Montessori education is a method of education founded by Italian physician, Maria Montessori. She was one of the first women to attend medical school in Italy during the late 1800’s. Around the turn of the century she founded the first Casa dei Bambini and applied her method of teaching young children. Her methodology is based on her scientific observations of children and how they learn. She used these observations to identify and create specific materials that we still use in Montessori classrooms today. Montessori pedagogy is rooted in following the child’s natural tendencies to learn by doing (hands-on learning), honoring the individual, and providing freedom within limits.

At BBA, we strive to help each student achieve their potential by supporting and challenging them to work hard. Whether it’s giving them word puzzles, participating in math contests or setting up reading challenges, we want our students to continually master challenges and seek out more. Montessori education allows for individual students to take ownership of their learning and progress at their own pace. Additionally, students learn content in a manner that emphasizes conceptual understanding. As an example, students as young as 3 begin to discover the concept of place value through their use of Montessori materials. Later on, when they are learning to add two digit numbers, they understand what ‘carrying the one’ means. It is very common for Montessori students to be ahead of grade level, especially when they have attended since they were young. At BBA, we are committed to offer opportunities for every student to achieve and are not limited by any age-based barriers. Our staff includes teachers who are able to teach high levels of math and literature (including high school content) so that we can meet every student’s needs. Our structured, supportive approach encourages students to do their best and seek our challenges.

BBA’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Class begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 11:30 a.m. for half day students, the full day ends at 3:30 p.m. Morning child care is offered from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Afternoon child care is offered from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

BBA offers Montessori programs in Infant (ages 6 weeks to 18 months of age), Toddler (18 months to three years of age) and Primary (3 to 6 years of age). We offer five day per week enrollment for our Infant community and two, three or five day enrollment options for our Toddler and Preschool communities. Toddler and Preschool enrollment is also offered for full and half day students, in an effort to meet the needs of our parent community.

Students who attend Montessori school typically work in what are called “work cycles”. The ideal work cycle is approximately three hours in length. As such, students will attend class, go outside for recess and attend extra-curricular classes during our morning session from 8:30-11:30 a.m. For students who stay all day, lunch will be observed from 11:30-12:00, followed by recess until 12:30. Students who require a nap will be offered that opportunity daily from 12:30 until 3:00, rejoining their class of non-napping students for the end of the day rituals like classroom jobs, which include preparing the classroom for the next morning. All students who remain at school after 3:30 p.m. will attend our after care program, which is offered until 6:00 p.m.

In addition to weekly newsletters from your classroom teacher and the administrative team, BBA will utilize a program called Transparent Classroom. This is a wonderful tool for both parents and teachers! It holds the student’s records for the teacher to view and plan, as well as offering parents a peek inside their child’s day at school! Teachers can upload pictures of notable experiences and lessons at the end of the school day, giving parents talking points with their children at home!