About

FAQs

Montessori

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Why Montessori?

    Montessori is an educational philosophy which focuses on supporting the needs of the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. 

    In the Montessori classroom, learning goes beyond academics. Children develop independence, empathy, and a deep respect for others and the world around them. With hands-on materials and a focus on the planes of child development, Montessori fosters joyful, purposeful learning that lasts a lifetime.

    At its core, Montessori is about helping children grow into confident, compassionate individuals who are equipped to contribute to a more peaceful, connected world.

  • Q. Why do Montessori schools have multi-age classrooms?

    Multi-age classrooms are a defining part of Montessori education. Students spend several years in the same classroom community, learning alongside children both younger and older than they are.

    Younger students have the opportunity to observe more experienced classmates, while older students reinforce their own understanding by modeling, helping, and leading. Over time, every child experiences what it means to be both a learner and a leader.

    At Starwood, our mixed-age programs are:
    • Toddler - 18 months-3 years
    • Primary - 3-6 years
    • Lower Elementary - 6-9 years
    • Upper Elementary - 9-12 years
    • Middle School - 12-14 years
    The final year of each program is a particularly meaningful time of leadership and responsibility. In kindergarten for primary, third-grade for lower elementary, sixth-grade for upper elementary, and eighth grade for middle school, students participate in capstone-year experiences that allow them to more deeply apply what they have learned, contribute to their classrooms, and serve as leaders in the school community.

  • Q. How are Montessori schools different from traditional schools?

    Montessori is designed around how children naturally learn: through movement, exploration, repetition, meaningful choice, and hands-on experience.

    Rather than moving every student through the same lesson at the same time, Montessori classrooms allow children to work at a pace that reflects their individual readiness, with guidance from a trained Montessori educator. Students spend several years in a multi-age classroom community, giving them time to develop deep relationships, become increasingly independent, and take on leadership as they grow.

    The environment itself is also intentional. Montessori classrooms are orderly, beautiful, and designed for the children they serve, with materials that invite exploration and encourage independence. Lessons are introduced thoughtfully, then followed by opportunities for students to practice, revisit, and make connections.

    The result is an education that develops strong academic foundations while also nurturing curiosity, focus, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

  • Q. What does a Montessori classroom actually look like?

    A Montessori classroom may look different from a traditional classroom because students are not all expected to be doing the same thing at the same time. During a work period, a guide may be giving a lesson to one student or a small group while other students work independently, collaborate with classmates, or pursue an area of interest.

    Students move independently throughout the classroom, with the freedom to choose their work, decide whether to work independently or collaboratively, and select an appropriate space to work, whether at a table or on the floor.

  • Q. Do Montessori guides follow a curriculum?

    Yes. Montessori guides follow a thoughtfully designed curriculum that covers core academic subjects such as mathematics, science, language, geography, and history, along with practical life and social development. 

    Montessori follows a spiral curriculum, meaning students return to concepts and materials throughout their education, each time exploring them at a deeper and more complex level. New learning builds on what students have already experienced, helping them make connections across subjects and understand ideas in increasingly sophisticated ways. A concept first introduced through hands-on, concrete materials in Primary may later be revisited through more abstract thinking in Upper Elementary, allowing students to deepen their understanding as they develop.

    At Starwood, each program's curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced across the three-year cycle. Students have flexibility within those three years to develop skills and understanding at an appropriate pace, while guides use careful observation, lesson records, and ongoing assessment to ensure each child is progressing through the curriculum.

  • Q. How do Montessori students get a balanced education if they choose their work?

    A common misconception is that Montessori is entirely child-led. Children do choose their work, and they feel ownership of their learning by design. But those choices happen within a carefully planned structure that makes sure every child moves through all areas of the curriculum.

    Choice within clear limits. Freedom in a Montessori classroom comes with responsibility. The prepared environment holds materials chosen to match each child's developmental stage, so whatever a child picks up is purposeful work. Guides also limit options on purpose. Too many choices can overwhelm a child, while a manageable set lets children make decisions confidently and grow from them.

    Lessons sequenced by the guide. Behind the scenes, guides follow a deliberate scope and sequence across every subject area. New concepts are introduced through clear, step-by-step lessons, given one-on-one or in small groups. Each lesson is timed to the child's readiness and builds on what they've already mastered. Children practice first with the guide's support and feedback. Then they practice on their own.

