What ages do EPISD Montessori schools serve?
For the 2023-24 School year, EPISD opened four Montessori classrooms in the heart of EPISD, at Moreno Elementary. We started with the Primary level, called Children’s House (ages 3-6, Pre-K, Kinder), which is the level most Montessori programs begin. Next year we will expand our Children’s House to West El Paso, and we will add Lower Elementary Classrooms (Grades 1-3) at Moreno. As current students grow, we will continue to expand Montessori into Upper-Elementary Classrooms (Grades 4-5) as well.

The benefits of Montessori—the emphasis on independent learning, for example, and the warm, supportive community—continue to be important at each stage of development as children grow into lifelong learners and responsible citizens of the world. 

How many students are typically in a Montessori class?
At many Montessori schools, classes at the Early Childhood level and above might include 20 – 30 students whose ages span 3 years. However, In EPISD Montessori, we will adhere to the TEA public Pre-K maximum class size of 22 (with two adults).  Each classroom is a mix of students across age levels (3-6 or 6-9).

A multi-age class encourages students to rely on themselves and their peers as resources, rather than going directly to a teacher for support first. All members of the community benefit from this configuration. Older students are proud to act as role models; younger ones feel supported and gain confidence about the challenges ahead. And all children develop their independence as they problem-solve with their peers within their classroom community.

Can Montessori accommodate gifted children?  What about children with other special learning needs?
An advantage of the Montessori approach—including multi-age classrooms with students of varying abilities and interests—is that it allows each child to work at his or her own pace. From a Montessori perspective, every child is considered gifted, each in his own way. Every child has unique strengths and interests that the Montessori environment nurtures and supports.

Students whose strengths and interests propel them to higher levels of learning can find intellectual challenges without being separated from their peers. The same is true for students who may need extra guidance and support, including students with special needs such as ADHD or learning differences: each can progress through the curriculum at her own comfortable pace, without feeling pressure to “catch up.” 

There are students in Montessori classrooms who receive speech and/or other special education services throughout the day, and they are accommodated within the classroom.  If a child needs more support than can be provided in this general education setting and qualifies for Special Ed services, the ARD committee will determine the placement is most appropriate to meet the needs of your child.  The least restrictive environment is always considered first. Just like in any other general education classroom, when a Montessori child has a 504 plan, or if an ARD committee determines that Montessori is the most appropriate setting, their individual plan will be followed. 

If children work at their own pace, don’t they fall behind?
Although students are free to work at their own pace, they’re not doing it alone. The Montessori teacher/guide closely observes each child and provides materials and activities that advance his learning by building on skills and knowledge already gained. This gentle guidance helps each child master the challenge at hand—and protects him from moving on before he’s ready, which is often what causes children to “fall behind.” Each child is challenged appropriately in each area of the curriculum to ensure that skills and competencies are fully developed, and that the child is able to pursue his own unique interests.

EPISD is utilizing Amplify Reading and Eureka Math to ensure all K-12 students have access to rigorous grade level materials and TEKS. 
In Montessori, we train our teachers on these High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) during Professional Development.  While the traditional classrooms spend their entire class periods on Amplify and Eureka lessons, Montessori teachers/guides present Reading or Math lessons to K-5 students, and then transfer the skills to the Montessori shelf for individual practice at the rigor of the grade level. The connections between the HQIM lessons and Montessori materials/individual work plans are made clear. 

Do Montessori students take standardized tests?
Public Montessori schools are mandated to administer the same standardized tests as other public schools in Texas. Student progress will be monitored throughout the year to ensure that these standardized tests do not take them by surprise. EPISD uses Circle Progress Monitoring (PreK) and NWEA Map assessments (Grades K-5) 3 times per year to measure growth and ensure that students are on grade level. These assessments help identify individual strengths and needs, which is helpful data for us as we group our Montessori students for instruction / intervention at their own levels. Below there is more information about NWEA Map assessments

What are the grade level standards for Montessori?
As part of EPISD, our expected outcomes are the TEKS (grades K-5), and Prekindergarten Guidelines (PreK-3 & PreK-4). We have included a link to the TEA website for more information

Along with that, Montessori's outcomes include Independence, Confidence & Competence, Intrinsic Motivation, Social responsibility & Leadership, Global Awareness, Respect, and Joy.

How can you meet the academic needs of older students in a multi-age classroom?
In the Primary classroom, during 3- and 4-year-old naptime, teachers work separately with the 5- & 6-year-olds at a higher level, with more advanced materials. 

We utilize the NWEA Maps data to provide daily small group instruction to our students, according to their level. Our CTC and interventionists also support differentiation.

We are working directly with representatives of TEA through the School Empowerment Network and our New School Design Fellowship to ensure that TEKS are in place for our Montessori students, according to their grade level. They provide guidance regarding planning and implementation of grade-level instruction, along with many other tools to help connect Texas state standards with the Montessori philosophy.

Will the students get report cards?
EPISD Montessori teachers provide parents with student progress in the form of a reporting document. The Children’s House students do not receive letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) or numerical percentages, but rather a checklist of specific skills. This is similar to the current format used in all Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 classes in EPISD. 

