What is a "Montessori" school?

A Montessori school is a school that embraces the educational philosophy and methodology developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900's. The first woman physician to graduate from the University of Rome, Dr. Montessori (1870-1952) developed the method of education that bears her name and is based on her scientific observations of how children develop and learn.

The name "Montessori" is in the public domain and therefore any school can use the word "Montessori" in its name. Accreditation through an organization that accredits Montessori schools is one way to ensure that a school is authentic and meets national standards for quality in Montessori education.

Dr. Maria Montessori

Two of the largest organizations that accredit Montessori schools are American Montessori Society (AMS) and Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). The Montessori Academy is an AMS accredited school. TMA was first accredited in 1993; current accreditation is through November 2007.

Montessori schools are committed to developing the "whole child" - physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. We believe that children learn best in an environment, designed and managed by Montessori teaching professionals, that allows them to move at their own pace academically, make decisions for themselves, solve their own problems, learn to respect others and be an active member of a classroom community.

Montessori classrooms provide children with:

• Multi-sensory Learning Experiences. Children learn by doing in addition to seeing and hearing. Montessori materials are designed to help the child develop an understanding of concepts, not just memorization of facts.
• Personalized Instruction. Credentialed Montessori teachers personalize instruction to meet the needs of each student promoting self-paced, self-initiated learning.
• Multi-age Community of Learners. The 3-year age span in preschool and elementary classrooms allows children to learn from each other as well as their teacher. Children participate in caring for classroom pets, plants, and each other, promoting the development of nurturing, leadership and mentoring skills.

What is AMS?

AMS is American Montessori Society, an international organization dedicated to promoting Montessori education and accrediting authentic Montessori schools. AMS was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in New York City. Additional information can be obtained through their website www.amshq.org.

What is AMI?

What is the difference between AMS and AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) schools? AMI was established by Maria Montessori and her son, Mario in 1929 and has international headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. In AMI schools, Montessori philosophy and curriculum are implemented in a way that is consistent with the original approach of Maria Montessori. The Montessori materials are used precisely in the manner used by Dr. Montessori without deviation or extensions; preserving the purity of the method is of the utmost importance. In AMS schools, teachers bring in outside resources, materials, and ideas to extend or supplement the Montessori curriculum. AMS teachers bring the world into the classroom. Examples include the use of technology and current events. Additional information about AMI can be obtained through their website www.montessori-ami.org.

Is TMA an accredited private school?

Yes, in addition to national accreditation as a Montessori school through AMS, TMA is recognized as an accredited private school by the Texas Education Agency through its accreditation by Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools (TAAPS). TMA was also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in 1998-99 as a National Blue Ribbon School.

Is TMA a religious school?

No, TMA is not affiliated with religious group and does not teach any specific religious-based curriculum.

How are holidays celebrated?

Holidays are celebrated in a way that reflects and respects the multicultural richness of the TMA community, at the school and classroom level. Our guidelines for celebrating holidays are:

• Parents will be informed prior to the holiday how it will be celebrated in individual classrooms and asked for their concerns or input;
• Teachers will address students' questions that are raised concerning the religious significance of a particular holiday, but will refer students to their parents for further discussion; and
• Parents will be invited to be involved in the actual presentation/celebration of holidays in any capacity and at any level they choose.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, there is a limited amount of financial aid available for tuition assistance for students enrolling in Preschool Bridge, Preschool, Kindergarten, or Elementary programs. No financial aid is available for students in the Toddler program or for before and/or after-school child care expenses. In April, parents may apply for financial aid by completing an application form and submitting copies of the family's IRS Form 1040 for the preceding two years. Scholarship Application Forms are available by contacting the school office at (817) 274-1548. The Financial Aid Committee makes scholarship decisions in May preceding the new school year. Awards typically range from $500 to $1500. For more detailed information, please read our Scholarship Policy.

What are TMA's hours of operation?

On days when school is in session, TMA is open from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. The before-school program runs from 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and the after-school program is from 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. For more information on extended care options see Fees. For more information on school holidays see the calendar.

Is there a summer program?

Yes, TMA offers a variety of program options for students currently enrolled or enrolled for the next school year. Students may attend by the week, month or for the full summer. A brochure may be obtained by contacting the school by phone (817) 274-1548 or via e-mail info@tmaonline.org.

Are lunches included in the cost of tuition?

No, parents of full-day and elementary students provide lunch for their child. Parents are expected to send lunches that reflect good nutrition. A hot lunch option, provided by an outside catering service is also available. Parents may order by the day, week, or month; vegetarian options are available.

Do you have another school in another location?

No, The Montessori Academy is an independent school. Other Montessori schools in other areas can be found through the yellow pages and on-line searches using "Montessori schools" as keywords.

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