If you are looking for a high-quality Montessori education for your child, you might want to consider Harborlight Montessori. Harborlight Montessori is a private, independent, and non-profit school that offers programs for students from 4 months to 14 years old. Harborlight Montessori is located in Beverly, MA, and serves families from the North Shore and beyond.
In this article, we will explain what Harborlight Montessori is, what are the benefits of Montessori education, how Harborlight Montessori implements the Montessori curriculum, what are the tuition and payment options, how to enroll your child, and some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Harborlight Montessori and why it might be the best choice for your child’s education.
What is Harborlight Montessori?
Harborlight Montessori is a school that follows the Montessori method of education, which is based on the scientific observations and discoveries of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who lived from 1870 to 1952. Dr. Montessori believed that children have an innate potential for learning and development and that they need a prepared environment that supports their natural curiosity, independence, and respect for themselves and others.
Harborlight Montessori was founded in 1973 by a group of parents who wanted to provide a Montessori education for their children. Since then, the school has grown to serve over 300 students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Harborlight Montessori is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), which is the largest and most recognized Montessori organization in the United States. AMS accreditation ensures that the school meets the highest standards of Montessori education and professional excellence.
Harborlight Montessori’s mission is to “engage the whole child in a lifetime of learning that nurtures their individual strengths, passions, and potential while embracing their connections to the local and global community”. The school’s vision is to “inspire children to become confident, compassionate, creative, and responsible citizens of the world”. The school’s core values are respect, responsibility, integrity, community, and excellence.
Harborlight Montessori offers programs for infants, toddlers, children’s houses, and elementary, and middle school. Each program is designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of the students at each stage of their growth. The programs are led by trained and certified Montessori teachers who guide the students in their individual and collaborative learning. The programs also include enrichment activities such as music, art, physical education, foreign languages, and cultural studies. The school also offers before and after-school care, summer camps, and extracurricular clubs and sports.
Harborlight Montessori is more than just a school. It is a community of students, teachers, parents, and alumni who share a common vision and passion for Montessori education. The school fosters a culture of collaboration, communication, and support among its members. The school also engages with the local and global community through service learning, field trips, and partnerships with other organizations. Harborlight Montessori is a place where children can grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing and stimulating environment.
What are the benefits of Montessori education?
Montessori education is a unique and effective way of teaching and learning that has many benefits for children and adults alike. Some of the benefits of Montessori education are:
- It fosters a love of learning. Montessori education allows children to explore their own interests and passions, and to learn at their own pace and level. Children are motivated by their own curiosity and intrinsic rewards, rather than by external pressure or rewards. Montessori education helps children develop a positive attitude toward learning and a lifelong desire to learn.
- It develops the whole child. Montessori education addresses not only the academic, but also the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of the child. Montessori education helps children develop skills such as concentration, independence, self-discipline, self-confidence, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and leadership. Montessori education also helps children cultivate values such as respect, responsibility, integrity, community, and excellence.
- It prepares children for the future. Montessori education is based on the principle of adaptation, which means that the curriculum and the environment are constantly evolving to meet the needs and challenges of the changing world. Montessori education equips children with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that they will need to succeed in the 21st century, such as adaptability, innovation, diversity, and global awareness.
These are just some of the benefits of Montessori education. There are many more benefits that you can discover by visiting a Montessori school or reading more about the Montessori method. You can also watch this video to learn more about what is Montessori education and how it works. What is Montessori Education?
How does Harborlight Montessori implement the Montessori curriculum?
Harborlight Montessori implements the Montessori curriculum in a way that is faithful to the Montessori philosophy and adapted to the needs and interests of the students. The Montessori curriculum is divided into five main areas: practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural. Each area has its own set of materials and activities that are designed to stimulate the child’s senses, intellect, and imagination.
The Montessori curriculum is also integrated and interdisciplinary, meaning that the subjects are not taught in isolation, but rather in connection with each other and with the real world. For example, a child who is learning about the solar system might also learn about the history, geography, and culture of the different planets. A child who is learning about fractions might also learn about music, art, and cooking.
