A preschool program combining the best of academics with global education.
The Grasshopper Difference
At Grasshopper Montessori, our focus is kindergarten preparation learned in an inspiring and confidence-building atmosphere. All of our students enter kindergarten at exiting kindergarten levels in several areas. In other words, students exceed the state standards for some criteria necessary to enter 1st grade! We accomplish these overwhelming results by incorporating the expectations of the common core state standards into our hands-on lessons. We emphasize fine motor skills and one-on-one attention. Our aim in doing so is to ease the transition into elementary for both kids and their parents. The goal is to inform parents of the expectations of kindergarten and provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in elementary and to maintain their joy of learning.
In order for children to become successful students, they need to experience little achievements and joy throughout the day. Small and recurring successes result in confidence, self-motivation and continual progress. These successes are achieved by both challenging the child and inspiring her, by building good character, by reinforcing her innate desire to learn and offering reminders that learning is fun. In our program, these qualities are reflected in creative materials, specific expectations and the supportive interaction with the facilitators. When we inspire a child to tap into her natural creativity, her education easily excels. Inspire. Create. Educate.
We are a year-round program. A day at Grasshopper includes circle time, work cycle, snack, lunch and outdoor play. Children experience song, dance and calendar upon arrival then a focused work cycle based upon academics and independent exploration. Students manipulate materials that teach a specific skill but are so enjoyable that the children feel like they are just playing. We structure our environment and lessons so that every student experiences several small achievements throughout the day, leaving the child feeling useful, accomplished and eager for the next day. These little yet frequent successes fuel our students’ progress. Many of our students easily master reading skills and addition by the time they enter kindergarten!