Benefits of the Valley Oak Method
Our well-rounded programs enable children to be more engaged, gain independence, and develop a genuine love of learning. By focusing on each child’s individual needs, our well trained teachers use these critical early learning years to empower each child on a path towards a lifetime of happiness and success.
We have taken the best of the Guided curriculum and Montessori methods and created an optimal blend. Scientific research shows that Montessori children gain an advantage—academically, socially and emotionally. Our comprehensive approach goes beyond the traditional Montessori philosophy. We are infusing the core tenets of Montessori with today’s state-of-the-art learning tools, enhanced teacher training, embedded support and guidance to effectively bring a content-rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum to life. Uniquely designed to feature
Parents appreciate the blended education approach because it meets their expectations of a learning path for their child. They see that the small class size fosters close relationships with teachers over a three-year cycle. They see teachers participate in the learning process, conducting lessons in small groups or individual format that affords an exchange of ideas and hands-on learning. They see their child loves going to school because they are actively engaged not only in the rigorous curriculum, but in the life of the school – planning their own learning pace, writing skills, managing the weather station, leading classroom morning circle times and outdoor activities. This process of teaching and learning is often what attracts parents to Valley Oak, but it is the product of our program that is most compelling – the compassionate, articulate, intellectually curious graduate.
Valley Oak is taking an educational philosophy and pedagogy thats a hundred years old and also meets the needs of the 21st century. Our method has created a dynamic classroom environment that fosters the children’s natural desire to learn, better yet, cultivates a life-long love for learning.
We empower children to grow emotionally, socially, and academically through enriching exploration and meaningful engagement, in a nurturing and respectful environment.
We achieve this by doing the following:
The prepared environment sets the stage for the developmental curriculum to unfold at each level.
Individual and small group learning allows for the child to become self-directed, responsible for their learning, and find a balance between personal mastery and participation in collaborative projects.
Students engage in purposeful activity, with the right amount of rigor, and learning for the sake of learning – about themselves, their world, and how they can make a difference.
Students are grouped in multi-age classrooms, where they spend a three-year cycle: ages 1-3; 3-6.
Teachers who are specifically educated (credentialed) apply the Montessori method in the classroom, using the didactic materials and lessons in an integrated, developmental approach.
A full complement of Montessori materials, activities, and experiences are available within each classroom that are designed to foster intellectual, creative, physical and social independence.
A schedule that allows large blocks of uninterrupted work time for problem solving, understanding the interconnections of ideas and creating new thought.
Accreditation by the American Montessori Society provides guidance, empowerment, and high ideals to help your school community implement and sustain the rigorous standards of quality Montessori education.