MONTESSORI COMMUNITY SCHOOL

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Montessori Community School often enrolls international students in our summer programs.  Our programs provide students an opportunity to experience local and American culture, language, and curriculum.  However, parents should be aware that we do not provide specific English language instruction, and classes are conducted entirely in English.  Please see the program descriptions below for specific entry requirements.

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ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (for children 6 to 12 years of age, entering grades 1-6):

Our elementary summer program offers a blend of classroom instruction, with a particular focus on hands-on math and science activities as well as writing, art and cooking projects, and outdoor activities such as hikes, a daily run, and frequent off-campus excursions.

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Students who enroll in our summer elementary program must be currently enrolled in an International school, where classroom instruction is conducted in English, unless English is the primary language spoken at home.

 

PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM (for children 3-5 years of age):

The program for preschool 3-5 year-olds focuses on nature studies, with a wide array of hands-on activities in the classroom as well as regular off-campus excursions.

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Students who enroll in our summer preschool program do not need to be able to speak fluent English, but for safety’s sake and for the child to have a positive experience in our program, he or she must at least understand, follow directions, and express basic wants and needs in English.  It is also our expectation that parents must be able to communicate with the school in English.

 

Here are some further points to keep in mind:

• Formal English language instruction is not part of our summer curriculum.

• In the elementary program, most activities involve reading and writing in English. Other curriculum areas, such as math, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities would be less dependent upon the English language.  Students will receive maximum benefits from our elementary program if they have basic English reading and writing skills.

• For their safety, all international students should have an adequate understanding of basic English so they can follow rules and guidelines, both at school and also while attending off-campus excursions.

• Parents should also be able to communicate to the faculty and staff in English, without the assistance of a translator. In cases of emergency, or even to explain daily classroom routines and schedules, it is critical that our staff be able to clearly communicate important information to the child’s parents in a timely manner.

 

Special Information:  Program Entrance Requirements for International Students (Please have all required records translated into English.

 

1. TUBERCULOSIS CLEARANCE:

A negative Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance is required for all students new to Montessori Community School. The clearance must be

performed by a U.S. licensed health practitioner (MD, DO, APRN, or PA) on or after the student’s first birthday (12 months of age or older), and must consist of one of the following acceptable clearance methods: 

                                a) Negative Risk Screen.

                                b) Negative TB test (TB Mantoux skin test for any age or QuantiFERON Gold-in-Tube (QFT-GIT)/ T-

                                SPOT blood test for 2 years and older).

                                c) Positive TB test and negative chest x-ray.

• Parents who do not want skin tests for children under 5 years of age need a physician letter stating the skin test is medically contraindicated.

• No exemptions to the TB clearance requirement are allowed.

• Without a TB clearance, children are not permitted to start school.

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2. HEALTH RECORD (Form 14 and DHS 908):

All new students must submit a current record of all health requirements (Form 14) prior to enrollment. 

Additionally, students new to our preschool program must have a U.S. licensed physician complete, sign, and date the DHS Form 908.

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3. BIRTHDATE VERIFICATION:

In order to verify your child’s age, a copy of your child’s birth certificate must be submitted prior to the first day of school, and will be kept on file in the school’s office.  If you are arriving from overseas, the school must also obtain a copy of your child’s passport.  In some cases, a copy of the parent’s passport may also be required in order to verify your status.

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4. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

A physical examination, completed within one year prior to Hawaii school entry and performed by a U.S. licensed practitioner (i.e. MD, DO, APRN, or PA) must be submitted.

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5. EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM:

The FACTS webforms, to be completed after registration is confirmed, must list local (Hawaii) telephone numbers and addresses.

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