Frequently Asked Questions
What are the origins of the Montessori philosophy of education?
Montessori education has a rich and long history. It was founded by Italy’s first female physician, Dr. Maria Montessori devoted her life to understanding human development with a keen interest in how children learn.
How much is the fees?
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How is a Montessori school different from a conventional school?
A Montessori school is different in some very fundamental ways.
- Children learn by doing: Since children receive information through their five senses via active engagement, each classroom is meticulously designed for optimal learning and contains developmentally appropriate materials, through the use of these materials, the child achieves first perceptual and then cognitive understanding of concepts, building their competence and confidence.
- Children learn at their own pace: Montessorians recognize that learning is natural and innate, children have a natural desire to know about their world. Our classrooms are designed to promote engaged exploration and discovery. Students happily learn at their own pace, making choices that are right for them, with the support and guidance of their teachers.
- Children collaborate: Our multi-age classrooms support collaborative learning, where children not only learn from the teachers but also learn from each other. The students hone their cooperation and negotiation skills when working through choices with work partners.
- Children are responsible and peaceful: Autonomy and freedom are balanced with responsibility, preparing students to follow their passions. From the youngest to the oldest child, our pupils learn to interact with others with respect, compassion and kindness.
How can children learn if they are free to do whatever they want?
Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children are more motivated to learn when working on something of their own choosing. A Montessori pupil may choose his focus of learning on any given day, but the child’s decision is limited by the materials and activities that the teachers have prepared and presented.
What does the teacher do?
The Montessori teacher or directress, gives individual and group lessons. She spends much of her time observing each child, preparing the environment according to their needs and self-development.
Why do parents choose your school?
Usually parents seek out our school because they have heard good things about us from a friend or colleague. After parents tour our school, they comment about our:
- Peaceful, safe, calm and child-friendly environment and classrooms where children learn.
- Caring, well trained mentally, physically and educationally staff.
- We are one of the few schools in the city specializing in the early childhood education.
- Our curriculum blends Montessori, British and Nigerian to help children of ages 0-6years.
- School resumes at 8am, pick up starts from 1pm-3pm, but at The Nest, we know we have parents who have to resume work as early as 7am, so we have our child minders in school at 6.30am daily to receive the children and the school also made provision for after-school program which ends by 6.30pm.
How are your teachers trained?
In a school, the teachers play an important role. At The Nest, our teachers also called guides, have earned Montessori certifications for their particular level. The teachers join our school with a deep understanding and knowledge of child development and Montessori curriculum and lifestyles.
How are assessments handled at your school?
Assessments are an integral part of a Montessori setting and are viewed as a means to support continual learning and development. Our assessment is done at The Nest in different ways, we have:
- Teacher observations: Dr. Montessori knew that observation was key to being able to serve the child. At The Nest, our teachers are meticulous in observing each child’s behavior and keeping a daily detailed report of each pupil’s progress. Each child has what we call “Communication Book”. In this book, the parents will get a daily report of all their children did all day while in the school, from their feeding time, naptime, changing time etc.
- Open Day: are held 3 times a year it is done every term. It is an opportunity for parents to meet with their kids’ homeroom teachers to get detailed information about their child’s progress in all developmental areas.
What happens if I submit an application and there is not a spot for my child at the time?
When the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available, such child is added to our wait list. This list remain active throughout the school year and when a space becomes available, applicants will be given full consideration for admission.