Frequently Asked Questions
If you are like most parents, you have specific questions that general introductory materials do not address. Most can be answered on the phone or during a visit to the school, but a few of the most commonly asked questions and their answers are given below.
What are school hours?
The Blue Hill Montessori School’s hours of operation are from 7:30am through 6:00pm, Monday through Friday on a 10 month academic year (September through June). BHMS offers a Morning Montessori Program, a Kindergarten Program, an Early Morning Care Program, an Enrichment Program, and an Extended Day Enrichment Program.
- Early Morning Care 7:30am to 8:45am
- Montessori Morning Sessions 9:00am to 12:00pm
- Full Day Kindergarten 9:00am to 3:00pm
- Enrichment 12:00pm to 2:00pmM
- Extended Day Enrichment 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Do you provide lunch?
Children bring their own lunch-no candy or soda, please. We cannot heat or refrigerate lunches, although milk can be purchased.
My child has a nut allergy, what is your policy?
Blue Hill Montessori School has been a 'Nut Free School' since September, 2003. Products labeled as “may contain traces of peanuts/tree nuts” or “manufactured at a facility that also processes peanuts/tree nuts” are banned by this policy as well.
What does a homelike environment mean?
Our goal is to create an environment where a child feels at home, relaxed and ready to learn. That translates into providing a quiet setting-slippers, lowered voices, etc.-where children can explore what interests them without noisy distractions. It also means an informal setting, where children can move about freely, as they would at home.
How are health and safety issues handled?
Medications can be administered upon request. All BHMS teachers and assistants have had first aid training and are CPR certified. Comprehensive policies and procedures regarding illness, medical and safety emergencies are in place.
Can I visit while school is in session?
Of course! Please call to set up an appointment. Classroom visits begin in early November.
Do you have open houses?
Yes, please call the office for dates and times.
How will I know how my child is doing?
One of our program goals is to communicate openly with parents. Written progress reports are given to parents twice a year. January is parent/teacher conference month. Naturally, you can speak to your child's teacher at any time.
Can children bring books, toys, etc. from home?
We request that they not bring toys or stuffed animals; we have many, many materials here for them. Educational books, tapes, music etc are welcome.
What holidays do you celebrate?
In school, we celebrate birthdays, various holidays, and we have a kindergarten graduation ceremony. Because of our student diversity, we celebrate the holidays of many cultures, e.g., Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year.
What do children get out of a Montessori education?
When a child leaves BHMS, we hope they will take with them:
- Academic preparation
- Intrinsic motivation
- Social responsibility
- Autonomy
- Confidence and competence
- Spiritual awareness
- Exposure to multi-cultural environment
- Creativity and originality of thought
- The joy of learning
- Fun
- Understanding of ground rules and the ability to work with external authority
- Friendships
We want for them what most parents want for their children: to be well rounded, happy, responsible and fulfilled.
