3 Day a Week Academic Program
In addition to a growing demand for the CGS program, area parents have repeatedly expressed their heartfelt desire that an academic Montessori curriculum in a Catholic environment be made available to their children. A curriculum of Montessori’s academic lessons incorporated with CGS is a rarity; currently it is offered by only a few dozen visionary Catholic Montessori schools in the entire U.S. Nevertheless, it is the only curriculum which encompasses Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision for her method in its entirety; a vision which the late Pope Benedict XV embraced in the early 20th century, commissioning Montessori to draw up a syllabus for use in Catholic schools worldwide. Unfortunately, Pope Benedict XV died before Dr. Montessori could complete her syllabus, and WWI and the rise of Communism drew the attention of the papacy elsewhere. Nevertheless, Montessori schools which also incorporate CGS alone are faithful to the fullness of her philosophy of education by also responding to the child’s innate and deeply religious nature.
Carrying the torch of Dr. Montessori’s vision of a comprehensive Catholic curriculum, we at JXXIIIMCC have responded to the call for solid educational options in an area with limited opportunities. In September 2009 we initiated our “Atrium plus Academics” program. This expansion takes the form of an innovative Catholic Montessori learning center and makes available simultaneous programs of two levels: Primary: ages three to six years, and Elementary: ages six to twelve years. These sessions are held three mornings per week from September through May, Tuesday – Thursdays from 8:45-11:45 am, and are led by an A.M.I. certified Montessori directress and CGS Atrium staff. The three-day-a-week format is intended to uniquely benefit home-educating families who desire to enhance their own efforts as primary educators of their children with the exceptional opportunities only a Catholic Montessori environment can offer. This format has the added benefit of keeping tuition rates affordable for families with several children of these ages. An extended day option is also available for those parents desiring for their Kindergarten and/or Elementary child three full days to work at the Center. The Extended Day as an add-on to the Three Morning includes a lunch period and afternoon work session ending at 3:15 pm. For those Three Morning parents who need an earlier drop-off time, whether to get to a dentist appointment or because of older siblings at other schools, we additionally offer an early arrival option of 8:00 am Tuesday-Thursday mornings. Early Arrival allows children to come into their environment and have additional work time. This add-on option may be purchased for the entire year or just for single sessions.
For more information about John XXIII Primary and Elementary programs, click here for our Program Overview PDF. Click here for our 2012-2013 Program Schedules and Fees.
