Q: Could you tell me what a normal day looks like at Bluestem?
A: Sure, here is our general schedule for the day. Of course we do change things up a bit sometimes.
Early Childhood Program
8:15-8:30 Students arrive
8:30-10:30 Work period
10:30-11:00 Circle time
11:00-12:00 Outdoor time
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00 Rest time (3-4); Kindergarten Club (5)
2:00-3:15 Work period
3:15-3:30 Students depart
Elementary Program:
8:15-8:30 Students arrive
8:30-9:00 Class meeting
9:00-12:00 Work period
12:00-1:30 Lunch and recess
1:30-3:00 Work period
3:00-3:15 Clean up and class meeting
3:15-3:30 Students depart
Adolescent Program:
8:15-8:30 Students arrive; 3:15-3:30 students depart. Adolescent children are supported as they manage their own time. There are class meetings and lessons, of course, but students create their own individual schedule, including deciding when they want to have breaks and lunch.
Q: How do your multi-age classrooms work?
A: Our classrooms are Early Childhood (ages 3-6); Elementary I (ages 6-9); Elementary II (ages 9-12); and Adolescent (ages 12-15 and 15-18). Because they are multiage and learning plans are highly individualized, students can work at their own level in each subject area. Children often work together across grades, which allows for peer-led learning and collaboration. Teachers give lessons to individuals, small groups, or the whole class. Because students are in the same class for three years, they form close relationships with their peers and with their teacher, and teachers are able to treat students more holistically - we know that we will be able to help children grow over several years instead of only one, and can take a longer view of their education.
Q: I’ve heard that montessori is ‘child led’, does that mean that the kids are in charge?
A: Montessori IS child led, but that does not mean that there aren’t boundaries! We implement the idea of “freedom within limits”. Teachers work with students to create classroom expectations, and then help guide students so that they are able to meet those expectations. We prepare our environment to set children up for success as they work independently, with materials made for their independent use and spaces created thoughtfully. Students are taught to be responsible for their space and their work. In addition, in Montessori schools we follow a child’s interests. That may mean letting upper elementary children plan an outing or a fundraiser that they come up with, or encouraging a dramatic lower elementary child to create a play to show what they learned about the life cycle of plants. If many of our early childhood children are excited about trucks, we may decide to have a unit of study on transportation to see what other ways there are to get around!
Child-led means we observe the children, meet them where they are, encourage their passions, and develop their independence!
Q: what does before- and aftercare look like?
A: Beforecare is available from 7:30-8:15. We provide breakfast and quiet activities for students. Aftercare is available from 3:30-6:00. We provide an after school snack, activities, and lots of outdoor time for the students.
q: What kinds of ‘specials’ do you have?
A: In our early childhood program, our students have weekly classes in music and movement, and Spanish. In our elementary program, our students have classes in yoga, music, and art.
Q: Do you have a hot lunch program?
A: We do not have a hot lunch program. Students bring their own lunches each day. We have a microwave for students to heat their food if needed. We also have a snack each morning and during aftercare. Families take turns bringing snack for the community.
Q: Are you an allergy friendly school?
A: Our school strives to accommodate students as much as we can. We work closely with families who have allergies to keep their children as safe as possible and all of our staff is trained in epipen use. However, we cannot guarantee a fully allergen free space.
Q: Is it possible to try out a day?
A: Unfortunately it would be too disruptive for your child to try out our school for just one day. Children are welcome to come on family tours of the school. We also have an interview process where we get to know your child and your family, where we will sit with your child and work with them in the classroom. If your child is accepted into our school we have a 60 day trial period to make sure that everyone is adjusting appropriately. All of these measure help to ensure that our school is the right fit for your child.
Q: I Want to go on a tour of your school. What can I expect?
A: If you would like to schedule a tour with us please contact us at info@bluestemmontessori.com or call 402-735-0987. We would be happy to talk to you.
A typical tour at Bluestem lasts an hour. It really depends on the individual family and what your interests are and if you have any previous knowledge about the Montessori method. On a typical tour you will see our classrooms and playground, and get to ask as many questions as you like. We prefer for tours to be during the school day so you can see the school in action and see how our classrooms work! We encourage you to bring your child with on the tour. This gives them a chance to ask our teachers and students questions about their new school and to get a feel for what their days would look like at Bluestem.
Q:I turned in an enrollment application. Now what?
A: After we receive your application we will contact you to schedule a family visit. This visit consists of a parent interview and student observation. Does that sound scary? Well, it definitely isn’t! Most of our parents actually had a great time at their interviews. This is really just a meeting to get to know your family and for your family to get to know us. We will have your child work in our classroom with our teacher to gauge their interests in different materials and their skill level. We meet students where they are, and getting to know your child will help us give them the best education possible.