Early Learning Center Q&A
MERCY MONTESSORI What does a typical day look like for a child in your program? Students arrive in our carline between 8:10- 8:35 each morning and are warmly greeted by a staff member who opens the door and helps each child get out of the car and guides them into the building. Children in the prep- rimary classes wait, as a group, with a teacher and then head directly out to the playground to start the day. At 9:00, the students line up with their classroom teachers, share a greeting and announcements, walk into the classroom for circle time, lessons, and then independent Montessori work time. Children in the prep- rimary classrooms also participate in specials during the day. Each child will have a Music & Movement, Gym and Library once a week. At 11:30 our pre-kindergarten students (3 and 4 year-olds) prepare for dismissal; either to carline, childcare, or swim. Children headed to carline will be escorted by their teachers and helped into the cars when their caregivers arrive. Children going to swim (every other week from October to May) will have a 45 minute swim lesson in our pool and afterwards will either attend child care or will be picked up by a caregiver. For our students who participate in child- care, they will finish their day in a Montes- sori-based child care environment. Their
day includes lunch, playtime, storytime, craft time, and an afternoon nap. Caregivers can pick up their children anytime between 11:45 and 5:45. How would you describe your educational philosophy for preschool-age children? Mercy Montessori nurtures the development of the whole child, providing a strong foun- dation for learning. Our community works to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school where all people feel a sense of belonging. We have a low student/teacher ratio in the Preprimary Division (12:1), ensur- ing that we know every child by name and can tailor an educational experience uniquely suited to each one. We are committed to the Montessori philosophy of teaching and also are a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and a member of Mercy Education. What should parents know about your teachers and classroom environment? Mercy follows the Montessori model of multi- age classrooms. Preprimary (ages 3-6, PK3-K), Lower Elementary (ages 6-9, grades 1-3), Upper Elementary (ages 9-12, grades 4-6), and Junior High (ages 12-14, grades 7-8). The classroom environment is the backbone of the Montessori curriculum. Our teachers are trained to present specific materials at the developmentally appropriate time and through the consistent repetition of the
materials, the students naturally carry infor- mation into their long term memory. There are many features of our classroom that make it a wonderful place to learn, day in and day out. More information about the prepared environment here If the prepared environment is the backbone, our teachers are the heartbeat! Mercy’s faculty and staff are dedicated, caring, and compassionate educators. All lead teachers are Montessori-credentialed, with two-thirds holding master’s degrees and most possess- ing additional advanced certifications. Our teachers are committed to nurturing our students and partnering with families on their educational journey. How do teachers partner with parents throughout the years? Teachers have many opportunities to con- nect and partner with our parent/caregiver community. Teachers communicate regularly (either through email or handouts/letters) with families in their class. In addition all families at Mercy Montessori receive a weekly school newsletter with information about events/activities, photos, and updates from the classrooms. Caregiver/Teacher Confer- ences are held at least once a year to discuss each child’s progress. Additionally, Mercy encourages all parents in the preprimary level to come in for a classroom observation annually. This is a chance to see their child at work during the day.
20 FEBRUARY 2026 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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