peace and order of the class. Our child-centered approach creates a deep sense of community.

Since teachers work with each of their students for an average of three years, they know their students' interests, strengths, weaknesses and individual learning styles intimately - and they use that knowledge to guide, mentor and facilitate their students' learning.

The typical Beach Park School teacher holds a bachelor's degree, Montessori teacher training and has been with our school for 10 years or more.

INVOLVED PARENTS
At Beach Park School, students, teachers and parents work together to create a vibrant learning community. Parents are encouraged to get involved in their children's educational experience at many levels through participation on the Parent/Teacher Association committees, family work days, fundraising, classroom volunteering and chaperoning on field trips and during off-campus studies.

PRACTICAL LIFE AND OUTSIDE LEARNING
"Practical life" begins as soon as a young child enters Beach Park School and continues throughout the school years. For a preschooler, practical life skills involve things like dressing oneself and carrying and pouring things without dropping or spilling them.

As students get older, the practical life lessons continue logically to include things like running a small business, maintaining a checkbook, mastering test-taking strategies and applying for a job. This focus on practical life skills helps the child to achieve one of the primary goals of a Montessori education - a strong and realistic sense of independence and self-reliance.

At Beach Park School, learning takes place outside the classroom as well. Community field trips in younger grades and overnight trips in upper elementary and middle school have introduced our students to life throughout the country, including Washington, D.C., the Adirondacks, the Grand Canyon, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New York City.