    Hands-on practice that makes learning stick. After a lesson, children return to the materials again and again. They count, build, measure, and experiment until the concept is truly theirs. Because they learn through touch and experience, their understanding goes deeper and lasts longer. They also build persistence, problem-solving, and collaboration along the way.

    Daily observation keeps things balanced. Guides closely observe and track each child's progress. When a child gravitates heavily toward one area, the guide notices. They gently steer the child toward work in other areas, such as a new math lesson or a language activity that connects to the child's interests. Over time, each child engages with the full curriculum: academic, practical life, and social-emotional.

    The result: independence and accountability together. In effect, every child has an individualized learning plan built into the classroom. Children learn to manage their time, follow their curiosity, and trust their own judgment. Their guide makes sure no part of their education is missed. They graduate as confident, self-motivated learners who know both the joy of discovery and the security of guidance.

  • Q. Isn’t Montessori just a preschool?

    Montessori education is designed to serve children from birth through adolescence. While Montessori is often associated with preschool and early childhood, the approach evolves as children develop. In Elementary, students move from concrete experiences toward more abstract thinking, collaborate more extensively with peers, and pursue increasingly complex questions. In Middle School, the emphasis expands to include greater independence, intellectual exploration, leadership, service, and preparation for the world beyond school.

  • Q. Are Montessori schools as academically rigorous as traditional schools?

    Yes. Montessori rigor comes not only from the breadth of topics covered, but from the depth of understanding students develop.

    Rather than simply memorizing information, students are encouraged to understand the concepts behind what they are learning, apply their knowledge in new situations, and make connections across subjects. Hands-on Montessori materials give students a foundation for moving toward increasingly complex and abstract thinking.

    Because students are given time to concentrate, revisit challenging concepts, and pursue ideas more deeply, academic learning is not limited to completing an assignment or demonstrating recall. Students are developing the knowledge, reasoning, and problem-solving skills needed to apply what they know in new situations.

  • Q. How do Montessori schools assess student progress?

    Observation is one of the Montessori guide's most important tools for understanding and assessing student progress. Guides observe students throughout the school day, maintain records of lessons and skills, and review student portfolios to understand both progress and areas where additional support may be needed.

    At Starwood, students in Elementary and Middle School also participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing three times each year to track progress in mathematics and language over the course of the school year.

    Teachers use these multiple sources of information to develop a complete picture of each student's learning. Student progress is shared with families through progress reports and MAP Testing scores (if applicable) during Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences twice each year.

  • Q. How do Montessori students transition to other schools?

    Montessori helps students develop skills that support them well beyond their years at Starwood, including time management, organization, self-direction, creative thinking, and the ability to approach challenges with resilience.

    Because Montessori students are accustomed to taking responsibility for their work, asking questions, managing their time, and working both independently and with others, they bring a strong foundation of learning skills with them when they transition to a new educational environment.

  • Q. Are you Montessori accredited?

    We are an American Montessori Society Verified School, with 100% of our administrators and classrooms having a Montessori credentialed guide at one or more levels.

Admissons

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What grades does Starwood Academy of Frisco offer?

    Starwood Academy of Frisco is Frisco's only high-fidelity Montessori school to offer families the opportunity to experience a complete Montessori journey from 18 months through the age of 14.
     
    Our programs include:
    • Toddler: 18 months-3 years old
    • Primary: 3-6 years old (Preschool, Kindergarten)
    • Lower Elementary: 6-9 years old (1st, 2nd, 3rd grade)
    • Upper Elementary: 9-12 years old (4th, 5th, 6th grade)
    • Middle School: 12-14 years old (7th, 8th grade)

  • Q. Do we bring in lunch/snacks?

    No, families do not bring in any lunch or snacks. At Starwood Academy of Frisco, our on-site commercial kitchen prepares meals fresh each day, offering students a variety of options inspired by diverse cuisines.
     
    We strive to accommodate dietary and health preferences, allowing most students to participate. There are procedures in place to alert parents and students of potential allergens in advance. 
     
    Daily snacks, like fresh-cut fruit, cheese and crackers and homemade baked goods, are a part of the students’ school life. Students do not bring any food from home.

  • Q. Are students required to wear uniforms?

