Frequently Asked Questions

Is The San Antonio Country Day School (TSACDS) accredited?

TSACDS is presently in candidacy for accreditation by SACS-CASI with completion in 2008.

How long has TSACDS been in existence?

The San Antonio Country Day School opened in June 1983 and has grown to a total of 150, serving 2 1/2 years – 6th grade students.

What are the benefits of a Montessori education?

Montessori students learn to make good choices, communicate their needs and wants, be responsible for their words, actions, and deeds, and work independently. Our students work hard to acquire the aforementioned skills and in doing so, each develops confidence and a good self image. Students also are taught how to solve problems. Thus, students who are confident in themselves and in their skills, act responsibly, have a good work ethic, communicate well, and make good decisions; they are sought after as friends and leaders.

What is “normalization?"

Maria Montessori discovered when children find themselves surrounded by an environment that “fits” them, development proceeds normally. Normalization is generally referred to as a peaceful state in which children find themselves as contributing members of a community; specifically, the classroom community. Normal development is possible when children are stimulated neurologically and spiritually, challenged gently, incorporated socially, accepted equally, and comfortable physically.

What is meant by the “work cycle?”

Students are given individual lessons in the didactic materials found within the environment. Once the teacher is assured that the student understands the “work,” the student is left to practice. During the work period, the students choose their work, lay it out on the floor or table, complete the work, and replace it as found on the shelf. The work cycle is applied to other areas: handling needs in the bathroom, washing hands, blowing nose, serving oneself snack, etc.

What type of discipline is used within the classrooms and on the playground?

Maria Montessori believed that children who learned to be self disciplined made disciplined adults. One of the great aspects of a Montessori education is that children are helped to make good choices, make good decisions, and manage themselves. We encourage the students to use their words, think before acting, and own their words, actions, and deeds. The school uses logical consequences to help students learn to solve their problems. Positive Discipline and Love and Logic techniques are used in the event intervention is needed.

How successful are Montessori students upon leaving Montessori or transferring to other schools?

Montessori students do very well upon transferring to other schools. Among the goals of Montessori Education is the development of self confidence which helps students assimilate well with their peers. Montessori education also helps students make good choices, develop leadership skills, and problem solve. These skills bode well for students when applying them to academic or social situations. Montessori students are respectful and positive thinkers, and peaceful individuals who have developed a deep love of learning.

Do you have part time enrollment for preschoolers?

Yes, we offer 2, 3, or 5 days for children ages 2 1/2 – 5. The choice makes it more affordable for those families who want to send their young students to Montessori school and who otherwise wouldn’t be able to do so if required to send their student 5 days/week. Our longer 5 hour programs enable students to have lunch with their friends, practice grace and courtesy during lunchtime, and enjoy another work period before going home in the afternoon.

Does TSACDS provide lunch each day?

Each day, students bring a lunch to school. We encourage recycling and suggest students bring two cloth napkins, one to use as a placemat, and one to use for cleanliness.

Links that may be of interest:

Misconceptions about Montessori Education
http://www.montessori-namta.org/NAMTA/geninfo/miscon.html

History of the Montessori Movement: www.amshq.org

Other questions and answers: http://www.montessori.org/story.php?id=282

What is a Montessori Parent?
http://www.jola-montessori.com/psm/78/articles/parent.html

What is the difference between Montessori and Traditional Education? http://www.montessori-namta.org/NAMTA/geninfo/compar.html