With the 2023 year starting, Noozhawk’s Private & Independent School Guide is sure to make things easy when planning for your child’s education! Our school guide provides you and your child with all the necessary information about private schools in Santa Barbara County.
To give parents the tools to help make informed decisions about which school is the best fit for their kids in Santa Barbara, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local private & independent schools for this year’s school guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Lisa Schaeffer, School Administrator at South Coast Montessori School to learn more about what their school has to offer.
South Coast Montessori School
Question: What is the name of your school and what grade levels do you offer?
Answer: South Coast Montessori serves children ages 3 months through 6th grade.
Q: How is your school operated or governed?
A: We are a 501c3 non-profit governed by a diverse Board of Directors which exists to advance the school’s mission and service by providing counsel and advice on its ideas and initiatives which the school may wish to pursue. The Board is charged with the ultimate responsibility for financial, legal and strategic planning and policy issues for the school.
Q: What curriculum is available and taught at your school?
A: Dr. Maria Montessori observed that the transformation of children from birth to adulthood occurs through a series of developmental “planes”. These transformations relate to the child’s physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of development. At each level of the South Coast Montessori program, the implementation of the Montessori principles change in scope and manner to embrace the child’s changing characteristics, needs, and interests at each plane of development.
Montessori materials teach through hands on learning, spontaneous engagement, active involvement, and self-directed activity. Montessori materials have a control of error inherent in their design. This allows children to work independently, unafraid to make mistakes and to become comfortable with the fact that errors are essential to the process of learning. While making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own, Montessori students construct their own sense of individual identity. They become independent and confident individuals.
Q: What is your student to teacher ratio?
A: Infant care – 4:1
Toddler – 6:1
Preschool – 12:1
Elementary 12:1
Q: Can you describe a typical day for a student at your school.
A: “The child is free to choose their work, but the child is not free not to work.” This is the guiding principle of the Montessori classroom. Our system of education is based on a strong understanding of the basis that children choose their work. It is the teacher’s responsibility to inspire the student and the student’s responsibility to choose work based on their genuine interest. The most important work is the work that the child chooses! The child will select challenges that far exceed what the teacher proposes. Epic reports are written and massive square root problems are solved. These are just a couple of examples that show a child’s love of learning is sparked when freedom and responsibility are activated in the classroom. Additionally, each child is allowed to work at a pace that is right for them.
Q: How does your school select/hire teachers and how does it invest in their continuing education?
A: South Coast Montessori is dedicated to the principles of Association Montessori International (AMI), a globally recognized organization created by Maria Montessori to ensure the authenticity of the method. Our lead primary and elementary teachers are AMI certified and have received their diplomas from AMI training centers. In addition to meeting all the California State requirements for child care, we hire teachers who are dedicated to the Montessori principles and are committed to promoting curiosity, inquiry, engagement, community and peace in all our environments. Professional development is regular and continuous as we believe all individuals can be lifelong learners.
Q: How does your school measure student progress?
A: The child records each lesson they are given in their journal. They are responsible for follow-up using their own creative expression. A record of the lessons given each day to your child is also kept by the teacher. Regular individual meetings are held with the child, all work is reviewed and goals are set and recorded. California requirements are also used and reviewed by the teacher and child to make sure all requirements are met.
Q: What sports or extracurricular activities does your school offer?
A: We offer afterschool programs for all levels. Activities are curated to meet the needs and desires of each age group.
Q: How does your school address special education needs?
A: Montessori Education is for all children without distinction of race, religion, socioeconomic status and physical or neurological differences. We believe every child is a valued member, with opportunities to contribute and feel part of the group. All children develop their resilience, empathy and compassion, learning to work with others who have their own challenges. We work with children, their parents and specialists (as necessary) to support and offer learning plans that meet the needs of all children to reach their potential.
Q: What opportunities do you provide for parent involvement?
A: Our Fun & Fundraising committee is formed by parents and serves as our version of a PTA. All parents are invited to participate at a level that is appropriate for them and their family. SCM has several social events that are hosted by the Fun & Fundraising Committee as well as programs to help raise funds for scholarships and capital improvements. We try and strike a balance between community building without overwhelming our families with too many obligations.
Q: What is the cost or tuition to attend your school? Do you offer scholarships?
A: Our rates are viewable on our website.
Need based scholarships are available for elementary and preschool programs.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share that was not mentioned above?
A: We have immediate openings in our preschool (primary) and elementary programs and are also accepting applications for all levels for fall 2023.
Click here for more information about South Coast Montessori School.