The Montessori curriculum is also individualized and differentiated, meaning that each child is able to work at their own pace and level, and to choose their own work according to their interests and abilities. The teacher’s role is to observe, guide, and facilitate the child’s learning, rather than to instruct, direct, or control. The teacher also prepares the environment, which is orderly, beautiful, and inviting, and which contains a variety of materials and resources that are appropriate for the child’s age and stage of development.
The Montessori curriculum is also experiential and hands-on, meaning that the child learns by doing, rather than by listening, watching, or memorizing. The child uses concrete materials that are manipulative, self-correcting, and appealing, and that allow the child to explore, discover, and understand abstract concepts through their own experience. The child also engages in activities that are meaningful, purposeful, and relevant, and that foster the child’s independence, responsibility, and creativity.
The Montessori curriculum is also collaborative and cooperative, meaning that the child learns with and from others, rather than in competition or isolation. The child works in a mixed-age group, which allows the child to interact with peers of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and to learn from their models, mentors, and friends. The child also participates in group projects, discussions, and presentations, which enhance the child’s communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
The Montessori curriculum is also holistic and comprehensive, meaning that it covers all the aspects of the child’s development and education and that it prepares the child for life, not just for school. The Montessori curriculum includes not only the academic subjects, but also the arts, the sciences, the languages, the physical education, the social studies, and the moral education. The Montessori curriculum also incorporates the child’s interests, passions, and talents, and encourages the child to pursue their own goals and dreams.
What are the tuition and payment options at Harborlight Montessori?
Harborlight Montessori is a private, independent, and non-profit school that relies on tuition and fundraising to operate. The tuition rates vary depending on the program, the schedule, and the payment plan. The tuition rates for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:
| Program | Schedule | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | 5 days, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | $23,500 |
| Toddler | 5 days, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | $20,500 |
| Children’s House | 5 days, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | $17,500 |
| Elementary | 5 days, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | $18,500 |
| Middle School | 5 days, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | $19,500 |
The tuition rates include the cost of materials, field trips, and enrichment activities. The tuition rates do not include the cost of before and after-school care, summer camps, extracurricular clubs and sports, and optional services such as lunch, transportation, and extended day.
Harborlight Montessori offers several payment options to help families afford the tuition. The payment options are:
- One payment: Pay the full tuition amount by July 1, 2023, and receive a 2% discount.
- Two payments: Pay 60% of the tuition amount by July 1, 2023, and 40% by January 1, 2024.
- Ten payments: Pay 10% of the tuition amount each month from July 2023 to April 2024.
Harborlight Montessori also offers financial aid to families who demonstrate financial need. The financial aid is based on a sliding scale and is determined by the school’s financial aid committee. The financial aid application deadline is February 15, 2024. The financial aid awards will be announced by March 15, 2024. The financial aid application process requires submitting the following documents:
- A completed online application through [TADS], a third-party service that evaluates the financial needs of applicants.
- A copy of the most recent federal tax return and W-2 forms.
- A copy of the most recent pay stubs or other proof of income.
- A letter explaining the family’s financial situation and the amount of financial aid requested.
Harborlight Montessori is committed to making Montessori education accessible and affordable to all families who share its vision and values. The school welcomes families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and strives to create a supportive and inclusive community. For more information about the tuition and payment options at Harborlight Montessori, please visit their website at [Harborlight Montessori Tuition] or contact their admission office at (978) 922-1008 or [email protected].
How to enroll your child at Harborlight Montessori?
If you are interested in enrolling your child at Harborlight Montessori, you will need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Visit the school. The best way to learn more about Harborlight Montessori is to visit the school and see it in action. You can schedule a tour of the campus, observe a classroom, and meet with the admission staff. You can also attend one of the open houses or information sessions that the school hosts throughout the year. To schedule a visit, please fill out the [online inquiry form] or call the admission office at (978) 922-1008.
- Step 2: Apply online. After visiting the school, you can submit an online application through [TADS], the same service that handles the financial aid application. The online application requires providing some basic information about your child and your family, as well as a non-refundable application fee of $75. The application deadline is March 1, 2024, for the 2023-2024 academic year. However, the school accepts applications on a rolling basis, depending on the availability of spaces.
