The Lutz Montessori School, which officially opens on June 1, will provide a sensorial-based approach to education for children ages 2 through 6.
Initially, the school will offer a series of weeklong summer camps, each featuring a different theme that combines learning and fun.
The school will begin its academic year in the fall, following the Montessori method of education.
“We are a school, not a day care,” said Pratik Patel, who owns the school along with his wife, Anisha.
Anisha explained the school’s mission: “Our whole goal is to inspire a love for learning. We feel that kids, at this young age, if they love learning by using these Montessori materials, they’ll take that love of learning into their academic years — elementary school, middle school, high school and onward.
“I think the most unique thing about us is that we’re a sensorial-based curriculum.
“Everything is hands-on. That’s how little kids explore and learn,” she said.
Crystal Sithong, the school’s director, explained that Montessori uses a teaching approach that combines children in age groups for learning.
It also is self-paced learning, allowing children who are learning at a faster rate to move ahead, while granting others more time to learn, if needed.
“If they’re ready for the next set of work, we’re going to advance them at their pace,” Anisha said.
Children also are given choices in which instructional materials they use to learn particular lessons.
“So, if we say we’re going to work on a science puzzle, we don’t say, ‘You have to work on the horse,’ and give them no choice.
“They have the freedom to go over to the science puzzle section and pick which science puzzle they’d like to work on,” Anisha said.
Different teaching and learning approaches are used, too.
Instructional materials are used to help children visualize abstract concepts.
For example, bead chains are used to teach mathematics.
“If they’re learning the number 16, they’ll take a 10-bead chain and a six-bead chain and put it together, so that makes 16. It makes it more concrete — what 16 is,” Anisha said.
Children also have freedom of movement: They don’t have to sit in the same chair all day.
They have rugs they use to sit on the floor or lay down, while doing their work.
In addition to the Lutz Montessori School, the Patels also operate another — The Montessori at Trinity Oaks.
To find out more about Lutz Montessori School, call the school for a tour (813-475-6030), visit its website (LutzMontessori.com), or attend the open house on May 15.
Lutz Montessori School Open House
Details: Learn about the Montessori method of education that is now being offered at a new school geared for children ages 2 through 6.
Where: 5604 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
When: May 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who: All are welcome
Info: Call 813-475-6030, or visit LutzMontessori.com.
Published May 12, 2021
