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San Francisco, CA
Glen Park Montessori

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

Review this preschool

neighborhood: Glen Park ·  Telephone: (415) 585-7701  · Website: http://20thStreet.Chester...

• 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
• Kindergarten
  Placement&Tips

General Approach to Learning

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

source:

Director's Comments

The Montessori curriculum is free-choice based with teacher assistance in the introduction of next level, more challenging activities. Charting children's progress through the beautifully designed materials makes documentation of individual progress and growth readily available to teachers as well as parents.

Savvy Source's Comments

The Montessori curriculum is free-choice based with teacher assistance in the introduction of next level, more challenging activities. Charting children's progress through the beautifully designed materials makes documentation of individual progress and growth readily available to teachers as well as parents.

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (2.8)
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
Awareness of others’ feelings
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	-		-	-	Yes
Physical activity	-		-	-	Yes
Other subjects taught	We have outside instructors participate in the afterschool componet (3:45- 5:45). Yoga, music, etc.				n/a

source:

Director's Comments

The Montessori approach allows time and opportunity for teachers to introduce and present materials or concepts after which children are free to engage in activities of their choice. We often have discussions- their ideas and comments and interests are very much a part of the curriculum.

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
Montessori approach is evident for older students only.

Parent #2
There is a vast difference between what the school SAYS they do and what actually happens. There is almost no Montessori curriculum happening for the younger children.

Parent #3
There is a disconnect between what the school says it does, and waht it really does. There is very little Montessori education happening, as there is only one Montessori teacher in the building. The younger students are given almost no opportunity with Montessori materials, instruction and methodology.

Parent #4
For the lower grades, the Montessori instruction is not happening at all.

Parent #5
I find the way the school does this fascinating. The way it reflects in the way my daughter thinks and behaves is just a wonderful thing.

Parent #6
To structured and rigid for children this age, especially boys who need room and space.

Parent #7
The curriculum described in no way matches the curriculum provided for the younger class. No substantive curriculum is given; Montessori teaching (and even materials) are not a part of the younger child's experience. Ever-rotating teachers (usually substitutes) exascerbate this lack of curriculum and care in the learning environment.

Parent #8
The school uses the Montessori philosophy so much of the learning is self directed but they have a formal instruction part of the day where they teach the curriculum for the school. The have circle time, art time, outside play time, free time where the children select an activity and do it. Overall it is a well balanced day.


Parent #9
The free play v. teacher-led approached depends on the activity. The artistic opportunities are abundant. There are lots of toys (blocks, animals, play grocery items, legos, etc.) There's a regular circle time and story time. There's regular outdoor time.

Parent #10
There are alot of great extra's here, donated by parents... yoga, dance, visual art, and video projects are a few we have experienced.