BALTIMORE_LEARNING_CENTER  
  Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School
 

To All Families Interested in Enrolling Their Child (age 3 - 9) in Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School for the School Year 2008 - 2009:

Click here for:
1) lottery and enrollment information
2) and to obtain an application
3) Volunteer Handouts
4) Residency Requirements
5) Donation Handout
6) Calendar
7) FAQ's
8) Donation Supply List

Based on the results of the lottery, notification letters were mailed March 25th, requiring a written response by May 1st.

Our next board meeting is scheduled for April 21st at 12:00 at 1600 Guilford Avenue.  We will be reviewing the lottery policy and procedures.  Parents are welcome to attend to ask questions.  The policy and procedure will then be posted on the website.

Location:  Our school will be located at 1600 Guilford Avenue.  This public school building is currently being used as a temporary code blue shelter.  The shelter will move out by the end of April allowing us to begin working in the building  May 1st.  The building is in good shape and has lots of potential.  It meets our current and future needs.  Our first priorities will be to address any health and safety issues before August.  Our next priority will be to beautify the site.  We are meeting with local organizations that will green school spaces.  We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to locate our start up charter school in this great space and be a part of the revitalization efforts in this community.

 

Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School

What is a Charter School?
  • A charter school is a nonsectarian public school of choice.   
  • It is open to all city residents based on a random lottery.
  • It is free of charge and there are no admission tests.
  • It is publicly funded through the local school district but may receive private donations to supplement the income.
  • It is autonomous.  The school can use innovative methods of education.
  • It is accountable (fiscally and educationally) to the local school district, the children and families of the school and the public.
  • Another curriculum may be used if it is aligned with the State’s standards.
  • There are currently 23 charter schools in MD, 16 in the city of Baltimore.
  • It is governed by a board of trustees and run as a non-profit 501(c)(3).
  • Parents must provide their own transportation

Vision

We will nurture a love of learning in a small, family-like environment by providing an extraordinary Montessori public school experience for families living in Baltimore City.  

Mission

Guided by the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, which are supported by current research, our mission is to prepare an environment that is responsive to each child's unique developmental needs, abilities and interests.  Our whole-child approach will foster respect for oneself, for others and for the environment.  Our ultimate goal at Baltimore Montessori PCS is that through mixed-age groupings, integrated curriculum, peace education, uninterrupted work periods, hands-on materials, art exploration and freedom within limits, all children will develop their full potential. 

What is Montessori Education?
 
Dr. Maria Montessori, born in 1870, was the first female doctor in Italy.  Dr. Montessori devoted her energy to the process of normal child development and how human beings can reach their potential more fully.  She observed children as they interacted within their inner-city environment.   Dr. Montessori developed educational materials and tested, retested and refined them until she was convinced they were the best ones for teaching a specific concept.  She field tested her methods and materials across ages, socio-economic backgrounds and different cultures. 
 
The Montessori philosophy embraces the whole child and her natural curiosity and love of learning.  Children will reach their full potential both academically and socially when given the freedom to actively work with concrete, sequential materials within a carefully prepared environment and open-ended curriculum.  Teachers provide enough guidance to help the children work toward independence and self-discipline.  A mixed-age classroom provides maximum opportunities for developing social and academic skills and modeling respectful behavior.  Subject matter is integrated for more meaningful learning.

A Comparison:

 

Traditional Education  

Textbooks, pencil & paper, worksheets 
Occasional peer tutoring or group work
Subject areas taught separately  
Single-graded classrooms 
Period lessons
Students sitting in desks & listening
Teacher-directed instruction  
Students work at pre-determined pace  
Students fit into district-wide curriculum   
Emphasis on academic skills
Testing & standardized assessments   
Grades, external rewards
Students change teachers each year 
One teacher per classroom   
Geared toward girl’s achievement   
Memorization and remediation of gaps in skills
Rely on teacher for feedback and instructions

Montessori Education

Concrete, hands-on materials
Daily peer tutoring and group work
Integrated curriculum for more meaningful learning
Mixed-age classrooms, family-like grouping
Uninterrupted work cycles
Freedom (within limits) to move and converse
Child-centered, teacher-guided environment
Children work at their own pace
Open-ended curriculum fit to child’s needs
Emphasis on whole-child development
Authentic assessment based on daily observation
Self-correcting materials for intrinsic motivation
Student stays with same teacher for three years
Teacher and assistant in each class
Optimally designed for success of boys and girls
Repetition of skills for mastery
Encourages organization and self-reliance through individual work plans, goal setting and reflection
               
If you have questions, please contact Allison Shecter at 410-602-2642 or allison@baltimoremontessoriinc.com
 
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Baltimore Montessori Inc.
501 (c) (3) tax - exempt organization.
Nurturing a Love of Learning in All Children!
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