Programs
Toddler Program
An early learning community for children 15 months to three years offering whole child education inspired by the Montessori philosophy. Program offered Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. Please call for program details. Eligibility: sibling of a currently enrolled Spruce Tree student.
Children’s House Program
An authentic Montessori preschool and kindergarten community guided by a Montessori-certified teacher in a multi-age environment for children ages 2 1/2 – 6. We offer a full school day (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) Monday – Friday program and can accommodate a half day option (8:00 am – 12:30 pm), Monday – Friday, if space is available and upon request. Part-week programs are not available.
Elementary Program
Spruce Tree’s elementary program offers a full-day learning experience for children ages 6 – 12 (grades 1st – 6th) using proven Montessori curriculum guided by a Montessori-certified teacher. Students attend school 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday – Friday, according to our school calendar.
Sunset Program (All Students)
Sunset extends the school day, offering an active, non-academic period for free play indoors or outside, reading, using enrichment materials like Legos, trains, and magnets, and doing arts/crafts. Monday – Thursday, 3:00 – 4:30 pm, pick up at 4:30 pm. No Sunset on Fridays. Drop in available.
Sunrise Program (Children’s House & Elementary students)
For the early birds, our Sunrise Program offers parents an early drop off option during which students may eat breakfast, read/draw/color, or play games/activities in the gym. Monday – Friday, 7:30 – 8:00 am. Drop in available.
Homemade School Lunch Program
Our school chef prepares wholesome, homemade lunches for students Monday – Friday as a convenience to parents and supplement to our cooking and practical life curriculum. Students assist with menu planning, preparation, and the plated service. Drop in available.
Accreditation
Spruce Tree Montessori has begun the process for accreditation with the American Montessori Society (AMS) by affiliating as a ‘Full Member’ school and achieving Level 6 status within the organization’s Pathways to Improvement Program. The AMS membership is a collaboration of teachers, administrators, schools, families, and others who prize Montessori education. As an AMS member school, Spruce Tree is a part of a movement to improve education for children around the globe, with representation at the United Nations and a strong advocacy voice in public policy affairs. The AMS accredits full member schools that undergo rigorous criteria for defining and maintaining the high standards set forth originally by Dr. Maria Montessori. Though the process can take up to three years to complete, Mrs. Binkley is dedicated to implementation of the standards and criteria and plans to work vigorously with the AMS through the accreditation process.
Components necessary for a program to be considered authentically Montessori include multi-age groupings that foster peer learning, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and guided choice of work activity — all of which are ever present at Spruce Tree. In addition, a full complement of specially designed Montessori learning materials should be meticulously arranged and available for use in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Spruce Tree prides itself on creating a thoughtful, well equipped and prepared environment where beauty is at the center. We use real items, materials made from wood, glass, or stone, have locally made wood furniture, and provide all necessary school and classroom supplies. The AMS also requires that the lead teacher in each classroom hold a Montessori credential from an accredited training center for their assigned level, and Spruce Tree is committed to growing an experienced team of educators who take pride in professional development and lifelong learning. Check out our staff bios on the About Us page.