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Frisco, TX
Frisco Montessori Academy

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents.

Review this preschool

neighborhood: East Frisco ·  Telephone: (972) 712-7400  · Website: www.friscomontessori.com

• Summary
• General Info
• School Philosophy
  & Day-in-the-Life
• Curriculum &
  Teaching Approach
• Quality of
  Teaching
• Home/School
  Connection
• Discipline,
  Health & Safety
• Ages, Schedule
  & Tuition
• Application &
  Admissions

General Approach to Learning

	Play-based
	Play-based with some structure
	Predominantly teacher-led instruction
	Montessori
	Waldorf
	Co-op
	Reggio-Emilia

source:

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (4.0)
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Ability to be a part of a group of children
Self-sufficiency and independence
Cooperation with other children

source:

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

	PLAY-BASED	PLAY-BASED WITH SOME STRUCTURE	MOSTLY TEACHER LED	NOT FORMALLY IN CURRICULUM	CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT
Language					Yes
Oral language	-		-	-	n/a
Nursery rhymes, poems, songs	-		-	-	n/a
Storybook reading	-	-		-	n/a
Emerging literacy skills	-	-	-	-	n/a
Cognitive Development					n/a
Math and number sense		-	-	-	Yes
Time & space		-	-	-	Yes
Sci. reasoning/physical world	-	-	-	-	Yes
Music	-	-		-	Yes
Visual arts	-		-	-	-
Physical activity	-		-	-	Yes
Other subjects taught	Nature Study, Computer, Spanish, Fine Arts, Music, Drama, Movement				n/a

source:

Savvy Source's Comments

"The children at FMA have a beautiful garden to explore and experience nature. The garden consists of seven areas: the Native Texas Garden , the Herb Garden , the Bird and Butterfly Garden , the Vegetable Garden , the Patio Garden , the Outdoor Classroom and the Gazebo. Children come to the garden weekly for a half hour, weather permitting. A typical class size consists of 12 children. While in the garden, the children participate in a number of fun and educational activities. Such activities may include harvesting, plant identification, insect observation, bird watching, plant watering, flower or herb cutting, care of the bird bath, leaf rubbings, mulching, temperature monitoring, weeding, seed gathering, seed sowing, and planting just to name a few.

"Our Computer Lab is a place where children can learn to develop their computer skills along with the fundamental concepts that are taught in a Montessori classroom. The software helps to build reading, math, language arts, geography and science skills. Each of the software activities has multiple levels so that the programs can progress from simple to more complex concepts at a pace that suits each child. FMA's Computer classes are held twice a week for Primary children. A typical computer class size is twelve students.

"The main focus of our Spanish curriculum is to teach the children common vocabulary, simple phrases and various commands in order to help them obtain the tools and skills needed to communicate clearly using the Spanish Language. The lessons are taught through the use of visual aids, songs, literature, games, Montessori materials and Total Physical Response (TPR) activities. TPR is an approach to second language acquisition through the use of body movement such as pointing, touching, placing, pushing, etc. The children build their own picture dictionary for reference. Spanish vocabulary is also introduced through the use of regular concrete materials found in the Montessori classroom. Early language development affects the ability to distinguish sounds in language; therefore, we begin teaching a second language to our Pre-Primary children as well as to our Primary children. The Primary and Pre-Primary classes are held once a week for thirty minutes. Our typical Spanish class-size is twelve students.

"During Art classes, the children learn to express themselves creatively using a variety of different mediums: pencils, paint, clay, etc. They also study important achievements and works of famous artists. Our Primary students meet twice a month.

"Frisco Montessori Academy offers a unique Montessori approach to music study through the use of manipulatives such as bells, tone bars, specially designed cards, and musical instruments to foster sound recognition and experience with different tonal relationships. Lessons are built upon the elements of vocal development, listening, movement, notation and concept development. The children also learn to appreciate famous composers and their timeless musical creations. Our Primary students meet once a week, and our Pre-Primary students meet three times a week.

"The process of informal dramatization plays an important role in stimulating growth experiences for children. Our Drama program encompasses a great variety of activities since it strongly involves thought, feeling, creative imagination, physical movement and vocalization. Our Primary students meet weekly.

"To reinforce the Montessori philosophy relating activity as the one factor that stimulates and produces development, FMA incorporates movement as a part of its program. Children participate in activities such as the parachute, ribbons, hula-hoops, jump ropes, and ball games. These activities build on hand-eye coordination, gross-motor skills and teamwork in our well-equipped, half-court gymnasium."

-- Excerpted from school website