Coppell Montessori Academy

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Summary

Contact Info

Coppell Montessori Academy
136 Fitness Court
Coppell , TX  75019
www.coppellmontessori.com

Tel: (972) 462-8311
Fax: (972) 462-8312

Director: Carmen Sexton

General Approach to Learning

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

Application Information

Applications accepted After a face-to-face meeting at the school
Deadline for applications Rolling

Key Statistics

Age cutoff for enrollment 1 years and 6 months
Extended day Yes
School year Year round program

Parent Ratings

Parents at this school would recommend this school to other parents. Three Stars
Quality of teaching Two and Half Star
Development of social skills and work habits Three and Half Stars
Home-school connection Three and Half Stars
Parent community Two Stars
Discipline Three and Half Stars
Facilities Four And Half Stars
Health Four Stars
Safety Three and Half Stars
Handling of separation Three Stars

Survey Information

Number of parents surveyed:  11

Savvy Source survey: Yes

Parents who send their child to this preschool also like the following preschools:

  • Apostles Day School
  • Christ Our Savior Lutheran School
  • Smart Start Early Childhood Education Center

General Info

Transportation and Drop-off Policies

Transportation

- Parents bring their children to and from school


Dropoff Procedure

- Parents walk their child into the classroom

Features of the Preschool

Provide a third year Yes
• Yes
Provide a kindergarten and elementary school program Yes
Affiliated with a religious institution No

Facilities

CONDITION OF FACILITIES RATING (4.5) Four And Half Stars
Building, bathrooms, hallway Four And Half Stars
Classroom equipment and furniture Four Stars
Outside play equipment Four And Half Stars

Facilities Include:

Classrooms (with bathroom attached)
Classrooms (with kitchenette attached)
Music room Check
Art room Check
Library Check
gym Check
Playground Check

Parents' Comments
Parent #1
Best Montessori school in my experience. Since we have been there the teachers have been very professional, the director always available, the diet always healthy and curriculum very impressive.I went to school for child development and did my internship in other montessori schools but Coppell Montessori was by far the best. I would definitely recommend to more families.

Parent #2
The strenghs: The director and teachers encourage parent feedback in an attempt to improve the school environment and learning for the children AND they implement many of the parent suggestions. The school hosts "informational night sessions" for parents to attend to explain and demonstrate the Montessori methods being taught to the children.

The weaknesses: the teacher/student ratio could be smaller (typically 1 Montessori teacher and 1 assistant to 18-20 children)


Parent #3
My child went there from the first day until she graduated to the public school. I recommend this school to everyone. My child went to another Montessori school earlier and I can compare. I was surprised how well CMA communicated with their parents. Most of the teachers have years of experience and the Director was there to answer every concern or question we had. I know they have a wait list for all their classes because my younger is in the wait list.

Parent #4
My child has been in this school for several months and although it is brand new, beautiful and the director having come from a Montessori background herself, I am very disappointed in the teachers, communication, training, etc. The teachers do not seem happy to be in this environment, there is little parent involvement, they move children around with advising up front of the possible changes, and the director is very cold and unaware of many thing that go on in the classrooms. I also have never felt they are welcoming of me to drop in and check on the class. And because they have a training program there are many teachers that come and go and have never been properly introduced. I am planning to move to another Montessori nearby and can only hope the owners of this very new school in Coppell make the necessary changes to make this a better place to bring your children.

Parent #5
the director is not reliable or friendly. very rude at times, but i believe that is her nature and you cannot change her character. other times she is kind.

Parent #6
no clear respect for the child. we now feel that it was all a business decision by the schools to have these kids there.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

"Coppell Montessori Academy nurtures intellectual, academic, and spiritual excellence, inherent in each child using the child-centered Montessori philosophy. We believe in developing the whole child- social, emotional, creative, artistic, and physical skills in an environment where parents and teachers work hand in hand in an open environment. We realize the importance of pre-school education in development of the 'whole' child and success in later schooling."

