The Bala House Montessori School
Programs

Early Childhood | Kindergarten | Special Programs | Extended Care

"What I value most about The Bala House is the care and attention given to developing the inner and outer child. T
he Bala House is like the missing piece to the puzzle. Everyone fits together perfectly".
 ...Lynn Nichols, Bala House parent

The Bala House provides an exceptional Montessori program for children between the ages of three and six years of age. There are four mixed age preschool classes and two kindergarten classes. In addition, we provide an early morning and afternoon extended care program that combines many of the practical life experiences found in the morning Montessori classrooms, with outdoor play, theme-based learning projects, and opportunities for creative and imaginary play. The Bala House also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year for both children and their families. Read more about our special events...

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Early Childhood (3-6) Classes

The Bala House currently has three morning and one afternoon early childhood classes. All teachers are certified through either the International (AMI) or American (AMS) Montessori training organizations. Bala House maintains an affiliated status with the American Montessori Society. The early childhood classes are comprised of a mixed age group of children who are between the ages of three to six years. The classes include a full complement of Montessori materials and any developmentally appropriate materials the teacher has decided can be used as an individual or small group activity in the context of the Montessori free-choice work period. Materials are chosen to address the children's individual stages of mental, physical and social development. In response to our growing awareness of the importance of social and emotional development, imaginative play materials such as doll houses and building blocks have been included along with the Montessori materials in the classroom.

The classrooms are characterized by the following distinguishing factors: A prepared environment, orderly and aesthetically pleasing, allowing the child to become an independently functioning person is his or her own world. The supportive role of the teacher, who observes and makes herself available to each child as needed, and presents lessons based on the observations of the child's interests or needs. The highest degree of respect for each child, each co-worker and each family member--thus, extending our self-respect outward to the community.

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Kindergarten Class

Children in the kindergarten class must be five years old by September 1st. After spending the morning in the mixed age Montessori classrooms, the kindergarten children gather together for more formal studies from 1 to 3 p.m. The afternoon begins with a group lesson on one of a variety of special themes or units of study. Themes have included Japanese geography and culture, the solar system, the human body, and Colonial America. Themes are explored in several ways including through stories, plays, songs, craft projects, and field trips. When appropriate, themes studied in the kindergarten program are woven into the children's lessons in art and music classes. In addition to theme activities, Montessori materials in all the curricular areas are used in kindergarten, usually in more depth and with greater understanding and creativity than the previous years. Kindergarten students may also participate in Spanish language classes once a week.

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Special Programs Music, art and movement are integral to our daily sessions, and are supplemented with specific instruction. These classes, which are taught by specialists, include singing and rhythm; experience with various art media such as clay and collage; and movement education. Children attend art, music and movement programs on a weekly basis.

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Extended Day Program

Bala House offers extended care for children of working parents. The program includes early drop-off beginning at 8:00am and afternoon care from noon until 5:45pm. The extended care program combines many of the practical life experiences found in the morning Montessori classrooms, with outdoor play, science experiments, theme-based learning projects, and opportunities for creative and imaginary play.

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