Frequently Asked Questions about Bright Water Elementary School

"My vision of the future is no longer people taking exams and proceeding then on that certification . . . but of individuals passing from one stage of independence to a higher [one], by means of their own activity through their own effort of will, which constitutes the inner evolution of the individual."
-Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence

What is Montessori education?

Montessori education was developed by Maria Montessori, the first female physician in Italy and a respected scientist. This method is based on her careful and scientific observations of children worldwide for over 50 years. Based on her experiences and successes working with children all over the world whether from the slums of Rome, Italy to the children of Adyar, India, Dr. Montessori observed that children are able to realize their innate potential when given certain freedoms and a carefully prepared environment (classroom). The freedom to repeat, choose work, move, and communicate are all afforded children in Montessori Education. Montessorians provide children with a carefully prepared beautiful environment that entices the child to explore it with the guidance of the Montessori trained adult. The activities in the environment are called “work”, a term given by the children. In the Children’s House this work ranges in preparing the child for writing, refining fine motor coordination, and social development to scientific exploration of the world through classification. At the elementary level the children’s work involves carrying out independent research in areas of interest, creating journals detailing work they have mastered, as well as lessons in cosmic education that inform the child of his/her place in the universe.

What was the impetus to create Bright Water Elementary?

Bright Water Elementary grew out of the school developers experience with the current Bright Water Montessori that serves children 16 months to 6 years old.  In the 4 years that it has been open, this program boosts a steady growth in enrollment annually, high rate of teacher retention, a culturally, racially and generationally diverse staff, a culturally and economically diverse student body, kindergarteners graduating the program with exceptional literacy skills and a strong foundation in mathematics, as well as  accreditation through Association Montessori International and the first and only Four Star rating in North Minneapolis from the Minnesota Parent Aware Rating System.  Based on these experiences parents expressed interest seeing this work expanded to the elementary level.  As there are no longer any Montessori schools on the North side and several North side schools closed last year, school developers realized there is a high demand for high quality Montessori education and are happy and excited to fill this need.

Where will Bright Water Elementary be located?

Bright Water is committed to remaining in North Minneapolis. 

What grades will Bright Water serve?

Bright Water will start with grades Kindergarten through second in the fall of 2008.  Then each year we will add a grade until we are serving students through grade six.

Is there tuition?

No.  Bright Water Elementary Charter School is a free public Montessori school serving grades Kindergarten through sixth.

How many classrooms will there be?

There will be 2 Children’s House classrooms of children ages 3-6 years of approximately 26 students with two Montessori Trained guides.  Kindergarteners will be students of elementary program and will not pay tuition.

There will be two Lower Elementary classes serving grades 1-3.  Once we reach full capacity these classes will serve 27 students (nine from each grade) with a trained Montessori Teacher and trained Montessori Assistant.

There will be two Upper Elementary classes serving grades 4-6.  Once we reach full capacity these classes will serve 27 students (nine from each grade) with a trained Montessori Teacher and trained Montessori Assistant.

What if my child does not have any Montessori experience?

All children are welcome to apply regardless of whether  or not they have Montessori experience.  Because we expect many children to attend our school without previous Montessori experience, our staff is prepared to help those students transition into a Montessori classroom.

If my child is already in the early elementary program is he/she guaranteed a spot in the elementary program?

No.  All students who wish to attend Bright Water Elementary must submit an enrollment form between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30 for the upcoming school year.  Admittance to Bright Water is based on the available spaces.  If the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available a lottery will be held.

Where can I find more information about Montessori Education?