Verna Montessori School (VMS) seeks to build within the child the foundation for a lifetime of creative and joyful learning. The Children's House, mixed-age level classrooms (ages three - six), in a Montessori program, provide children, both younger and older, a wonderful opportunity to practice their social skills and learn at their own pace. The Montessori curriculum is designed to ensure development in human relations, engagement in self-discovery and full realization of the individual.
In the carefully prepared environment of the Children's House, materials are designed to help students develop their natural sense of order. These materials can be divided into three main groups: practical life, sensorial, and academic materials.
The three and four-year olds of the preschool program work especially on the practical life exercises, such as pouring, sorting, washing, polishing, sewing, and cutting. These activities help in coordination and concentration by training the child to pay attention to detail and to follow a regular sequence of action. However, the youngest children are not excluded from working with the academic material if they are ready for it.
Employing the child's already heightened senses, mathematical and aesthetic-based materials prepare the child for academic learning. Academic materials in language, science, math and geography encourage students to explore the world and acquire the basis for more advanced studies in the lower elementary class. In addition, music and Italian enrich the experience for all Children's House students.
VMS is a private, religious school for children from all faith backgrounds. Religious instruction is the core of the school curriculum.
The VMS Children's House operates under the following schedule, though any exceptions to this schedule can be discussed on an individualized basis prior to registration:
Three year olds | Morning Sessions Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. |
Four year olds | All Day Sessions Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
For more information, please contact Sr. Juliana Tengia, principal, by calling 724-887-8810 ext. 104.