1. What is the difference between Montessori and Reggio-Emilia?

We appreciate many things about the Montessori curriculum. You will see many Montessori materials adorn our shelves, two of our guides have Montessori classroom experiences, and we love the focus on a peaceful community. But we are different, not in a good or bad way, only separate and unique.  A great article by Community Playthings describes a Montessori classroom converting to a Reggio inspired one. http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/Reggio/MontessoriJourney.html

2. Will my child learn math and science?

Yes, they will learn math and science. They will learn that symmetry is found in a butterfly’s body and that a hexagon is a similar part of a beehive, a turtle, and a snowflake. They will understand that if five ladybugs land on their hand and three fly away, they only hold two ladybugs. They will find this through inquiry and exploration, not worksheets and time tables. We teach math and science using the innate languages of children. Establishing this foundation of natural exploration is important because it will increase their love for math and science in the elementary years.

3. What does “a community for a creative childhood” mean?

We embrace the concept of community to mean the classroom, the school-wide community, the dynamic between the family and their school, and our external community. We are very fortunate to be embraced so lovingly by our external community, especially the artistic community in Austin. Within these concentric circles, we embrace the child to provide them with as much expertise and love to further promote their learning growth. Also, our students give back to our community through special volunteer opportunities within the classroom. Our students are supported as they navigate their community, learning to work in large and small groups, working with younger and older students, and understanding that their sense of self is important and valued.

4. How will I, as a parent, get to be involved?

Positive parent involvement is crucial to the success of your child’s growth and development. Parents are the primary teachers and the love of your child’s life. We value and respect this bond with your child! We look for positive collaboration, communication, and support during the school year. Parents have access to the classroom blogs, during our community building activities, volunteering your expertise during specific projects, participating in parent workshops, and personal access to your guides and director.

5. Is the Olive Tree a year-round school?

No, we are closed for school holidays, staff development days, and follow the AISD schedule. We do offer a 7-week summer camp. It is important that our teachers have the intensive training and development time to support a complex learning environment. Our school year is a 40-week school year with the tuition payments broken up into 10 equal payments. We appreciate the time and investment that you make into your child’s education. It is a true gift.

6. How do you transition new students?

Transitions are delicate and important for both the parents and the child and both have to be ready to start school for the transition to begin. We schedule a pre-service meeting with your family and your child’s guides. This is a time to meet the teachers, view the classroom, and ask classroom-specific questions. The first week, we ask that you stick close by in case your child needs to check in with you. This checking in process is important as it relieves your child that you will be accessible, if they need you. It will probably happen once during the course of the transition, while trust is being established. We have a parent workshop before the start of the fall semester to prepare parents for drop off, pick up, and all the fun stuff in between. During the initial week, we will establish a direct line of communication with you. On average, it takes a good 6-8 weeks for a transition to be completed and we will be there to support you and your child through this time.

7. Do you only do arts and crafts?

Lovingly so, we are not an arts and crafts school. We facilitate learning by teaching through the hundred languages of children. Children show interest in a topic, such as finding butterflies. The materials are laid out in the environment so they can naturally express what they are exploring. So, a child interested in butterflies, may sculpt one out of clay and wire. Another child may choose to build one out of tiles and another student may need to read an encyclopedia on butterflies. Each exhibits an individual learning style but as a group, they have a commonality that will enhance their learning ability and communication style. Truly beautiful to behold.

8. Is the day structured or free form?

Our schedule is very structured. It is important for students to know what comes next and to have that continuity. We pride ourselves on providing this continuity for them. Within the structure is a long stretch of time where students have the ability to explore and inquire about their interests. We promote cognitive focus, grace and courtesy, and respect during this intense time of learning. So, within the structure, lies a longer time frame to increase their focus and ability to transition smoothly from one activity to another.

9. Do you have a shorter week, like a two or three day program?

We do offer a small amount of these truncated schedules. Five days a week is the optimal school week for this program though. Initially, it seems like a long time but the school days fly by for our students. It can be more difficult to transition into a shorter week program, due to the long weekend, so we make sure that each child is adjusting comfortably to the schedule.

10. Do we need to bring a lunch?

Yes, please provide your child with a sugar-free and peanut-free lunch. Community snack sign-up happens at the beginning of each semester and is a wonderful way for your child to feel connected to the community. They are so proud to bring snack for their friends!

We will be adding FAQs routinely. Thank you for your interest in The Olive Tree. It is such a wonderful classroom experience and we hope to share it with your family soon. Call us to schedule a tour on Tuesdays at 9:15 am at (512) 326-4545 or email at michelle@olivetlc.com.