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FAQs

What is Montessori?

Montessori is a philosophy of development and education of young children developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Based on observations, Dr. Montessori realized that children learn best through discovery. At College Oak Montessori School, we implement Dr. Montessori’s suggestion to “follow the child” allowing children to joyfully learn about the world around them.

How does Montessori education differ from “traditional” education?

Simply put, Montessori education is “child based” while traditional education tends to be ”teacher based”. In a Montessori environment, children follow their own instincts and curiosity to learn through a process of exploration and discovery.

How do you discipline children?

Lead guides, assistants and other staff members model appropriate behavior, set guidelines and communicate clear boundaries for the children to work within. If necessary, children are re-directed. In the mixed-age classrooms, older children are excellent role models for younger children, demonstrating how to resolve conflicts and treat each other with respect and kindness.

What will my child learn?

Children at COMS learn to be self-confident, caring and independent. They learn to trust their own desires to become functional members of our society. Their natural curiosity leads them to explore areas such as geography, art, language, sensorial, practical life, math and science.

When will my child learn to read?

That depends on your child. Each child enters what Dr. Montessori called “sensitive periods” at different times. When a child enters a “sensitive period” for reading (or other activities), learning comes easily; the child is self-motivated and attentive. Prepared classroom environments at COMS offer stimulating and exciting materials and children learn to read when they are ready.

What types of snacks are offered and when is snack served?

As with all food at COMS, snacks are wholesome and fresh, with no refined sugar (for example whole grain crackers, hummus and fresh fruit). Snacks are offered during morning and afternoon work periods and again at aftercare.

What is for lunch? How do I know my child is eating?

Lunch is made fresh daily using wholesome ingredients and consists of a main dish, side dish and fresh fruit. Lunch is served family style, so children may ask for more of foods they enjoy at each meal. Check with your child’s classroom guide to find out what (and how much) your child is eating at school. Many parents are surprised by the amount of food their children eat at school!

Is lunch included in tuition?

Yes, lunch is included with tuition and is an integral part of our program.

What if my child has food allergies?

We can usually accommodate common food allergies such as nut and dairy allergies. Please talk with our school director for more information.

Will my child be able to take a nap?

Mulberry and Willow children nap after lunch. Please speak with us if your Maple or Sequoia child still naps.

Can we enroll our child if s/he isn’t potty trained yet?

Children entering our Willow class (18 to 24 months old) and Mulberry class (2 to 3 years old) do not need to be potty trained. We encourage children entering our Sequoia and Maple classrooms (3 to 6 years old) to be “potty learned”, using the toilet with only occasional accidents.

How can I get to know the teachers/lead guides?

Observations are a great way to see how each teacher works in the classroom. By sitting in a working Montessori classroom, you can observe how the teacher prepares the environment and interacts with the children. After you have toured COMS, you can set up an observation.

What is required of parents/guardians?

Communication between home and school is essential. We request parents/guardians read all COMS communication, including emails and newsletters, for important information. Additionally, we ask that each family volunteer, lending expertise where and when needed. Parent (and grandparent) volunteers make our school a thriving community.

Is College Oak Montessori School a non-profit?

Yes. College Oak opened in 1987 as a private school run by Rebecca Ault. In 1998, a small group of dedicated parents and teachers helped the school become a non-profit.

When is College Oak Montessori School open?

COMS is open Monday through Thursday with staggered drop-off and pick-up times. Our academic year runs from the end of August until the beginning of June. We also have a summer program. Campus is closed for major holidays, spring/winter breaks and we incorporate a flex week into our year to make up for unforeseen school closures.

What sets College Oak Montessori School apart from other schools in the area?

Our staff, our campus and our community of families set us apart. Our experienced lead guides have been at COMS for years, giving our school stability. Our huge outdoor play area lends a feeling of the country, while being conveniently located in the city of Santa Rosa. Families, past and present, who bring their children to COMS are dedicated and caring, offering talents and energy to make our school a thriving community. Recent visitors to our campus have said, “It feels wonderful here”.