Ridgeline Montessori
Public Charter School

 

Public Charter School District 4J

2855 Lincoln St., Eugene, OR  97405

(541) 681-9662  fax: (541) 681-4394

rmpcs@ridgeline.org

 

 

 

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A Day at Ridgeline

 

 

 

The Montessori classroom is an active, industrious place.  Aided by daily and weekly goals set in consultation with the teacher, each student begins the school day by choosing work from a variety of prepared materials.  Perhaps today it will be a building project that teaches spatial relationships and essential math concepts, or maybe two or three students will choose to collaborate on a project that combines Greek history and geography. Throughout the day's generous work periods, teachers move around the multi-age classroom challenging, encouraging, and when necessary, re-directing energies.  Whole-group lessons and assignments are used sparingly, in recognition of the fact that students are engaged in learning that is focused on individual abilities and interest. 

In Montessori classrooms, appropriate conduct and respect for others are fully integrated into the curriculum and the environment.  despite a variety of learning activities taking place at one, the classroom culture promotes an atmosphere of order, calm and civility that is quite remarkable.  At Ridgeline Montessori, class meetings are held periodically, and decision-making follows a consensus model.  In this way, students grow to understand and welcome their future roles in productive society.

Ridgeline Montessori follows the District 4J calendar for the school year.  Below is a sample schedule:  (note: lunch and recess times will vary for each classroom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:15-8:30 Students arrive, greet their teacher, and begin choosing their work for the day
8:30-11:30 Work time.  This includes a 9:15 a.m. morning meeting, in which new materials or lessons are introduced, and current events or classroom concerns are discussed.  This nearly 3-hour block contains the core curriculum – math, language arts, and cultural studies (science, geography, history, etc.).
11:30-12:00

Lunch.  Lunchtime is instructional time, as it is held in the classroom with the teacher or assistant and includes lessons in grace and courtesy, positive social interaction, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

12:00-12:30 Recess
12:30-2:30 Spanish, P.E., art, and music/drama classes are each held twice a week for a half-hour each. This is also time for Cultural studies (science, geography, history, etc.), small group presentations, and additional work time.
2:30 - 3/3:15 Classroom cleanup and dismissal.  K and lower elementary get out at 3:00.  Upper elementary and middle school get out at 3:15;   EARLY RELEASE FOR ALL STUDENTS ON FRIDAYS-1:00 PM