Partners in Education

 

Parents send their children to BGMS because they are drawn to the beauty of the school environment, the school’s excellent reputation and the exceptional training of Montessori educators.  In addition to the infinite opportunities for academic excellence, parents value the healthy attitudes and respectful behavior which develop naturally in a true Montessori environment.  

The parent is the first, most influential and most important educator of the child.  Because parents recognize the benefits of their child’s school experience, they invariably ask the Montessori guide what steps they should follow at home to be consistent with Montessori philosophy.  Providing consistency in the home is of vital importance to the child, for it offers clarity and security.

Most often, parents’ only experience with education has been the traditional model.  As a result, they often have little experience with many principles which are at the core of the Montessori approach to education.  In addition, our country’s fast-paced, competitive lifestyle and popular culture exert tremendous pressure on parents to make choices that often conflict with their child’s best interest and healthy development.  For these reasons, it is crucially important that parents stay in close communication with their child’s guide and avail themselves of the many opportunities to understand the work of BGMS - first and foremost through guided observation and the parent/guide conferences, but also through classroom and school-wide parent education programs, and the written information mailed or sent home.  Your child’s guide and the Head of School are available to answer your questions.

*See also recommended reading for parents.

Together, the parent, guide and BGMS Administration can provide the support that a child needs to develop his or her full potential.  Parents at The Barbara Gordon Montessori School are full-fledged partners, without whom the school’s work would not be possible.