Preparation:

Bay Farm Montessori Academy offers students the optimal learning environment and opportunities to best suit their age and abilities. Montessori education is most effective when experienced in a continuum, a cycle, through grade 6 though students may enter at any level. Each year a student builds his base of knowledge, experience, and self-esteem through a working relationship with teachers, peers, and an understanding of the materials. By the end of grade 6, students are prepared for the next step.

What is the Next Step?

Students and families should consider their educational goals and priorities for 7th grade placement. Many of our families decide that their local public schools are the best choice of curriculum and community for their students. Others may want to examine the options available to them including independent, public, charter and religious schools.

The Options:

For those students and families who would like to explore the options for seventh grade, Bay Farm Montessori Academy offers support and information through the "exmissions" process. The focus of this process is to discover the "right" fit for each student.

Parents are provided an information packet and are supported through a series of meetings, some group and some private. Students are also given support by their teachers and are given the opportunity to practice their interview and presentation skills. The school counselor may also play a positive role as students prepare for the transition.

The "exmissions" process may include some testing, touring, interviewing and writing for those students who apply to independent and religious schools. For others applying to charter schools, a lottery system may determine admission.

Bay Farm Montessori Academy graduates report feeling confident and prepared for the next step, well-supported by the faculty and administration.