Guide to Admission

welcome

Curious minds wanted.

We are Gladwyne Montessori – an educationalexperience unlike any other, engaging andconnecting students with learning since 1962.Our inviting classrooms are designed aroundyour child’s distinct perspective at every age.Using an extensive collection of fascinatingmaterials, we inspire a student to grow at herown pace…to feel the immense reward ofmastering a new skill with purpose andpassion…to thrive within a community filledwith wonder and respect.

Through our rigorous yet flexible curriculum, your child gains a deep understanding and appreciation of superioracademics, while developing the ability to think clearly, communicate skillfully and work well with others. The

result is a confident, curious student prepared to compete in the21st-century economy. We educate tomorrow’s leaders.

Our unique Montessori approach begins with our exceptionalParent-Toddler program for ages 10 to 22 months, where parentsand children interact, explore and learn together.

What follows is a remarkable continuum of education for age 2through middle school.

montessori methodAGE 2-MIDDLE SCHOOL

To you, it’s beads and wire.

To her, it’s an exponential equation.

Developed in the late 1800s, the Montessori method of education is as fresh and innovativeas it is traditional and proven. Famous Montessori grads – such as the founders of Googleand Amazon – attribute their ability to think outside the box to a Montessori education. Soit’s no wonder that there is a groundswell of interest in our unique approach.

At Gladwyne Montessori, we are ahead of the curve when it comes to preparing ourstudents for the future. Students interact in mixed-aged classrooms whose make-up moreclosely resembles the real world. Teachers don’t stand in front of the room and lecture. Theyobserve and guide, motivating children to learn one concept at a time, utilizing all of theirsenses. The result? Self-reliance. Understanding. Problem solving.

Our materials may seem unusual at first…like our beads strung in sets of 10.What looks like a child’s necklace is actually used beginning at age 3 tointroduce mathematical operations and the decimal system. As your childadvances into older classrooms, she continues to discover abstract conceptsusing concrete examples that she can feel and hold. The bead chains open thedoors to advanced algebraic reasoning.

From world cultures, Spanish and algebra to language arts, geography andchemistry, each academic subject is approached in this same manner – designedto ignite the unique spark of curiosity within every child. We create innovators.

GO BEYOND INDIVIDUALITY We cultivate the potential within each child as he grows from toddler toadolescent. We encourage students as young as 2 years old to take charge oftheir own learning.

Montessori materials are designed to be self-correcting, so that students candevelop critical thinking skills to solve problems. Our teachers usedifferentiated instruction to individualize the pace and approach. Children aretaught by matching tasks and activities with their interest, ability and learningpreference. The result is a sense of accomplishment that can't come fromsitting in a traditional schoolroom.

parent-toddlerAGES 10–22 MONTHS

To you, it’s a chance to talk to other grown ups.

To him, it's the beginning of socialization.

Like all of our prepared environments, our Parent-Toddler classroom

(ages 10-22 months) is organized specifically with your child in mind. For a

toddler under age 2, that means tasting freedom…with a parent still nearby.

Students are introduced to Montessori materials just right for their age and

size, play in a room with peers, sing in a circle and enjoy group snack at a

perfectly sized table.

During this weekly class, parents spend

much of their time engaged in meaningful discussions focused on toddler-

centered topics with our school psychologist. Each class offers you a

chance to interact with other adults – while seeing your child enjoy social

development and interaction through music and activities. The friendships

forged in these extraordinary classes can last a lifetime.

GO BEYOND CURIOSITYEach child is naturally curious to learn more about the world. At GladwyneMontessori, the classroom environment gives students the opportunity toobserve and ask questions.

The types of concrete learning materials change as students master their work,ask new questions and learn abstract concepts in math, science, humanitiesand beyond. Our teachers are dedicated to creating programs and lessonsthat foster children's natural curiosity.

stepping stonesAGES 21-34 MONTHS

To you, it’s a pair of slippers.

To her, it’s the first step toward independence.

A new school day begins. And for our Stepping Stones students (ages 21-34

months), that means taking off shoes and changing into slippers. While this may

seem like a charming ritual, it’s actually done with a purpose: to develop motor

skills and encourage self-reliance in our children, some of whom are not even 2

years old.

