Multi Media 3: 2nd Post

Montessori Style Education

Outside of the mixed age classrooms, the curriculum within Montessori schooling is also adjusted to a different format than regular education.

Principal of TCAPS Montessori school Lisa VanLoo says Montessori is more “student directed learning rather than teacher led.” She says that this allows student to be able to move at their own pace and abilities. 

Jen Hisem works under VanLoo at TCAPS Montessori currently as the Upper Elementary Directress after being with the program for 14 years.

Hisem says that the biggest benefits to Montessori style teaching are the individual lessons the children receives.

As an example, Hisem says that if she has  27 students in her classroom for the year, then she allegedly has 27 different lessons plans each day. “All children learn differently and at different times,” she says, “therefore, having individual learning plans for each child best meets that child's needs."

The Noga family of Traverse City has two students enrolled in the Montessori program. 

Cari Noga agrees with Hisem's statement and says “through Montessori, the student to teacher ratio is also lower which benefits not only our family, but also anybody else that enrolls in the program."

Hisem also added that all of the hands-on-material within the curriculum has been passed down from Maria Montessori and recommends this website to learn more about her educational methods. 

To enroll a child in the Traverse City Area Public Schools Montessori program visit this website.

Multi Media 3: 1st Post

Montessori Style Education

Traverse City Area Public Schools consist of eleven elementary schools, two middle schools and three high schools. The majority of elementary schools are taught with regular education, however, one of the eleven schools is a Montessori school.

Montessori style teaching is different, with the biggest distinction being that it combines grades within the same class room. First, second and third graders are taught together while fourth, fifth and sixth graders are also combined.

According to this website, there was 353 students enrolled in the Montessori program aged from preschool to sixth grade, and 14 teachers.

Lisa Vanloo, Principal of TCAPS Montessori school, says that “having three grades in one classroom provides many opportunities for the children to teach each other.” 

She also says that “the older grades serve as leaders and excellent role models to the younger children while still within the same environment.” 

The Noga family of Traverse City has two students enrolled in the program; a second grader and a fifth grader.

Cari Noga says that the main reason they chose Montessori was for their older son that allegedly has special needs.

"Montessori is able to offer a smaller student-teacher ratio that benefits our son," says Noga. 

The Noga family agrees with VanLoo's statements, as they also appreciate their children having the same teachers for consecutive years within the multiage classrooms. 

To enroll your child in the TCAPS Montessori program, visit this website.