- Step 3: Submit additional documents. Along with the online application, you will need to submit some additional documents to complete your child’s admission file. These documents include:
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport.
- A copy of your child’s immunization record and health history.
- A teacher recommendation form can be downloaded from the school’s website and sent to your child’s current teacher.
- A transcript or report card from your child’s current school, if applicable.
- A student questionnaire, which can be downloaded from the school’s website and completed by your child, if they are applying for elementary or middle school.
- Step 4: Schedule a student visit. After submitting the online application and the additional documents, you will need to schedule a student visit for your child. The student visit is an opportunity for your child to experience a day at Harborlight Montessori and for the school to assess your child’s readiness and fit for the program. The student visit varies depending on the program, but it usually lasts from one hour to a full day. The admission office will contact you to arrange the date and time of the student visit.
- Step 5: Receive an admission decision. After the student visit, the admission committee will review your child’s admission file and make a decision. The admission decision will be communicated to you by email and mail within two weeks of the student visit. The admission decision can be one of the following:
- Accepted: Your child is offered a place at Harborlight Montessori. You will need to sign an enrollment contract and pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit of 10% of the tuition amount to secure your child’s spot. You will also need to complete some additional forms and paperwork before your child starts school.
- Waitlisted: Your child is placed on a waiting list for a place at Harborlight Montessori. The waiting list is based on the date of application, the program, and the gender balance. The admission office will contact you if a space becomes available for your child. You will have 48 hours to accept or decline the offer.
- Declined: Your child is not offered a place at Harborlight Montessori. The admission office will provide you with feedback and suggestions for alternative options for your child’s education.
Harborlight Montessori is a selective and competitive school that admits students based on their academic, social, and emotional readiness, as well as their compatibility with the Montessori philosophy and the school’s mission and values. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in its admission policies and practices. The school strives to create a diverse and inclusive community that reflects the richness and diversity of the world. For more information about the admission process at Harborlight Montessori, please visit their website at [Harborlight Montessori Admission] or contact their admission office at (978) 922-1008 or [email protected].
Conclusion
Harborlight Montessori is a school that offers a high-quality Montessori education for students from 4 months to 14 years old. Harborlight Montessori is located in Beverly, MA, and serves families from the North Shore and beyond. Harborlight Montessori follows the Montessori method of education, which is based on the scientific observations and discoveries of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator who lived from 1870 to 1952. Harborlight Montessori implements the Montessori curriculum in a way that is faithful to the Montessori philosophy and adapted to the needs and interests of the students. Harborlight Montessori also offers various tuition and payment options, as well as financial aid, to help families afford the tuition. Harborlight Montessori has a simple and straightforward admission process that involves visiting the school, applying online, submitting additional documents, scheduling a student visit, and receiving an admission decision.
If you are looking for a school that fosters a love of learning, develops the whole child, prepares children for the future, and creates a diverse and inclusive community, you might want to consider Harborlight Montessori. Harborlight Montessori is more than just a school. It is a place where children can grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Harborlight Montessori is a place where children can engage their world and become confident, compassionate, creative, and responsible citizens of the world.
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of Harborlight Montessori and why it might be the best choice for your child’s education. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your decision. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Harborlight Montessori and their answers:
- Q: What is the age range of students at Harborlight Montessori?
- A: Harborlight Montessori accepts students from 4 months to 14 years old. The school offers programs for infants, toddlers, children’s houses, and elementary, and middle school.
- Q: Where is Harborlight Montessori located?
- A: Harborlight Montessori is located at 243 Essex St, Beverly, MA, 01915. The school is easily accessible from Route 128 and Route 1A.
- Q: Is Harborlight Montessori accredited by the American Montessori Society?
- A: Yes, Harborlight Montessori is accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS), which is the largest and most recognized Montessori organization in the United States. AMS accreditation ensures that the school meets the highest standards of Montessori education and professional excellence.
- Q: How can I contact Harborlight Montessori?
- A: You can contact Harborlight Montessori by phone at (978) 922-1008 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit their website at [https://www.engageyourworld.org/] or follow them on social media.