-- Excerpted from school literature



Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Director has not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

General Approach to Learning

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

Savvy Source's Comments

"CMA provides a rich academic environment founded on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori with a strong concentration in math, language, art, music, world cultures, and the development of a social conscience. We follow Maria Montessori's principles to inspire a passion for excellence and to nurture curiosity, creativity and imagination. Our goal is to develop in our students a love of learning that will guide and sustain them throughout their lives. We respect the uniqueness of each student by helping each child to develop skills at periods of greatest readiness and sensitivity. Montessori classrooms meticulously categorize activities that are appropriately challenging for children at different ages (e.g., the sensory and motor activities). Through Montessori education the child builds character, gains a sense of social and global responsibility, and develops inner discipline. "We believe in hiring good teachers. We realize that teachers make the foundation of a good school. Our staff is Montessori trained and certified. They have years of experience to guide your children in the classroom. Our goal is to provide you with the expertise and support needed through your child’s different stages or growth." -- Excerpted from school literature

Social Skills & Work Habits

OVERALL RATING (3.6) Three and Half Stars
This school has increased my child's:
Ability to listen and follow directions Three and Half Stars
Ability to sit still for longer periods of time
Three Stars
Ability to be a part of a group of children Three and Half Stars
Self-sufficiency and independence Three and Half Stars
Awareness of others’ feelings Four Stars
Cooperation with other children Three and Half Stars

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

Free Play Free Play Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure Free Play with Some Structure
Language -
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 - - - - -
Time & space - - - - -
Sci. reasoning/physical world - - - - -
Music - - - - -
Visual arts - - - - -
Physical activity - - - - -
Other subjects taught n/a
Parents' Comments

Parent #1
the child spoke well of the yoga.

Parent #2
when child brought home any art craft...was done by teachers and not by the student. music teacher and another teacher were acceptable for this environment only.

Quality of Teaching

Teachers Are:

OVERALL RATING: (2.6) Two and Half Star
Full of energy and seemingly happy in job Three Stars
Patient and affectionate with children Three Stars
Talks with children and listens carefully when they are talking with him/her Three Stars
Praises children for accomplishments and good behavior Three and Half Stars
Provides feedback on what my child does during the day Two and Half Star
Shares insights on my child that are helpful and accurate Three Stars
Identifies my child’s strengths and weaknesses Three and Half Stars
If necessary, provides additional support to my child during pickup and drop-off Two and Half Star
Resolves disputes quickly, calmly and fairly in a manner that allows children to learn from the dispute Two Stars
Notices children who are not on task and/or engaging with other children appropriately and quickly reengages them Two Stars
Manages the energy level of the children so that all children feel safe and able to learn Two Stars
Provides additional support to a child when s/he is clearly failing in her/his efforts One Star
Strikes the proper balance between active and quiet play for children One Star

Director's Comments on Individualized Teaching

Individualized Teaching


Description of how teachers work with children who are
"behind," "excelling" or "different" from the majority of students

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
My child's teacher has a wealth of teaching experience and is a great advocate of the Montessori method. She is calm, caring, and clearly loves her children. My daughter warmed to her immediately.

Parent #2
the music and spanish teacher's were never properly presented - i never knew their names.

Parent #3
most teachers and assistants do not seem happy to be in this environment. the director is very short and speedily sends the parent away after answering any questions.

Parent #4
She is very nurturing although lacks a college degree and newly trained with Montessori. Needs more training with articulating her views and with interpersonal skills.

Home School Connection

Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (3.7) Three and Half Stars
Conducts an open house at start of school year Four And Half Stars
Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year Three and Half Stars
Conducts regular parent teacher conferences Four Stars
Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year Three and Half Stars
Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year Three and Half Stars
Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools Two and Half Star
Savvy Source's Comments

"Verbal and/or written communication on daily basis." -- Excerpted from school literature

Separation

OVERALL RATING (3.4) Three Stars

Director's and Parents' Comments

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
there really isn't a good home-school connection in place right now. I wish there were more and am hoping things will get better organized as time progresses. It's a new school and I don't think everything as been thought through. I've not formally met other parents only through same drop off/pick up times have I met them and it's been on my own.

