What is “Montessori” and how does it impact the students at The Red Oaks School?

Is The Red Oaks School an accredited school?

How well do The Red Oaks School students handle the transition to new schools when they leave?

What is The Red Oaks School’s viewpoint on student assessment?

What is the value of multi-age classes?

What is the school's student-teacher ratio?

What criteria does The Red Oaks School use in admitting students?

A. “Montessori” is the short name for a child-centered philosophy of education and method of teaching brilliantly developed by the late Italian scientist and physician, Dr. Maria Montessori. It is not affiliated with any religion or political organization. Montessori schools around the world are free to interpret its principles in different ways, so programs can vary, and motivated schools like The Red Oaks School can keep the program current while preserving time-tested approaches and core values. At The Red Oaks School, central Montessori principles, such as encouraging a child's innate desire to learn, creating the prepared child-friendly learning environment, and supporting children's need to work at their own pace remain the foundation of the program. At the same time, The Red Oaks School does not let the program stagnate: The Red Oaks School enriches the curriculum with the very latest validated research from educational, behavioral, and developmental experts. Because it is not trademarked, any school is free to use the Montessori name or principles. To be sure of a school program's quality, be sure to check for accreditation. Return to top

A. Absolutely, yes! In fact, The Red Oaks School is one of only 15 schools nationwide to attain dual accreditation by both the American Montessori Society and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.. We at The Red Oaks School are very proud of these significant achievements. They mean that The Red Oaks School meets and exceeds the highest quality standards set for early childhood and elementary schools. Return to top

A. Exceedingly well! Guidance counselors and admissions officers from the area's most demanding private and public schools consistently report that our students excel in their new environments because of their knowledge base, their poise and confidence, and their eagerness to learn. We have a reputation for working with children to help them become "confident achievers." But in a larger sense, The Red Oaks School is better measured by the characteristics our graduates have in common: a lifelong love of learning, strong skills, honed problem-solving ability, self-confidence, social adroitness, and a strong social conscience. Return to top

A. Student assessment, including observation, dialogue, tests, presentations, and portfolios, is a crucial and everyday part of The Red Oaks School’s classroom approach. Teachers use frequent assessments to plan their next lessons and to individualize instruction. Assessment at The Red Oaks School is a normal part of everyday school life and is stress-free. In addition, The Red Oaks School administers standardized tests to second through sixth graders every fall. Return to top

A. Young children flourish more rapidly in classes that span 2 or 3 years. We find that since children stay with the same teacher for several years, the entire group enjoys the warmth and closeness of a "second family." Teachers come to know students well, so they can use a child's own interests to enrich curricula and provide alternate avenues for accomplishment and success. Multi-age grouping encourages older children to assist and mentor their younger classmates, while the younger ones look forward to moving on to the more challenging activities they see around them. Most importantly, the multi-age grouping allows children to master work at their own pace. Students move on to advanced topics as they are academically prepared for them, not simply when they reach a given age level. Return to top

A. We're proud to be a small school that features a typical student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1. Return to top

A. The Red Oaks School is a serious educational institution within the context of a caring academic community, attracting families of diverse backgrounds from a wide geographic area. As such, our admission process is competitive. We look for students who will flourish in our school environment. We also look for parents who share our enthusiasm for learning and discovery and whose own philosophies about child development and education are compatible with those of the school. Return to top