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.