Parent #2
CMA provides a calm, safe, structured, and fun learning environment. The school is beautifully designed with wonderful educational tools and equipment. Staff are extremely caring and experienced. Highly recommended to prepare preschool children for a classroom environment.

Parent #3
very disorganized parent teacher conferences...never begin on time and teacher is nervous and not able to answer all questions. no summary given at year end of how student did. very disappointed.

Parent #4
None

Parent Community

COHESIVENESS RATING (2.1) Two Stars

Parents:

- Are able to visit the school anytime we want

- Receive newsletters


Parents' Comments

Parent #1
None, must go online to view newletters, which usually are put in late by the school.

Parent #2
Nothing. Wish there were something. I don't even know who the home mom is.

Parent #3
None

Parent #4
None

Parent #5
There was no parent community.

Modes of Communication Between School and Home

- Notes

- Phone Calls

- Voice Mail

- Email

- Special Meetings

- Two or More Regular Conferences

- Drop-Off

- Pick-Up

- Regular newsletter/printed updates circulated to the whole school


Parents' Comments

Parent #1
None -- you just have to catch the teacher if you can in the AM at drop off

Parent #2
Not specifically .. you have to initiate any communications .

Discipline, Health and Safety

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (3.6) Three and Half Stars
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

Parents' Comments

Parent #1
This is a brand new school and every care has been taken to provide a safe and enjoyable environment.

Parent #2
my child often became very dirty and shoes full of bark, the teacher/ assistants never bothered to clean off any debris on the childs clothing.

Parent #3
no pet/animals in class or plants. the greenhouse was never used although used as a "selling point" to enroll child.

Parent #4
None

Parent #5
Coppell Montessori Academy is very well managed. I feel comfortable leaving my child there.

Parent #6
As a safety measure, alarms could be placed on the doors designated for fire exits to ensure children do not leave the building unexpectedly.

Health

OVERALL RATING (4.2) Four Stars
Temperature and overall air circulation is comfortable Four Stars
Healthy and nutritious snacks are provided Four Stars
Toys and furniture are cleaned regularly Three and Half Stars

Safety

OVERALL RATING (3.8) Three and Half Stars
Screen and identify all visitors Three and Half Stars
Parents may not bring sick children to school where they may infect others Four Stars

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Ages, Class Size, Days & Tuition

Ages Class Size Days Tuition
From 2 years to
5 years
$825/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$800/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$725/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$650/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$600/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$475/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$575/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$450/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$425/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$325/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$425/Month
From 2 years to
5 years
$325/Month

Extended Care

- This school does have extended care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Other Fees
Initial Enrollment Fee $200 per family
Supply Fee $100 per semester per child
Re-enrollment Fee $100 per family per year

* Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided
* Lunch-pack from home OR buy catered lunch
* Sibling Rate: 10% off monthly tuition, for each additional child enrolled concurrently from the same family

-- Excerpted from school website

Calendar Year

School Year

Year round program

Application & Admissions

Application Process

Applications are accepted: After a face-to-face meeting at the school

Parent visits tours are: Mandatory (after application is complete)

Child interview process: Possible, at school's discretion

Deadline for applications: Rolling

Application fee: $0

Admissions Process

Acceptance criteria: First-come basis  

Notification occurs: Rolling

Age/Child Requirements

Child must be 1 years and 6 months to enroll.

Child does not need to be potty trained to enroll.

Director's views on diversity:
"Coppell Montessori Academy welcomes students irrespective of color, religion, national or ethnic origins." -- Excerpted from school website

Kindergarten Placement & Tips

Kindergarten Placement

Kindergartens that preschoolers from this school are now attending

Director and Parents have not yet submitted this information to the Savvy Source.

Parents' Admission Tips

Advice from Parents to Prospective Parents on Admissions

Parent #1
n.a.

Parent #2
paid quickly

Parent #3
The curriculum in the school is excellent! My child is way ahead in his class. Thanks to the teacjers in CMA

The Savvy Source for Parents © 2006
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