Summary

General Info

Question to director: Do you have any additional thoughts on what parents should consider when looking at your school? Is there any advice that you would like to provide to prospective parents?
We suggest that parents observe the school and ask the teachers any questions they may have. We have very limited openings and cannot guarantee spots to all applicants.

Parent #1
I cannot say more positive things about this school. My child does not have to be in preschool because I am a stay at home mom, but I loved this school so much that I enrolled her at age 2. I have never regretted it. She loves going to school each and every day and we will sorely miss Bayside after kindergarten.

Parent #2
Weakness - hours of operations. for pre-school, 9:15 to 11:45. not suitable for working parents.

School Philosophy & Day in the Life

School Philosophy and Mission

Bayside Montessori is a non-profit corporation that was started in 1982 to meet the continued need for Montessori education in Alameda. Our head teachers are trained in the Montessori Method and hold certificates from the American Montessori Society and all our teachers have many years of teaching experience.

We offer three programs for children between the ages of two to six years of age. The early preschool class is designed as a two-year program for two to four year olds and meets four mornings for two and a half hours per day. Children between three and one-half and six years attend our preschool program five days per week for three hours a day, with extended hours available in the afternoon program. Classroom placement is based upon teacher and staff recommendation.

Bayside Montessori's programs include art, music, language skills, math skills, daily living activities, cultural units, small and large motor development, and the development of sensorial discrimination.

Maria Montessori developed the Montessori Method at the beginning of the twentieth century. As a physician and scientist she observed that children had highly absorbent minds and natural learning potential. Montessori realized that young children are in a sensitive period for order. That order is essential for their sense of well-being and helps them make sense out of the world. At the same time children need to move and learn by manipulating objects in their environment. When children are allowed freedom, they will meet their own needs, increase their attention span, and learn to make responsible choices. The classroom materials are self-correcting so children will have a successful experience in each undertaking and move systematically from concrete to abstract activities. Children work on an individual basis so they can proceed at their own pace and foster an innate sense of self-motivation and joy of learning.

In a Montessori class the teacher prepares the environment to meet the needs of the children and allows them to explore independently. The overview of the classroom and careful observation are the touchstones of teaching, permitting the children to guide the teacher as to what their needs are. Each child learns through experience rather than being taught by the teacher and therefore develops a sense of self worth and his or her capabilities. The teacher creates an atmosphere of respect for the children and the environment.

At Bayside Montessori we take great pride in our programs and welcome you to visit our school. We do not discriminate with regard to race, religion or ethnicity.

Typical Day-In-The-Life At This School

Daily Schedule
Consistency and routine are an important part of our program. It helps the children feel safe and secure and to fully benefit from their experience at school. The different phases of the day are equally important. Therefore, it is vital to adhere to the schedule, ensure your child arrives promptly, and is present for his/her entire school day.

The day is broken up into different sections. The following is a typical daily schedule, which may vary due to initial phase-in, inclement weather or special activities.

Preschool/Kindergarten:
9:00-9:40 Outside Time
9:45-10:05 Circle Time
10:10-11:40 Work Time
11:40-11:55 Story Time

Kindergarten:
12:00-1:00 Lunch Time
1:00-2:00 Group Time
2:00-2:30 Individual Work Time
(A rest period is offered after lunch to children under the age of 5 who are staying for the extended day/kindergarten programs.)

Early Preschool:
9:15-10:05 Work Time
10:05-10:25 Circle Time
10:25-10:40 Snack Time
10:40-11:10 Outside Time
11:10-11:30 Work Time
11:30-11:40 Story Time

Curriculum & Teaching Approach

Quality of Teaching

Home School Connection

Discipline, Health and Safety

Ages, Schedule & Tuition

Application & Admissions

Kindergarten Placement & Tips