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Oakland, CA
Oakland Montessori School (OMS)
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Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. |
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Review this preschool |
neighborhood: Crocker Highlands / Glenview · Telephone: (510) 482-3111 · Website: www.oaklandmontessori.com
Home-School Connection
| OVERALL RATING (4.2) | 
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| Conducts an open house at start of school year | 
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| Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year |
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| Conducts regular parent teacher conferences |
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| Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year |
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| Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year |
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| Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools |
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source:
Director's Comments
In addition to ongoing informal communication, regular conferences are scheduled twice a year and as needed, requested by the teacher or parent. The teachers have times in the day when they are not with the class and can meet with parents. Information is communicated by phone, email, drop off and pick up, newsletters, and special meetings.
Parents are encouraged to attend regularly scheduled workshops and discussions about the Montessori method and child-development to learn more about their children's activities at school and opportunities to extend these activities at home.
Separation
| OVERALL RATING (3.5) |
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Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school
- Small group sessions
- Extra staff dedicated to handle separation
- Parents in classroom early on
- Abbreviated schedule at start of school year
source:
Director's Comments
We have a three day transition. On the first day the child comes for a time and stays with the parent; the second day the parent leaves for a short while and returns at an agreed upon time; the third day the parent leaves for an hour or more and gives the child time to bond with the teacher.
Teachers greet parents and children upon arrival at the classroom door. At pick up time teachers will give quick assessments of the day, and if necessary encourage parents to come back at a calmer time. We ask parents not to use the playground as a park for their younger non-enrolled children as this presents a danger and creates a chaotic environment for the children still in school. There are areas for parents to gather and chat on the school grounds. No one, parents or children, are allowed in the buildings unless a teacher present- a safety and supervision issue.
Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Before starting pre-school, they encouraged us to stop by during summer school hours and spend small amounts of time interacting with the current children enrolled. This allowed my child to become familiar with the new environment while I was close by. By the time school started, he was familiar with the pre-school and didn't mind when I left. He transitioned with ease.
Parent #2
Parents are specifically asked by the director NOT to visit the school without a purpose or appointment, not to enter the school without a teacher present, and not to linger on the school yard. The environment for parent involvement and community building is non-existent and is actually discouraged by the school's director, but not by the teachers.
Parent #3
There was very little opportunity for the parents to be in touch with the teachers (no teacher available at dropoff, and pickup was a hectic out-the-door time with no chance for communication
Parent #4
We have a loose parent organization with parent night's out, communicate verbally or by email, and hold fun work parties.
Parent Community
| COHESIVENESS RATING (2.6) |
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Parents:
- Hold social events at the school to build community
- Go on field trips
- Receive newsletters
- Shares information on matter related to our children (e.g. babysitter lists, pediatricians, extracurriculuar classes, etc.)
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Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Required to serve 20 hours of time at the school throughout the school year, i.e.: Chaperone field trips, help in classroom, keep campus beautiful, etc.
Parent #2
Had an online list-serve for open discussion among parents, excluding teachers or the school's director.
Parent #3
Pairs old parents with new parents
Modes of Communication Between School and Home
- Notes
- Phone Calls
- Voice Mail
- Special Meetings
- Two or More Regular Conferences
- Drop-Off
- Pick-Up
- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school
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