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Summer Program / Summer Camp ...
The summer program is open to children 3 years old through third grade. There are 2 camp sessions, each 4 weeks long. The basic summer camp day, like the school year day, is five hours long. It includes 2.5 hours in the Montessori environment, a half hour swim lesson, and a hot lunch. Campers take a field trip every Friday to places like the zoo, the beach, a water park, a play, and/or trips to special exhibits or programs offered throughout the area. Field trips are usually from 8:30 to 1:30 unless timing needs to be adjusted to fit the destination’s schedule. Children may sign up for a 4-day week, excluding Fridays.
For children already enrolled in Acarath, the Montessori session will allow for continued progression in the academic process. Teachers will help students new to Montessori develop the Montessori skills necessary to fully utilize a “learning environment.” They will be encouraged, through instruction and by the example of their Montessori classmates, to select work, work productively with minimal adult supervision, and manage their time. Most traditional teachers agree that Montessori-educated children are more self-motivated, more responsible, and more able to budget their time than non-Montessori educated children. The instillation of these traits is a priority at Acarath whether a child is in attendance for 4 weeks or 4 years. Acquisition of these skills helps the children better reap the academic benefits of the Montessori environment.
The Montessori session for elementary age children includes reasoning and logic challenges, standardized test taking skills, and assignments that encourage time budgeting. Teachers individualize the academic activities, expecting each student to do age-appropriate work at his ability level.
The student-staff ratio during the summer is the same as it is in our winter program and the staff is basically the same as the winter staff. We do limit field trip enrollment, however, to allow for a greater staff/student ratio for younger campers.
The center is open after the camp sessions end so children can continue to have swim instruction and spend time in the Montessori environment. Experienced Montessori aides supervise during that time. The student/staff ratio is the same as it is during the camp day and the school year day. Summer fees are prorated based on the program in effect during the time of enrollment.