No. Barat Montessori school has no religious affiliation. (Some Montessori schools may be offered by specific religious organizations, but most are not.) Montessori schools are generally secular and used by people of all different cultures and religions around the world. Over 4,000 schools exist in the United States. Many more can be found in Western Europe , Central and South America , Australia , New Zealand and much of Asia. Currently, growth is peaking in Japan , India , Korea , Eastern Europe , the former Soviet Union and China.

While we do not directly teach any information about religion, we do offer exposure to celebrations of different cultures both here in the US and abroad. We consider our holiday celebration curriculum inclusive (not exclusive). For instance, in November and December, we offer units on Ramadan, Chanukah, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chinese New Year. We encourage families to share their traditions with our classroom through special projects and presentations. We are always open to including units on additional holidays that parents bring to our attention.

In truth, the answer will vary from school to school. This is an important question you should ask each school's Director as you begin the selection process. Look for an overall tenor that is in keeping with your family's values. Trust your gut. If the school feels too strict or too permissive when you visit, you're probably right!

At Barat, we look at discipline in terms of acquiring self-control. The very nature of the Montessori method promotes inner discipline as it inspires a love of learning. Montessori schools typically have fewer behavioral issues because students work individually and are permitted to select work that interests them. We rarely have the challenge of trying to keep the attention of 20 preschoolers focused on a single teacher for more than a few minutes at a time. (And let's face it: boredom usually creates the need for teachers to intervene!)

Because we have a mixed age group, new students are helped by returning students to learn the ropes right from the start. Discipline develops naturally through the guidance of older students. The desire to imitate the positive behavior of a five-year-old is a strong influence on a three-year-old.

When occasional behavior challenges do arise, we handle them in an age-appropriate way with firm sensitivity. For instance, redirection may be an appropriate response to a 3-year old who is misbehaving. In a similar situation with a 5-year-old, the student may be asked to “sit out” until he or she gains self-control and is able to act appropriately, follow directions, or show respect for people and property. We NEVER engage in any physical punishment or shaming! We stress consideration for people and property, helping the children absorb the rules and our values right from the start. Our ultimate goal is always for the student to love learning and to love being in school! We make certain that the rules are clear and consequences fair and consistent, but you'll usually see us give a hug and a smile when the situation is resolved. A description of the Montessori teacher we enjoy is “firm on the outside, soft on the inside.”