Dear parents,
Thank you for taking the time to participate and involve yourself with our school. Your children are our priority and we value your opinions and ideas. If at any point you have concerns or questions, then please don’t hesitate to contact the front office. We will be happy to find the answer or help out in any way possible.
In this section, you will find all of the latest news from the school, as well as the school calendar, important forms and links to each of our teacher’s classroom page. We do ask that parents create a user ID and password for their classroom page. We know, at times, having another password can be aggravating. However, we feel it is important to keep all classroom information, including pictures, field trip information and classroom schedules secure from the public eye. Thank you so much for understanding this policy.
Lastly, please read the following parent handbook that will help answer important questions you may have. We so appreciate your involvement, so please don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns!
Download the Family Handbook Here
Download the Pre-K Family Handbook Here
Enrollment & Applications
Open Enrollment for Geist Montessori Academy begins on Monday, January 16, 2024 and closes on Friday, March 1, 2024.
Miscellaneous Forms & Documents
Pay Fees 2023-2024 School Year
To pay your material fees online, please proceed to our online payment portal.
Pre-K: $110, due by October 1.
K-8th grade: $30/student Communications Fee, due by November 1.
We would greatly appreciate your financial support. Does your employer have a charitable gift matching program? Please consider asking your employer to match your donation to Geist Montessori Academy by contacting your Human Resources Department.
Geist Montessori Academy is a 501(c)3 non-profit and your donation may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal tax purposes.
The Grove- Before and After Care
Kayla Commons – Extended Care Coordinator
The program incorporates Montessori values. We have structured quiet time to focus on academics, movement time, and fun activities of all sorts. We provide an afternoon snack that includes fruit and a choice between yogurt, a cheese stick, or a granola bar. We do not supply a morning snack but you may bring your child a small snack for the morning time. Drop off is at 6:30 am and Pick Up is at 6 p.m.
FAQ
Q: Will the hours of operation stay the same throughout the school year?
A: Yes. We will operate from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Q: Who will be the caregivers and will they be consistent daily? Will staff have background checks completed?
A: Caregivers will be employees of GMA, so all necessary background checks and such will run through our office. Caregivers will be as consistent as possible, but there may be some fluctuation from time to time. One thing will not change – caregivers will be required to undergo background checks and complete training provided by GMA.
Q: How much will it cost? Hourly or weekly? Will rates increase mid-year?
A: The rate is similar to the YMCA and comparable to MV and HSE. It will be paid weekly, just like the YMCA. Rates will not increase during the school year. A one-time $30 per family registration fee will be paid at the time of initial enrollment.
Q: For students with allergies and medical conditions, how will the information be relayed to the caregivers?
A: This program will be managed by GMA, so it will be shared just like it is with our instructional staff.
Q: Will the caregivers be trained in emergency medication administration?
A: Yes. CPR and First Aid certification will be required.
Q: Will AM/PM snacks be provided?
A: Families can send in a morning snack or simple breakfast for their own children if they so desire. We will provide a pm snack of fruit and either string cheese, yogurt, or granola bar. Students will use their own water bottles.
Q: Structured schedule or free-for-all playtime?
A: Our program will be closely aligned with our Montessori philosophy and approach. There will be a structured schedule that includes time for free choice play. They will use our outdoor spaces and the gym during bad weather. There will be designated quiet time for reading/homework/study as well.
Q: What medium will be used for communications with parents/guardians?
A: We will set up a Remind group for those in the program. Email will also be utilized for whole-group communication.
Q: For half days and 2-hour delays, will care still be provided full days like the YMCA?
A: Yes – as long as it is feasible and safe for staff to come to school, we will provide care on delayed days and half days. We will also have an optional full-day program for families on days school is closed for weather – again, as long as it is feasible and safe for staff to travel to school. The full-day program will be limited to a small number of students, families will provide their own lunch and snacks, and it will require an additional fee to participate.
Q: How will parents sign up? Daily? Weekly?
A. Families will be required to register by noon on Friday for the following week’s program.