Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montessori?

Lots of outdoor space for recess fun!

Montessori is the philosophy and method of educating children based on Dr. Maria Montessori's discoveries. She believed that children are naturally curious and enjoy learning through meaningful activities. Children are excited about the work they choose and complete. Also, she believed that children treated with respect learn to respect others.

What is the Montessori teaching philosophy?

Dr. Montessori discovered that children have "sensitive (or critical) periods" for each new level of learning. During these periods children absorb information faster and easier than they can at any other time in their lives. These periods are enhanced with the Montessori method. Our teachers use materials and curriculum that draw your child's interest to an independent chosen activity that fulfills the need of these periods. Moreover, the child becomes an independent thinker, capable of making decisions and learning new skills that are of crucial importance in the whole development.

What is TLC Academy (TLC) and were is it located?

TLC is a private Montessori school with enriched multicultural curriculum. We have been educating children for 26 years using the Montessori method combined with the contemporary education. Our student body ranges from age 18 months to 6 years (toddler, preschool and kindergarten). We are located on the Sammamish Plateau just north of Inglewood Hill Rd., on more than one acre of land, with lots of space indoors and outside.

What are TLC's objectives for my child?

Our objectives for your child are to work with his/her individual talents, skills, and characteristics to achieve success. The teacher addresses the whole child, which includes all areas of academic, physical, social and emotional development. Individual lessons, discussions, activities and curriculum are designed to meet the individual child's needs and level of skills.

What does your program include?

Yum! Making, serving and eating healthy English sandwiches.

TLC Academy's highly enriched curriculum is individualized to serve your child's needs. Please see the curriculum page for preschool areas of the classroom and kindergarten program information. Our program incorporates Specialty Classes as part of our enrichment program. Additional curriculum offered are: physical education, multicultural arts, cooking, gardening, music, movement and foreign language.

Are you offering a half-day primary program?

We offer both 1/2-day and full-day programs. Our 1/2-day programs are Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 am - 11:30 am, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am - 11:30 am and Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

We have three full-day (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) options:
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Tuesday, Thursday
• Monday through Friday

Are full-day programs too long for my child?

Our experience proves that young children do great in our balanced program. However, the answer will vary based on individual child and parent readiness.

What are the differences between Montessori and traditional teaching methods?

Elementary students participating in lesson time

In the Montessori classroom the focus is on individual student capabilities and challenges. All the materials or activities are on the shelves at your child's eye level. Your child chooses an activity and the teacher gives your child a lesson on it. The teacher acts as the facilitator between the work and the child. As an active observer, the teacher continues to challenge the child at a higher level of work as your child masters a skill. Most traditional schools are designed for the teacher to teach all the students at one time at the same level and pace.

How do children transition from Montessori to public schools?

Research proves that your child's highest level of learning takes place from birth through age 9. This period of development is when your child will absorb and learn more than any other time in his/her life. This is also the time your child will learn the joy of knowledge and the excitement of learning new skills. The gift of learning independent study skills in our carefully prepared class environment is an advantage when it is time for your child to move on. By receiving a high education and building fundamental learning skills, your child is prepared in all areas of development to adjust to different environments.

What is your teacher-student ratio?

As a parent you will be pleased with our excellent student-to-teacher ratio: 10 to 1.

What style of discipline do you use?

Discipline comes from the word disciple which means "to teach." TLC's discipline objective is to guide your child toward an understanding of how to make good choices. Teaching your child to make appropriate decisions when confronted with choices takes time, understanding and patience. The process of making good decisions is refined throughout life; our role is to introduce your child to the basics.

What makes TLC a unique school?

Specialty Classes / Music and Movement

TLC Academy has an unique approach to multiculturalism. RESPECT-EQUALITY-DIVERSITY in our safe and loving environment are what makes our school a unique and successful growing experience for your child.
TLC offers a highly academic and multicultural program for children ages 3-6 years (preschool and kindergarten). Our disciplined learning environment requires a dress code for our students, which promotes the following:

• A learning environment filled with respect, a sense of unity, belonging and pride.
• Children believe in themselves as a step to believing in possibilities.
• Our Montessori philosophy provides educational opportunities that promote the development of the whole child in a highly academic and multicultural prospective.
• The teachers help the child to work toward full potential.
• The child becomes aware of social rules and responsibilities in order to become a good citizen and member of the society.
• We teach acceptance of cultural and individual diversity as well as culture preservation.
• TLC's education teaches the importance of eliminating bridges of socioeconomic differences.

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Contact us for more information, or call (425) 868-1943.