CMI or Lee?
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Anonymous
There should be 8-10 Ks per class. There were 5 this year. I don't think this was planned - maybe I'm wrong and this was part of their growing plan, but my sense was that we couldn't fully replace the attrition of PK4s from last year without disrupting the classroom with too many new Ks unfamiliar with Montessori (yes, Lee did admit some new Ks this year). There looks to be very very little attrition of PK4s this year, so this won't be a problem for the K class next year. |
Anonymous
Pretty sure there wasn't a plan for 8-10 Ks per class at this stage. Look at last year - this year's K cohort is much bigger. I've heard the rising 1st grade class described as robust and large by staff. I guess it depends on how you view it. |
Anonymous
| 9:36 again, I just looked at the original charter application again. Looks as if some changes have been made to their enrollment projections in some areas since 2013, but despite that, those projections clearly show 15 K kids for this year, and 20 1st kids for next year. I heard they were opening 7 new 1st spots for entry this year. So this is pretty much spot on with current enrollment. |
Anonymous
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PP, were all your friends born between Oct 1 and Sep 30 in the year you were born? Even those that you consider your "own age"?
A 5 year old K child may be closer in age to a PK4 kid than a fellow kindergartener. I don't think "we've hit on a drawback of Montessori" at all. Mixed age classes mean your kid can make social connections with a wide range of kids, some close in age (though not necessarily in the same grade) and others older (who they learn from) or younger (who they take a leadership role with). |
Anonymous
PP here. Yes, I can see this. And the new first grade only elementary class next year is an anomaly (and also a gift - 10 students and one teacher though I imagine they will start moving PK4s into it in the early spring). But for OP, this might be a reason to sit out at CMI a year and then come back when the class is closer to 20 and her daughter has more social options. Of course, her dd might be placed in the other elementary class, but with possible ADD, they likely want her in the class where she'll get more teacher attention and have less distractions. |
Anonymous
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ok so- we decided to stay at Lee b/c my younger one would've been in limbo and i think montessori is perfect for her
You know the fact that so many ppl know who we are actually makes me think we made the right choice. i know my daughter will be in the ten kid class and the cmi classes are almost just as small, (i still have a slightly sick feeling in my stomach- who turns down CMI!!i do?? am i nuts??) but ten first graders with two teachers is a gift, as far as Middle school is concerned- I don't think I'll stay in the city if we can't go private so middle school is not really a concern. I looked at the ICP and it looks amazing but not all that different from Montessori elementary curriculum . . Please Lee ppl make me feel better |
Anonymous
| I'm so so so glad you are staying!!! I'm the PP that started all the boys hoopla (sorry about that). I would talk to them about making sure there is gender/personality balance in that class, but likely the two elementary classes will do things together (and definitely recess) so it will be a whole new social world for your little one. |
Anonymous
| Yay! |
Anonymous
Hooray. I have been beyond impressed with Lee's commitment to sitting down with families and helping you decide the best options for your kid and family. |
Anonymous
| The IPC at CMI is absolutely completely different than Montessori. I have a child in each one so I speak from experience. Also CMI is 20 kids with two maybe three teachers. If, however, you think Montessori is good for both then congrats on your decision! |
Anonymous
S/he said at Lower El level. Do you have some perspective to share? I'm curious about IPC at this level and Montessori as well. From what I understand Montessori at this level starts being more about "subjects" but also lets kids follow their interests. |
Anonymous
| I'm glad you're staying! Your daughter has always been so sweet when I've had the chance to interact with her at recess, events, etc. It's actually surprising to me that she doesn't have a lot of friends because she's so outgoing with adults. Surely she will soon be able to apply those social skills to forming relationships with kids her own age. My Lee child doesn't have many friends either except those that I've created through my friendship with other parents. Isn't that how it works at this age? |
Anonymous
I agree. I chose CMI over another Montessori because Montessori would have been a terrible fit for my child. The approaches are very different. But, this is what makes school choice so great. |
Anonymous
primary Montessori and elementary Montessori are very different beasts. My child is also not a great fit for primary but I am hopeful s/he will find his/her stride in elementary (which would be similar to IPC at CM). My child has also struggled a lot to make friends, especially this year. Honestly, helping kids with social situations during primary years is one place I feel Lee needs to improve. I am confident they will. It's just growing pains. And my child is, overall, happy at school. |
Anonymous
I'm a CMI parent, however- Lee is also fairly new. It's your 2nd year? In our 2nd year we still had a few bumps to work out as well. My friend has a son at Lee and loves the school. It sounds great. |