Our Stepping Stones classroom is alive with energy. Walk in and you’ll

hear giggles, clapping and singing. Notice, too, a little girl filling a

bucket with soap and water, then carefully scrubbing a table. A small

boy putting out tiny cloth placemats, china and glassware for a group

snack. Children listening attentively and expanding their vocabularies.

For our smallest students, big things are in the works.

GO BEYOND FLEXIBILITYWhether it's a 2-year-old learning to share a puzzle or middle schoolerspartnering on a community service project by the ocean, our students areencouraged to collaborate.

Working with peers helps students solve more problems, gather moreinformation and ask more questions. By following a rigorous curriculum drivenby the natural rhythm of real life, children are uniquely prepared for futuresuccess in high school and life working in the 21st-century economy.

primaryAGE 3-KINDERGARTEN

To you, it’s a letter made of sandpaper.

To him, it’s the start of his first novel.

Children learn best by doing. We provide stellar academic materials to help

them experience the world first-hand using all five senses. In our Primary

division (age 3-kindergarten), reading and writing begin with a simple

sandpaper letter. Instead of just watching a teacher write letters on a board,

your child holds the letter, speaks its sound and traces it with his finger again

and again, preparing to write. Immersed in a language-rich environment, he

moves onto simple and then complex

words, grammar, sentence analysis and

composition.

Primary students are introduced to increasingly sophisticated subjects, including

Spanish, geometry, biology, cultural geography and practical life skills. Using

familiar materials from previous years, your child strengthens his concentration,

communication and time-management skills throughout this period, while also

enjoying computers, drama, music, art, nature and physical education.

GO BEYOND RESPONSIBILITYWhen your child sees a task through from beginning to end, she begins tounderstand success and the feeling of pride in her accomplishments. Ourclassroom environments are designed to develop adaptable, resilientstudents who are secure and confident in their work.

Our unique mixed-age classrooms generate a sense of responsibilitytoward others, teaching students to respect each other, work togetherand resolve conflicts as a group.

lower elementaryGRADES 1-3

To you, it’s flour, salt and water.

To her, it’s about finding her place in the world.

For our Lower Elementary students (grades 1-3), the world vividly unfolds with

excitement and promise. As they expand their reading, writing and math skills,

they also nourish their imaginations with a hands-on integrated curriculum that

includes geography, information technology, life and earth science, art history,

humanities, music and physical education. They are highly motivated to

continue their intellectual growth, as they gain global perspective by exploring

the world through essay writing,

scientific measurement, cultural arts

and literature.

Hands-on learning is emphasized in every lesson. Instead of just

memorizing a map in a book, for example, your child builds her own

continent from the ground up – digging out river beds, shaping vast

mountain ranges – experiencing our planet through every sense…

and seeing where she fits in.

GO BEYOND CONNECTIONA student suddenly realizes how a pattern in math connects to a pattern innature or how physics influences sports. As children advance through theMontessori continuum of learning, they gain a powerful understanding ofhow concepts work together.

Students are encouraged to think creatively and try newthings…collaboratively. By staying in the same classroom for multiple years,they grow creatively and are inspired to mentor one another. Teachers helpstudents feel that it's always okay to take chances.

upper elementaryGRADES 4-6

To you, it’s a quiet spot in the shade.

To him, it’s independent scientific research.

In our Upper Elementary division (grades 4-6), your child continues his

journey of self-discovery through the study of complex algebra and

geometry, human history, economic geography, oral and written Spanish,

physics, computer science and sports. He widens boundaries as he takes

on learning outside of the classroom, including practical life skills like

preparing a menu and balancing a checkbook. He masters sophisticated

research, debate and independent

study topics.

If your child is interested in botany, for example, he can design and

execute his own comprehensive project, drawing upon a variety of skills,

from reading and investigation to editing and art. Within our unique

mixed-age classroom, he can then share his research – often leading an

entire class to explore a new topic together.

GO BEYOND JOYMontessori students flourish in an atmosphere filled with respect andchallenging academics. There is a special sense of harmony here that followsyour child as he progresses through our classrooms. Students are given thegift of time to form their ideas and express themselves.

Public speaking opportunities, such as sharing new work or reciting poetry onstage, allow students to communicate their love of learning with others.Experiencing education through this innovative lens encourages your child toenjoy academics and prepare for a lifelong passion for learning.

middle schoolGRADES 7 & 8

To you, it’s a cute hairband.

To her, it’s a for-profit business.

