Head Start Montessori, Koramangala, Bangalore

Overview

Founded in 1984, Head Start is an independent institution run by the Head Start Educational Trust. The school’s educational methods are based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Head Start has an enthusiastic group of Montessori teachers who hold degrees from the Association Montessori Internationale, the Indian Montessori Centre, Indian Institute of Montessori Studies or the London Montessori Centre, in addition to a bachelors degree.

Campus

Initially started from the founder’s home garage, Head Start Montessori moved thrice from one rented premise to another. In 2001, the school moved into its own building in Koramangala.

The preschool offers an open play area with sand pit and an indoor play area with astro turf.

Hostel: Hostel facility is NOT available.

Academics

The school offers programs for children from the age of 15 months — The Early Years Program. The next program is the Pre Primary Program for children between the age group of 2½ to 6 years. These programs are recognized and accredited by the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board, UK. Head Start is also a member of the Indian Montessori Centre and the Indian Institute of Montessori Studies.

The Early Years Montessori Program at Head Start is designed to provide a supportive environment and a strong foundation for all future learning. Learning happens through a wide range of Montessori activities, art, music and play.

Exercises of practical life: Children in the age-group of 15 months to 2½ years learn to care for themselves and interact with one another and their environment.

Manipulative activities: Materials are designed to help muscles develop coordination, helping the child gain independence and self-esteem.

Language: Special attention is given to the development of expressive and comprehensive language skills.

The Pre-Primary Program trains children to develop social skills and gain confidence, respect for others, appreciate individual differences and take joy in helping others.

Exercises of practical life: The child learns to adapt to her environment.

Sensorial activities: Sensorial materials sharpen the senses of the young child by isolating a defining quality such as colour, weight, size, shape, texture, sound or smell. Through this learning process, the child’s intellect develops to perceive order in multiple experiences.

Mathematics: With the help of Montessori materials, the child begins to recognize shapes and names of numbers 0 to 9. These concrete mathematical concepts prepare the child to work with more abstract concepts such as fractions, key elements of geometry and problem solving on paper.

Language: The child first discovers that sounds have meaning and then isolates parts of speech. The child’s acquisition of oral skills occurs naturally, but opportunities for equivalent patterns of written language development are provided by parents and teachers. Children are given a phonetic basis for reading. The child hears the sound, sees the shape and through tracing, trains the muscles needed for writing.

General Information

Min Fee
60000

Max Fee
60000

Admission

Admissions to Head Start are dependent on the number of vacancies available and based on information provided on a completed application form as well as personal discussions with parents.Head Start follows the Montessori vertical age grouping in its Pre Primary and Primary Programs.

Children can apply to the Head Start Early Years Program around the age of 15 months, the Pre Primary Program between 2.6 and 3 years and the Primary around the age of 6 years. For the Primary program the school does not admit children without a Montessori background and is primarily reserved for children with a Pre Primary Montessori Education at Head Start. Under certain circumstances and if a vacancy arises, admission may be given to a child from another Pre Primary Montessori school. All decisions regarding admission are taken by the managing trustee and/or principal.