Discover Montessori School is the longest running Montessori program in Nanaimo. Our programs are noted for their integrity to the core principles and high standards of Montessori philosophy and methodology as mandated by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). AMI is the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori to carry on her life's work; set up to maintain the integrity of the philosophical and methodological delivery of an authentic Montessori program. Our lead Montessori teachers are accredited with AMI Montessori teacher credentials at both Primary and Elementary levels, BC Ministry of Education teaching certificates, and Early Childhood Educator certificates.

Authentic Montessori programs are tailored specifically to meet the cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and non-religious spiritual needs of each student. We offer programs at two campuses, in Nanaimo and Parksville, serving students between the ages of three and twelve in our Primary and Elementary programs. Our Parksville Primary (pre-school) program is regulated and licensed under the Vancouver Island Health Authority and not funded by the Ministry of Education. Elementary programs are currently available only at the Nanaimo Campus.
A Montessori Middle School for Nanaimo is in development.

Components of an Authentic Montessori Program:

Montessori Education is built upon the detailed scientific study of childhood development by Dr. Maria Montessori. During her work in the early to middle 1900's, Dr. Montessori formulated a system of education that addresses each child's unique developmental milestones at the precise moment of readiness. Montessori teachers are developmental facilitators and are trained to provide guidance and support, to stand back and observe the student's natural tendencies or curiosity, and to present the next step in learning at just the right moment to enable students to build upon success.

Key components of Montessori Education:

• Classroom Environment – specially prepared environment
• Multi Age Group setting – 3–6/6–12/Middle School
• Self-paced learning – individualized curriculum, new ideas when ready, progressive & experiential learning
• Uninterrupted 3-hour work period – honing of skills
• Holistic approach to a student's academic, social, emotional, physical and non-religious spiritual growth
• Certified Montessori teachers with training from a recognized training centre
  
  

Additional reading:

• Q&A regarding Montessori schooling
• Reading List of books written by/and about, Maria Montessori and her teaching philosophy
• Key aspects of Montessori teaching
• Prospering Montessori methodology at home
• AMI website

Primary* Morning Program
8:30am–Noon, 5 days per week
Primary* All-Day Program
8:30am–5pm, 5 days per week

At Discover Montessori School we recognize the uniqueness of each child and allow them to develop according to their own abilities and interests. In our carefully-prepared classrooms, a variety of authentic Montessori materials appeal to children's love of order and natural desire to learn. These activities are designed to strengthen fine motor control, to lengthen concentration and to hone the senses. Children are allowed the freedom to practice and refine their skills and cultivate good work habits. They are guided through various lessons and have to opportunity to explore their unique interests and talents.

The classrooms consist of mixed age groups in which younger children learn from the older children. This, in turn, allows the older children to reinforce their learning and leadership skills. There is plenty of opportunity for socialization because children work both independently and in a group.

For more information, please call the office and book an observation of one of the classrooms.

*Our Parksville Primary (pre-school) program is regulated and licensed under the Vancouver Island Health Authority and not funded by the Ministry of Education. Although considered 'pre-school' by the Ministry of Education, our 'Primary' program is not a prefix to anything but rather, the most important first level in our Montessori system. Far from 'daycare' our Primary program empowers the youngest minds with a toolset that lays a foundation for all future learning.

Discover Montessori School
Elemenatary Program
Nanaimo Campus only

Discover Montessori School's elementary program is a natural extension of the Primary program. Our program enables your child to move from work to work, group to group with an understanding that they are responsible for their own learning. This is done through small group lessons with children of various ages and regular, individual meetings with their teacher to ensure they are exploring their own interests as well as fulfilling the standards set out by the BC Ministry of Education. Students are introduced to montessori materials that offer concepts and concrete experiences. Students may also choose areas of interest for more in-depth study.

Our elementary program focuses on the interdependence of all subject areas which include language, mathematics, geometry, history, science, art, music, drama and physical education. In addition, our elementary classrooms provide an opportunity which allows your child to gain a strong sense of himself, an awareness of his or her peers, and their place in the world as contributing members of society.

The Elementary Program at Discover Montessori School is only available at our Nanaimo Campus. As in our Primary Program, enrollment in our Elementary Program is a three year commitment. While previous experience in a Montessori Primary Program is preferred, a limited number of students with no Montessori experience may be admitted each year, space permitting.

Attendance and Late Arrival

A student's success at school is dependent upon regular and consistent attendance. At Discover Montessori School, we embrace the concept of educating the whole child. In particular, the idea that time away from parents provides a unique time of bonding and learning that is essential to a child's development and well-being. However, our elementary program derives from the work done in the carefully prepared classrooms by the AMI-trained teachers. While very little homework is assigned, your child's absence or lateness negatively affects all of the children in the classroom.

Late arrivals are disruptive to all the children and can be very stressful for the student who is late. Attendance of all students is monitored and, if required, we will set up a meeting with parents to discuss solutions.

Primary Before School Care
For children in our Primary Program (ages 3–5) from 8:00am–8:30am at our Nanaimo Campus. The Before-School program allows families to drop off at 8:00am. We escort the children to their respective classes at 8:30am.
Note: There is no Before-School Care for elementary students.

Primary All-Day Montessori Program
Until 5:00pm at Nanaimo Campus and 3:00pm at Parksville Campus.

Elementary After School Care
For children in our Elementary Program from 3:00pm–5:00pm at Nanaimo Campus.
Our after school program for elementary aged children offers an environment in which to relax and enjoy. The students may choose to play games, walk, bake and read etc..

Please note there is limited space in these programs

Parenting Classes are offered at the Nanaimo Campus starting October 2. Eight sessions of 'Parenting the Montessori Way', facilitated by Cynthia Dyer, are designed to provide parents with new tools for communicating effectively with children.

Parenting the Montessori Way Classes
6:00pm–7:30pm
Wednesdays, October 2–November 20, 2013
Cost: $50.00 p/person

Topics to be discussed include:

• Natural and logical consequences
• Managing certain behaviours
• Healthy communication
• Montessori at home
• Avoiding power struggles
• Setting limits
• Independence
• And may also touch on specific issues that parents in the group are struggling with in a safe and confidential setting