The Canutillo Independent School District on Wednesday announced the launch Montessori in Canutillo — the El Paso region’s first public Montessori program at Gonzalo & Sofia Garcia Elementary School.
Starting on Sept. 19, CISD will offer free full-day and dual-language pre-kinder classes for 3 year-olds using the innovative Montessori Method that allows children to learn at their own pace using self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play that relies on auto-education rather than traditional lesson plans.
The five key principles of the Montessori method are:
- Respect for the child
- The absorbent mind
- Sensitive learning periods
- The prepared learning environment
- Auto-education
The program is one more tool Canutillo ISD is using to make sure students reach their academic goals.
“Public education is all about options for learning, and Canutillo keeps leading the way in offering families different styles of learning,” said Superintendent Dr. Pedro Galaviz. “Montessori Pre-K is a wonderful addition to our large portfolio of academic programs. I know our kids will be able to thrive as they continue to take advantage of our opportunities.”
Montessori in Canutillo ISD is open to any child that will be 3 years old during the 2022-23 school year. While preference will be given to families who live within the CISD boundary lines, spots may be open to students who live elsewhere in El Paso County.
Students will be considered based on their vocabulary development, and children who enroll must be able to dress themselves and be potty trained. The program will welcome 11 students this school year and add a grade each year until the fifth-grade.
An open house for interested parents is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Garcia Elementary. For more information, please contact Garcia Elementary at 915-877-1200 or [email protected].