    Yes, Risse Brothers Uniform Company is the only provider of uniforms for Starwood students. All uniform clothing items are available through their online store. There is a retail location in Addison for in-store shopping or pickup.

  • Q. How can I learn more?

    Inquire to learn more about why Starwood Academy of Frisco is the best school in Frisco for engaged, confident and curious children.

  • Q. What is the enrollment time period/deadline?

    Early Admission for the upcoming school year occurs in January. We consider prospective families for any remaining spaces on a rolling basis.

  • Q. Where do graduates of Starwood attend high school?

    Starwood Middle School students are accepted into a wide variety of high schools including public and private, independent schools, specialty centers, and IB programs. Some of these schools include:
    • Alcuin
    • Hebron High School
    • Jesuit
    • Laurel Springs High School
    • Legacy Christian Academy
    • Lone Star High School
    • Panther Creek High School
    • Reedy High School
    • Spring Creek Academy
    • The Westwood School

Academics

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. What is the student-teacher ratio and average class size?

    Our toddler classrooms have an average of 14 students with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

    In our primary (ages 3-6) through elementary and middle school programs (ages 6-14), classrooms average 20 to 24 students with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. 

  • Q. What is the daily student schedule and what are the school's hours?

    Starwood Academy is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    Toddler and Primary students may choose either half- or full-day enrollment on our five-day schedule. Half-day students attend school from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Full-day students attend school from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School students attend school from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Daily schedules vary by program and age level, but students spend their days in a consistent rhythm of Montessori work time, outdoor time, lunch, and either afternoon rest or supplemental classes. The timing and frequency of supplemental classes varies by program and age level.

  • Q. What course offerings are available to students?

    In addition to their high-fidelity Montessori curriculum, students at every level participate in supplemental classes. 

    Toddler - Movement
    Primary - Movement and Spanish
    Elementary - Spanish, Music, Fine Arts, and Athletic Development
    Middle School - Spanish, Music, Fine Arts, and Athletic Development

    Starwood also offers after-school classes and sports teams led by experienced instructors in the local community.

Safety

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. How does Starwood prioritize student safety?

    Student safety is a responsibility we take seriously every day. From secure campus access and emergency preparedness to health services and staff training, Starwood has systems in place to help keep students safe and ensure our team is prepared to respond when needed.

  • Q. How does Starwood prepare for emergencies?

    Starwood follows the I Love U Guys Foundation's Standard Response Protocols (SRP), a nationally recognized framework for responding to a variety of school emergencies. Throughout the school year, students and staff participate in emergency drills covering Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter procedures.

    We also conduct fire and severe weather drills throughout the school year. These exercises help students and staff become familiar with emergency procedures in a way that is appropriate for each age group.

    All staff receive safety and emergency preparedness training annually, and new employees are trained on Starwood's procedures when they join the school.

  • Q. How will families be notified in an emergency?

    Starwood has established communication procedures for keeping families informed during an emergency. The Communications Team manages schoolwide emergency communications, including email and text notifications.

  • Q. What health and medical resources are available on campus?

    Starwood has a Health Coordinator on campus throughout the school day who oversees the school clinic and manages student health needs, including medications, health records, and individual care plans.

    All Starwood staff members are CPR-trained. The campus is also equipped with an AED and a Stop the Bleed kit for emergency situations.

Aftercare, Extended Day, and Summer Programs

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Does the school offer extended day programs?

    Yes, we offer extended day programs as an extension of the Starwood experience. Our Extended Hours program allows students the ability to arrive as early as 7 a.m. and stay as late as 6 p.m.

    We also have multiple extracurricular vendors that hold afternoon classes on our campus for your convenience. No more driving to various practices after school! These activities include sports, STEAM, music, piano, violin, gymnastics, dance, cooking, Mandarin and chess.

  • Q. Does the school offer a summer program?

    Starwood Academy of Frisco is open year-round and offers an Expanded Learning program for students during the summer months. Expanded Learning is a continuation of the high-fidelity Montessori curriculum students receive during the traditional academic year. For more information, visit our Summer Program page.

Where to next?

CONTACT US

3443 Lebanon Rd. Frisco, Texas, 75034
Phone: (972) 885-8585

ABOUT

The Starwood Academy of Frisco's difference lies in our approach and dedication to the Montessori pedagogy, our deep community values, and the rich Montessori legacy brought forth by our school founder. 
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