Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, developed Montessori education in 1907. A Montessori environment is unique in that it offers children choices of educational tasks (or "jobs") to complete within the classroom during their work time. The Montessori method uses unique, hands-on, Montessori-specific materials for experiential learning. For example, children use bead chains to learn multiplication, and moveable alphabet tiles in learning to read and write. The Montessori structure allows children to learn at the pace appropriate for them. Montessori education emphasizes a whole-child approach to learning, using all the senses, and develops a love of learning, independence, and self-confidence, as well as giving children many opportunities to work cooperatively with other students.
The Birch Lane Montessori Program is a public, parent-choice program. We are part of the Davis Joint Unified School District and share a school site with the Birch Lane neighborhood ("traditional") program. While some Montessori programs utilize a format involving multiple teachers and a large class size, the Birch Lane program has class sizes identical to other Davis school programs with one teacher per class.
Most Birch Lane Montessori classes are multi-age and include children from multiple grade levels. This structure fits with the Montessori theory of developmental groupings, and typically allows students to have the same teacher and classmates for more than one year, helping form a close and warm school community. In addition, it allows children to work in differentiated small educational groups across grade levels. Teachers work to deliver lessons appropriate to the needs of the individual child or group of students. Work is often completed in groups, at tables or on mats on the floor; students do not sit in assigned seats at desks. Students from first grade onward work with their teachers to complete a work plan each week that ensures they are learning across the range of content and skill areas. The Birch Lane Montessori program meets (or exceeds) California state education standards, and the children in the Montessori program succeed and thrive in elementary school and emerge well-prepared for junior high.
Teachers in the Birch Lane Montessori program have a California elementary teaching credential as well as an additional Montessori credential. These teachers have received, or are in the process of completing the necessary course work for, a credential from an AMI or AMS certified teaching program.
Entering kindergarten parents may choose to enroll their incoming kindergartener in the Montessori program. Children are also sometimes enrolled in first grade, and occasionally at later grades, particularly if they have experience in a different Montessori program. Enrollment is in March for all in-coming new students to the district. For additional information on enrolling in Montessori, please contact the office at Birch Lane at (530) 757-5395.
Before the introduction of the euro, Maria Montessori's picture appeared on one of the most common currency notes in Italy.
Birch Lane Elementary ~ 1600 Birch Lane ~ Davis, CA 95618
Phone (530) 757-5395
Principal: Kathy Tyzzer
MPAC email: BirchLaneMPAC@gmail.com
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