Montessori offers individualized, integrated instruction. The classroom environment contains multisensory materials rather than textbooks, and children move around the room at their own pace, studying art, geography, history, language, math, music, science, etc. at the same time.

The Montessori Method fosters rigorous self-motivated growth for children and adolescents in all areas of their development–cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. 

A few key differences that differentiate Montessori instruction from the traditional classroom include:

• Multi-sensory materials
• Individualized instruction
• Mixed age groups
• Child-chosen works
• Observation is used to guide and inform future instruction 
• Uninterrupted work cycles
• Emotional intelligence training
• Materials and works are designed to give the child instant feedback in the learning process

While Montessori ensures all students learn the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), teachers may not give standard grades or tests.

Progress can alternatively be determined through observation, self-evaluation, demonstration of mastery, oral exams, portfolios of work and student/parent/teacher conferences.

State-mandated assessments, such as STAAR, will continue to be administered at Montessori schools.

When selecting Montessori on your child’s Choice of School form, consider whether the Montessori approach aligns with your child’s learning preferences and interests.

Your child may enjoy Montessori if they:

• Take ownership of their learning by managing their work, making choices, and developing responsibility for their actions.
• Enjoy making connections across subjects such as history, science, and art.
• Are comfortable working independently and taking responsibility for completing tasks.
• Enjoy hands-on learning and using physical materials (manipulatives) to explore and understand abstract concepts.
• Enjoy collaborating with others and working in small groups to solve problems.

If you answered “yes” to some or all of these questions, Montessori may be a good fit for your child. We encourage families to learn more about the Montessori approach by attending an upcoming interest meeting.

Effective Montessori education requires specially trained teachers—ones who not only know the unique learning materials and activities, but also how to prepare each day’s classroom environment. Montessori teachers observe all students’ skill levels and interests, providing opportunities to build on knowledge already gained and guiding each toward advancement. Staff at Herfurth and Luna elementaries will receive training from an American Montessori Society-accredited training center.

Montessori follows the district’s Choice of School process. Any interested student can choose Montessori on their Choice of School form in Avela.  Montessori is open to students entering PreK-4 to 5th grade.

Interested students must submit a Choice of School form in Avela. Those who are not currently attending GISD schools must also complete an online district enrollment form which can be found on the Garland ISD website during the enrollment window. 

Requirements:

• Students who are 4 years old on or before September 1 and students entering kindergarten-fifth grades may apply
• 50 percentile on reading and math achievement or PreK assessment
• Pass all other subjects on their report card (Kindergarten - 5th grade)

To view the Choice of School timeline including magnets, visit the Magnet Application Process and Timelines page.

To receive bus transportation, students must attend a school within their designated eligibility area.. Special circumstances may apply for magnet programs. GISD does not provide transportation for four-year-olds .Use the Explore GISD Map to look up your address to check on bus eligibility and zoned campus. 

Herfurth and Luna observe an 8:10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. schedule. An extended day program will be offered on campus for 4-year-olds at an additional fee. 

The district hopes all parents engage in their children’s education. Montessori invites involvement through observations, conferences, parent evenings and other special events. Families are also encouraged to continue learning at home. Can students participate in meal preparation, cleaning, gardening, or caring for clothes, shoes and toys?  This reiteration of skills gained in the classroom provides a real-world application for their education.

Studies show Montessori children rank above average in their ability to adapt to new situations, turn their work in on time, listen attentively and ask probing questions. They have also been encouraged to exchange ideas and discuss their work freely with others, developing good communication skills which will ease their transition.

Yes, students must be potty trained prior to starting any Montessori programs within our district. 

Visit the district’s website at www.garlandisd.net/montessori for more information. For questions, please email GISDMagnetPrograms@garlandisd.net or call 972-475-7994 (Herfurth), 972-675-3040 (Luna).