Silver Sands Montessori Charter School
A Nevada School of Choice
SSMCS Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Charter School?
A Charter School is a public school that is allowed to run relatively autonomous of the existing public school system. Importantly, Charter Schools give parents alternative educational choice from the traditional system. The school operates under a charter, or contract, issued by a public entity such as a local school district or State Public Charter School Authority (SSMCS is sponsored by the SPCSA). In return for the school’s autonomy, the school is held to strict accountability of academic and financial performance, and meeting specified goals within its charter.
What is Montessori?
Each Montessori school is built upon the educational legacy of Dr. Maria Montessori and her influential work, which began nearly one hundred years ago. Since 1907, the year of her first school, children and adults have engaged in an approach to learning that addresses all aspects of growth: cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. In Montessori schools throughout the world, children develop the habits and skills of lifelong learning. Guided by teachers trained to observe and identify children'’s unique learning capabilities, children learn in educational partnership with their teachers. Because children'’s interests are heard and honored, Montessori students develop confidence and become self-directed. A powerful learning formula emerges as a result of this self-directed, self-initiated orientation to learning. When interested, a child becomes self-motivated. Self-motivation leads to becoming self-disciplined. When self-disciplined, a child engages in a process of mastery learning and fully develops his or her potential. Dr. Maria Montessori called this a '“normal'” approach to education.
We call this The Montessori Way. The Montessori Way refers to: the knowledge of how children naturally learn; a curriculum based on that knowledge designed for the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, three-to six- year-olds, elementary, middle, and secondary students; a method of instruction involving learning how to observe and how to develop learning environments in which teachers challenge each child to extend fully his or her unique style of learning; a profession; a school characterized by calm, orderly, focused, and respectful learning behaviors; and, a person named Maria Montessori.
Note: This essay is excerpted from The Montessori Way by Tim Seldin and Paul Epstein, copyright 2003 by The Montessori Foundation.
How much is school tuition?
Silver Sands is a tuition-free public charter school.
How old must my child be to enter Kindergarten?
State law requires that children be FIVE (5) years old on or before the first day of school. If the student was in pre-school, the requirement is FIVE (5) by August 1st.
Are students required to wear a uniform?
Uniforms are not required but there is a specific dress code. Please see our Student Handbook on dress code policies.
How do I start the application-registration process?
Please visit the Enrollment Section of our website for more information regarding registration and to obtain a student registration form.
What is the student/teacher ratio?
Classrooms typically have 30 students. One licensed teacher and one support teacher are present in each classroom.
Are there Before- and After-school programs?
A before and after school program is currently provided for our SSMCS families and will continue as long as there is enough interest in the program.
Does the school provide transportation service?
Unfortunately no, parents are to provide their own transportation to and from school.
Are you regulated by the State of Nevada and/or Clark County?
SIlver Sands Montessori Charter School is a state-sponsored charter school so must follow all state, county and city regulations.
What are the mandatory teacher credentials?
As a public school, all teachers are required to have a Nevada Teaching License. Montessori certification is a preferred qualification.
Is there a lunch program?
No. Students must bring their own healthy lunches from home, which need to be ready to eat from the lunch bag. Students can participate in “Panda Tuesdays” by pre-ordering and purchasing in the front office.