The Gladwyne Montessori experience culminates in our Middle School (grades 7

and 8), fostering young adolescents’ physical, emotional, social and intellectual

growth in a challenging, academically rigorous, high-tech environment. Our

close-knit community of peers and adults allows students to gain leadership skills

and receive individualized attention, whether they’re dissecting a frog in biology

or studying current affairs for an in-depth cultural report.

In our multi-disciplinary classroom, a

trendy headband becomes inventory – the product of a micro-economy

fundraising project – where students price, manufacture and market

products, while calculating profit. Maria Montessori believed the prepared

environment for adolescents should be “a school of social experience,”

and our curriculum is just that. Leveraging the Socratic method in our

classrooms, we ensure that every student is held to high expectations.

GO BEYOND ACCEPTANCEIn our diverse classrooms, students learn to accept people for who they areand to embrace differences. Our cultural curriculum helps them understandthat there is a big world outside of their family, school and community.

Through a daily social setting that encourages students to respect theirenvironment, your child develops grace and courtesy. And our graduatesconsistently praise the Gladwyne Montessori approach for nurturing theircharacter and preparing them to fit in at any high school.

special subjects

To you, it’s a kickball.

To him, it’s teamwork and fairness.

An outstanding education extends beyond the classroom and

traditional subjects. That’s why beginning at age 3, we offer students

an array of opportunities to diversify their learning throughout the

school day. Special subjects are built into the daily curriculum for

Primary to Middle School students, including art, computer technology,

drama, library, Spanish, music, nature and physical education. By

integrating these courses into a regular day, we help students better

understand how concepts relate to one another.

Whether it’s a 3rd grader using PowerPoint for a cultural

research presentation, a 3-year-old counting in music as she

taps out a new beat or pre-teens refining their cooperation

skills in a soccer game, our special subjects add to our rich,

multi-disciplinary learning environment.

afterschool activities

To you, it’s more hours in the day.

To her, it’s an adventure.

Our educational approach isn’t defined by regular school hours. Whether it’s an

early-morning drop-off, after-school care each day or a weekly extracurricular

class, we offer a wealth of activities for every student. And these programs are

a critical component of our child-centered view of learning.

Overseen by a Montessori-trained teacher, our La Casa after-school enrichment

program guides your child’s natural curiosity. Each student’s experiences at La

Casa are unique because each child's learning style, interests and motivations

change daily. That’s why every day is different in our special classes,

allowing children to experience nature, science, art, yoga, Spanish and

music appreciation.

Our weekly enrichment programs and club and team activities, from

track to robotics, are designed to cultivate a well-rounded educational

experience and encourage your child to delve more deeply into the

environment around her.

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO GLADWYNE MONTESSORIIf you’re considering Gladwyne Montessori for your child, you probably have many questionsabout our school. Of course, the best way to learn more is to experience our classroomsfirst-hand, so we warmly welcome you to an upcoming open house or to schedule a visit.Please call 610-649-1761, ext. 106, or email admissions@gladwyne.org to get started.

The following guide tells you more about our peerless approach to education to help youdecide if it’s right for your child. Here are some questions and comments we often hear fromprospective parents:

1. Why are the students placed in mixed-age classrooms?

Our classrooms are organized into multi-yearage spans so that each child takes her turnamong the youngest, middle and oldest in theclass, interacting as people do in the real world.This interesting dynamic helps promote a senseof kindness and fairness. The younger childrenare inspired and motivated by watching theolder ones, while older students teach theyounger children – an essential component inthe learning process.

2. How does the typical day work at GladwyneMontessori?Days are divided into three-hour work cycles, where studentsare free to explore concepts one at a time until they are readyto move on to another. Through our curriculum, whichhighlights a single topic across multiple subjects, students canfocus on different areas of interest. We also integrate all fivesenses into the learning process to help children gain a clearerunderstanding.Classrooms featurenatural materialsconstructed of wood andreal glass, witheverything child-sizedand well-organized sothat students learn theimportance of puttingthings back in their place.As our students grow,they explore moreabstract concepts asdeeper meaning unfolds.