How do Montessori guides correct behavior?
While all students in EPISD are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct, Montessori guides use a more natural approach to behavior management. Natural and logical consequences, discussion, and restorative practices are implemented instead of punishment. Montessori guides will typically direct their focus toward desired behaviors by utilizing encouragement and positive reinforcement. However, all students in EPISD are required to follow the Student Code of Conduct. 

What about students who tend to get frustrated and give up?
Montessori has many safeguards in place to prevent children from reaching the point of frustration:

• Longer blocks of uninterrupted work times alleviate the pressure to complete tasks quickly.

• The materials encourage exploration and independence.

• The guide and the paraprofessional will be observing and interacting during teachable moments.

When a child is not ready to complete a task, they may select another activity and then complete the prior task later. 

Is there a certification for Montessori teachers?
Yes. Montessori certification takes up to two years plus an internship to complete. There are different types of certifications, the most common being AMS (American Montessori Society) and AMI (American Montessori Institute). 

EPISD requires that primary teachers (Children’s House) have a Primary Montessori certification, along with at least three years of Montessori teaching experience.  They are given three years to complete their Texas Teaching Certification. As we move into the lower and upper elementary classrooms, we will include Texas Certified teachers who are interested in obtaining Montessori certification.  All Montessori teachers must eventually hold both certifications: TEA (Texas) Teaching Certificate AND Montessori Certification at the appropriate level.

Will the children who are selected for Montessori the first year have to reapply and re-enter the selection process again each year?
No. Children who are selected will be able to continue in the Montessori program indefinitely.

What happens when my child turns 7? Will they have to transition out of Montessori?
No. This is the first year of Montessori in El Paso ISD, and the program will expand annually. As children outgrow the Primary Class (age 3-6), they will be able to move into the Early Elementary Class (age 6-9).

If we try Montessori and decide it's not the right fit for our child, will they be able to transition into a traditional classroom?
Just like with any change, there may be an adjustment period. Students in Montessori classrooms should have developed practical life skills, respect, and courtesy that will be beneficial in any setting. They may have to adjust if the new expectation is to sit in a desk for extended periods of time or work on constricting tasks. However, at this time there are many excellent options in EPISD. Collaboration, project-based-learning, integrated choice, and flexible seating are more and more common in classrooms throughout the district.

Will attending Montessori in elementary school affect graduation eligibility or future ability to take EOC courses?
Montessori in elementary school will prepare students for future learning opportunities, as we adhere to TEA regulations regarding state standards and testing. EPISD Montessori curriculum aligns with TEKS and the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines.

What if we have other elementary aged children who are too old to attend EPISD Montessori? Are they able to attend the same school, even if Montessori is not in our neighborhood?
Yes, children are able to attend any school their grade level is offered. Select the desired campus on the drop-down list as you register.

Will students utilize technology in EPISD’s Montessori classes?
Technology was not part of a traditional Montessori education; however, Dr. Maria Montessori believed that we must prepare a child for real life. In today’s world, students must learn how to use technology to function in society. Technology will not be utilized in our Montessori classrooms to develop any of the skills that can be practiced with hands-on materials (such as math manipulatives, building materials, puzzles, or word-building). It is important for young children to use concrete materials to develop fine and gross motor skills, along with interpersonal relationships. Instead, EPISD Montessori students will learn how to use iPads and computers as tools to accomplish tasks that are meaningful, purposeful, and developmentally appropriate.

How can we be sure older students have access to on-grade-level material when they are in a multi-age class?
EPISD is utilizing Amplify Reading and Eureka Math to ensure all K-12 students have access to rigorous grade level materials and TEKS.  While the traditional classrooms spend their entire class periods on Amplify and Eureka lessons, Montessori guides present a Reading or Math mini-lesson to K-1 students, and then transfer the skills to the Montessori shelf for individual practice at the rigor of the grade level. The connections between the HQIM lessons and Montessori materials / individual work plans are clear.  At different times throughout the day, different adults work with individual or small groups of students at their own level to ensure that they are exposed to grade-level appropriate materials and text. During 3- and 4-year-old naptime, teachers are able to work separately with the 5- & 6-year-olds at a higher level to extend their progress with Lower Elementary Montessori materials.  

What is the difference between a Montessori teacher and a traditional teacher?
The Montessori educator is called a guide, and the role is different than a traditionally trained teacher.  A guide presents individualized lessons (presentations), and then guides children toward their specially prepared shelves from which they choose activities. Typically, guides do not instruct from the front of the room.  Instead, the invitation to learn is sparked by the meticulously prepared set up that activates self-directed exploration from the child. 

Why is El Paso ISD offering Montessori?
El Paso ISD is offering different kinds of programs to provide choice and innovation in education. We introduced Montessori at Moreno in 2023-24, and will open another site in West El Paso in 2024-25.  The Montessori method of education allows children’s natural interests to direct their learning, provides hands-on learning, and emphasizes independence.   The Montessori method of education also views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment.

Is the public Montessori free and will it continue to be free?
As with all of EPISD schools, full-day tuition is free for all students, including 3-year-olds who meet eligibility criteria for a free Pre-K program. 3-year-olds who do not meet criteria may still attend by paying the $275/month tuition.