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.