Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.9)

Conducts an open house at start of school year

Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year

Conducts regular parent teacher conferences

Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year

Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year

Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.3)

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parent #1
The teacher parent meeting happend BEFORE my child enrolled when I was invited to observe the classroom and spent time with the director and teacher. No parent education classes, but there is a Montessori Parent Education Newsletter published online every month. A written summary of my child's learning is given to us at the two parent teacher conferences in the middle and the end of the school year.

Parent #2
Learning goals: Copper Beech is a Montessori school, so while there is exposure to specific concepts and practice of specific skills, they do not set out a specific list of goals for each child at the beginning of the year.

On parent education classes: I don't recall that Copper Beech has held any 'Parent Education Classes' I could be wrong about this. However, they provide in the beginning of the year an written overview of the Montessori approach, as well as provide a reading list for further study. During the year they provide a news letter which discusses the Montessori approach as specifically practiced in your child's classroom. They also provide the 'PEN' - Parent Education Newsletter for Montessori families on their website.

Developing better at home: I'm also not sure that I understand specifically what this question is getting at, but we frequently receive info in our mailboxes and in newsletters about different Montessori related classes and materials that we may want for our children.

Separation: My eldest daughter had a great deal of trouble with the transition to school (and does with transitions in general). They were extremely kind and supportive for her. She needed quite a lot of encouragement and care and she definitely received it. Her teachers were also very helpful in helping me out in drop off.

School refefrals: I do not recall that Copper Beech had any formal recommendations for next steps in schooling. They did host several 'West Zone' Parents meetings to introduce parents to the Boston Public School System which were very helpful.

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.0)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
A beautiful classrom environment, particularly for the pre-schoolers. Wonderful, state-of-the-art equipment for learning activities.

Parent #2
Safety: Visitors are not allowed during the core school day unless teachers and director know about them. There is an access code at the entrance doors only given to parents or care givers. Visitors have to check in with the director of the center.

Sickness policy: Common cold is okay, but kids with fever or vomiting are not allowed at school.

Extended Care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Copper Beech Montessori runs a full day pre-school program, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The school follows teh Boston Public Schools schedule of vacation and holiday closings, adn offers a full summer program in July and August.

Copper Beech offers a 10% tuition discount to families with siblings enrolled at the school. The discount is applied to the lesser tuition.

Application Process

Admissions Process