What is the goal of the admission process?
Students thrive when in an environment that supports and advances their family's values, philosophies, and intended outcomes of education. The admission process is the opportunity for the family and HCMS to gather information about each other, ensuring an informed decision is made regarding the student's ability to thrive in this environment.
Who accredits HCMS?
HCMS works diligently to provide the best education possible. Accreditation is a statement of our ability to do so. We are proud to be the only Montessori school in the local area currently accredited by the American Montessori Society (2008). We also hold accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (2005).
How well do Montessori students function when they leave the Montessori environment?
Although no formal survey has been commissioned to track HCMS students once they complete our program, we are consistently told HCMS students do very well both academically and socially. They are generally quite adept in adjusting to diverse social situations and perform well on standarized tests administered in either public or private settings. Since most Montessori students develop a deep love of learning and intense curiosity about their surroundings, they adapt well and relish navigating the challenges life presents.
What are the qualifications of HCMS teachers?
We are very serious about the quality of education we provide our students and are, likewise, very serious about the quality of our teachers. We require not only a minimum of a bachelor's degree to be considered as an HCMS teacher, but also Montessori certification from a MACTE-accredited training program. All faculty and staff must provide references and are required to submit to criminal background checks and fingerprinting. To continue on staff, our teachers are required to complete the equivalent of 24 hours continuing education per year.
Does HCMS admit special needs students?
HCMS does not employ a Special Education professional and our learning environment is not designed to meet these student's specialized needs. HCMS reviews each situation to determine if we are able to meet a particular student's acknowledged or disovered special needs. To do so, it is of utmost importance for families to reveal all information about their child so an accurate assessment is possible.
Do you offer a partial-week program?
Our program is structured as a five day a week program. Half-day attendance is an option only for children age 4 and under. Kindergarten age children are typically ready and eager to attend the whole day program and are expected to do so. Exceptions to this rule are rare, but can be allowed after careful individual assessment.
How do you measure academic achievement without administering tests?
We measure academic achievement through observation and demonstration of skills in our integrated learning environment. To help our teachers assess individual progress and identify areas needing additional support, HCMS does administer an annual norm-referenced standardized test to elementary age children and the Texas Primary Reading Inventory to Kindergarten and Elementary age students. Standardized test scores are intended as tools only. We do not use test scores to compare one child to another or to assess intelligence.
Do students wear uniforms?
As of September 2007, students are required to wear uniforms. Uniforms are available through Lands' End and can be purchased online if desired. Uniform items may also be purchased elsewhere and have the logo embroidered on by Pat's Creative Stitches in Boerne. Please see our uniform policy for complete details.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, HCMS does have financial assistance available to families who have been accepted for admission. Please see the Financial Assistance section in our viewbook, on our website, or by visiting the office for a brochure.
Does the school provide lunch?
HCMS does not have a cafeteria and does not provide lunch. Full day students are required to bring a healthy lunch each day. Half-day students are dismissed prior to lunch.
What is the average class size?
Toddler classrooms average 18 students, Early Childhood classrooms average 22 students, and Elementary classrooms average 25 students. All classrooms have a full-time Montessori certified teacher and a full-time assistant.
How diverse is the student population at HCMS?
HCMS student demographics reflect the larger community. Approximately 14% of our students are members of minority ethnic groups. We value diversity and actively seek to achieve ethnic and socio-economic diversity to the degree possible.
What type of discipline is used in the classroom?
The goal of a Montessori environment is to help children become self-disciplined. Dialogue, redirection, and a method commonly known as "positive discipline" build the foundation necessary for self-discipline. We encourage parents to read Dr. Jane Nelsen's books, Positive Discipline: The First Three Years, Positive Discipline for Preschoolers, and Positive Discipline.
