FAQ's

Q: Does my elementary school-age child need to have had Montessori preschool experience in order to enter Summit at first grade or higher?

A: No, a Montessori preschool background is not necessary to be admitted to - and to succeed at - Summit. Once here, the manipulatives and other Montessori-based materials used in the classroom are readily learned by the new students.

Q: How can I be sure that my child will feel comfortable in a Montessori classroom?

A: Come visit! Our classrooms are child-centered and that is easily recognizable to all students. All applicants will have the opportunity to visit Summit and spend time in the classroom appropriate to the grade-level they would be entering.

Q: Is it true that students select their own work?

A: Yes, BUT within a framework of work pre-selected by their teacher. And, each student is responsible for finishing work as directed by his or her teacher. Our students follow a rigorous academic program that emphasizes all critical skills and disciplines; reading, writing, mathematics, science, arts, cultural studies, and physical education. Read more about Our Program here.

Q. Do all ages participate in Summit's Annual Science Fair?

A. All Lower and Upper Elementary students (grade 1 through grade 6) participate in the Science Fair by creating an individual, original project. During the Science Fair, each participant presents his or her project to parents, teachers, fellow students and guest judges. The Science Fair is primarily process-oriented, providing standards and guidance to teach the students critical thinking and organizational skills, advancing at each level. The preschool and Kindergarten children have an opportunity to visit the exhibits in the elementary classrooms the following day.

Q. How is physical education integrated into the program?

A. Physical education is part of the Kindergarten, Lower and Upper Elementary curriculum on a weekly basis throughout the academic year. Providing for seasonal activities, and updated annually, programs have included Frozen Ropes, yoga and martial arts. All ages have outdoor recess as a daily component, weather permitting.

Q: How is the transition from elementary school at Summit to public and private middle schools?

A. When students graduate from Summit, they are well prepared for further studies. In nearly a dozen years of graduations, our students have successfully transitioned to a variety of public and private schools. Among our graduates are National Merit Scholars, at the semi-finalist and finalist levels. Also, those who have earned National Latin Exam honors, humanitarian and writing awards, art awards from the Small Independent School Arts League and a special citation for outstanding musicianship from the International Association of Jazz Educators.


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Admissions Open House Visiting Days Admission Process Tuition & Financial Aid FAQs Search Site	FAQ's Q: Does my elementary school-age child need to have had Montessori preschool experience in order to enter Summit at first grade or higher? A: No, a Montessori preschool background is not necessary to be admitted to - and to succeed at - Summit. Once here, the manipulatives and other Montessori-based materials used in the classroom are readily learned by the new students. Q: How can I be sure that my child will feel comfortable in a Montessori classroom? A: Come visit! Our classrooms are child-centered and that is easily recognizable to all students. All applicants will have the opportunity to visit Summit and spend time in the classroom appropriate to the grade-level they would be entering. Q: Is it true that students select their own work? A: Yes, BUT within a framework of work pre-selected by their teacher. And, each student is responsible for finishing work as directed by his or her teacher. Our students follow a rigorous academic program that emphasizes all critical skills and disciplines; reading, writing, mathematics, science, arts, cultural studies, and physical education. Read more about Our Program here. Q. Do all ages participate in Summit's Annual Science Fair? A. All Lower and Upper Elementary students (grade 1 through grade 6) participate in the Science Fair by creating an individual, original project. During the Science Fair, each participant presents his or her project to parents, teachers, fellow students and guest judges. The Science Fair is primarily process-oriented, providing standards and guidance to teach the students critical thinking and organizational skills, advancing at each level. The preschool and Kindergarten children have an opportunity to visit the exhibits in the elementary classrooms the following day. Q. How is physical education integrated into the program? A. Physical education is part of the Kindergarten, Lower and Upper Elementary curriculum on a weekly basis throughout the academic year. Providing for seasonal activities, and updated annually, programs have included Frozen Ropes, yoga and martial arts. All ages have outdoor recess as a daily component, weather permitting. Q: How is the transition from elementary school at Summit to public and private middle schools? A. When students graduate from Summit, they are well prepared for further studies. In nearly a dozen years of graduations, our students have successfully transitioned to a variety of public and private schools. Among our graduates are National Merit Scholars, at the semi-finalist and finalist levels. Also, those who have earned National Latin Exam honors, humanitarian and writing awards, art awards from the Small Independent School Arts League and a special citation for outstanding musicianship from the International Association of Jazz Educators.