3. It seems like a lot of schools call themselves“Montessori.” Is there a difference?Yes! At Gladwyne Montessori, we adhere to strict Montessoriprinciples developed in the late 1800s by Dr. Maria Montessori,using the curriculum, tools and materials she designed. Our

Head of School is a Montessori-trained practitioner, and ourteachers are Montessori-certified. Our school is accredited by

the American Montessori Society, thePennsylvania Association of IndependentSchools (PAIS) and the Commonwealth ofPennsylvania State Board of PrivateAcademic Schools. Through this outstandingalternative to traditional education, we focuson helping children become self-reliant,capable, caring, purposeful learners who arewell-prepared to succeed in the real world.We are educating tomorrow’s leaders andinnovators.

4. I’ve been told that Gladwyne Montessori is really bestfor preschool or that it’s hard for children to transitionto a more traditional school when they come from sucha small elementary or middle school program.Your child reaps the full benefit of the Gladwyne Montessoriexperience by remaining here through 8th grade. As our one-of-a-kind curriculum unfolds, she will build on what she’slearned in previous years, gain complex thinking skills and takeon sophisticated academic subjects – from algebraic reasoningand Spanish to world culture and micro-economy. Your child willideally leave our school as an engaged scholar who is adept attime management, accustomed to rigorous academics andhighly prepared for high school. Our students have gone on toexcel at virtually every school in the area, including Haverford,Episcopal, Shipley,Agnes Irwin, LowerMerion public schools,Friends Central,Baldwin, Springside-Chestnut Hill andboarding schools suchas the Hill School andthe Loomis ChaffeeSchool. In fact, teachersfrom others schools tellus again and again how well Gladwyne Montessori studentsperform, both academically and socially.

5. These days, a lot of schools are touting the 21st-century learning approach. What sets Gladwyne Montessori apart?The methods for 21st-century learning might be new tosome, but it’s the way we’ve educated successful, dynamic,confident students since 1962.

All children have an inherent passionfor learning, and our teachers havean unmatched opportunity to fuelthat passion into a lifelong pursuit.Rather than view education as aseries of short-term goals, weexercise a long-term holistic approach.We embrace a child’s curiosity andignite young minds by developinginquisitiveness, ingenuity and critical

thinking skills. Students learn the skills they need to succeedin today’s economy.

6. Gladwyne Montessori is too high pressure.On the contrary. We allow eachstudent to learn at her own pace,encouraging her to make goodchoices, solve problems anddevelop superior time managementskills. There is an overall sense ofcalm in our classrooms. Studentsunderstand the scope of theirresponsibilities and are self-directed to master tasks.

7. Why are hands-on and experiential learning so important?

Current brain research has confirmedwhat Maria Montessori recognizedmore than 100 years ago. Childrenlearn better when they use hands-onmaterials and have experiences whilelearning.

Montessori observed that the childlearns “with his hands, by experience,

first in play and then through work.” Scientists now knowthat developing brains create neural pathways when children

use their hands to perform anactivity.

These neural connections arestrengthened when childrenrepeat motor movements, liketracing a sandpaper letter,counting a bead chain and writingdown numbers as a form of earlymultiplication. These repeatedmovements form templates in thebrain that become the starting

point for new experiences. Pediatric neuropsychologist Dr.Steve Hughes, an advisor to our Board of Trustees, says thisrepetition of activities, self-guided learning and multisensoryMontessori materials “creates the perfect recipe for humanbrain development.”

8. How do you know the Montessori method actuallyworks?Take a look at the outcomes. When Google co-foundersLarry Page and Sergey Brin were interviewed by BarbaraWalters in 2004, these luminaries credited their Montessorieducation for their future success – specifically pointing tothe self-directed curriculum where students follow theirinterests and decide for themselves what they want to learn.

Creating visionaries means nurturing children’s abilities tocollaborate and communicate their thoughts and new ideaseffectively. It all starts with listening to children andencouraging them to listen toothers. In an environment wherethere’s no fear of being wrong,students ask “why” and “how”more frequently.

When you give children the gift oftime, they have freedom to formtheir ideas and communicate them– confident to try anything andbecome innovators.

Through our innovative approach to education, your child develops independence, explores creativity, respects nature and cultivates a sense of awe and wonder.

Come see for yourself by visiting today. 610-649-1761, ext. 106 or admissions@gladwyne.org

ACCREDITATIONS:American Montessori SocietyPennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Board of Private Academic Schools

A remarkable community of learning for age 2 through Middle School

920 Youngsford RoadGladwyne, PA 19035info@gladwyne.org

610-649-1761(fax) 610-649-7978

gladwyne.org

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