How would you describe your educational philosophy for preschool-age children? Through our BeeCurious proprietary curricu- lum, we believe children learn best through play-based, experiential learning. Our philosophy emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional development alongside foundational academic skills. We nurture independence and confidence by creating a safe, supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore. What should parents know about your teachers and classroom environment? Our teachers are highly trained, passionate educators who prioritize building strong relationships with each child. Classrooms are warm, inviting, and intentionally designed to spark curiosity and foster collaboration. How do teachers partner with parents throughout the years? We view families as essential partners in their child’s education. Educators provide regular updates through conferences, newsletters, and digital communication app, Connect. We encourage open communication and invite families to participate in classroom activities and events, creating a strong home-school connection.
teachers, fellow students, and get an under- standing of their next step in their Montessori three-year cycle. It helps our students who are transitioning to a new division feel more confident and comfortable when they come back to school in the fall. It is heartwarming to witness our older students welcome their younger classmates into their new division on Move Up Day! If you could describe your school in three words, what would they be? Welcoming, Nurturing, Joyful
All levels at Mercy host family education nights that either feature our well-creden- tialed teachers sharing curriculum updates and Montessori insights, or can also include external speakers and subject matter experts. Caregiver/Child work days are integral in our educational philosophy. Parents/caregivers are invited to school to participate in works with their students. This fosters a sense of pride within the student as they demonstrate their growth and learning and also builds community and rapport between teachers and the classroom community.
What are 1-3 events you have every year that families and children look forward to?
How do you support children with different learning styles or developmental needs?
Preprimary Parent/Caregiver Observation Days (Throughout the Year): Our youngest students look forward to welcoming their parent/caregiver to the classroom. These ob- servations empower our youngest students as they welcome and introduce their guests, offer them a refreshment, and take great pride in showcasing their classroom work. Grandfriends/Grandparents Days (November): Grandparents or loved ones visit the school to enjoy food, crafts, con- versation, photos, and activities with their grandchild or special person. The children love introducing their Grandfriends to teachers and friends and feel important as they lead their guests around our school campus. Play Day (May): Play Day is our end of school year celebration hosted by the Mercy Montessori Family Association. The event takes place on the second to last day of school. It is a carnival-like atmosphere with games, treats, crafts, and activities (bounce house, face painting, etc.). Each student gets to tie-dye a Play Day t-shirt to wear that day and take home as a memento. This event is so fun that even our alumni come back to join in! Our alumni lounge provides a space where former students can catch up with friends and teachers. The day ends in a fun tug-of-war event for students and alumni. It is a great send off to summer and the perfect event to make lasting Mercy memories! BRIGHTPATH CINCINNATI What does a typical day look like for a child in your program? A typical day is designed to balance structure and exploration. Children start with a warm welcome and classroom greetings, followed by hands-on learning activities in literacy, math, and creative arts. Outdoor play and movement are built-in daily, along with time for social interaction and imaginative play. Meals and rest periods provide comfort and routine, while enrichment activities like music or STEM keep the day engaging.
Our Montessori classroom environment is perfect for students with different learning styles. The individualized nature of assign- ments and the small-group direct instruction and guidance from the teachers support students in their independent work as they navigate their learning journey. For students with identified special needs, Mercy has an embedded intervention pro- gram which is primarily implemented via the Jon Peterson scholarship program. We also are partnered with Catalyst Coun- seling, and have an on-site mental health provider two-days a week. How do you help children prepare for the transition to kindergarten? At Mercy, the transition to Kindergarten is fairly seamless. The Montessori three-year cycle provides students with a consistent environment as they move from PK to Kin- dergarten in the same classroom setting and with the same teachers and peers. Our Kindergarten program is a full-day program which allows for rich and individu- alized academic instruction throughout the day. In addition, during the morning hours, the presence of younger students in the classroom provides opportunities for lead- ership development. Each year the students gain more confidence and independence so that when they are in Kindergarten they are capable of helping younger students in their class. A simple and precious example of this is our Kindergarten coat helpers who help our youngest students with their jackets at dismissal (See post). This small act of kind- ness reflects our mission to nurture children and creates meaningful opportunities for our students to grow into joyful, contributing members of our community. In May of each year we also host a “Move- Up Day” where students in grades K, 3, and 6 move up to the next division to meet the
How do you support children with different learning styles or developmental needs?
Our approach is inclusive and individualized. Educators observe and assess each child’s interests, strengths and needs, then adapt activities to support various learning styles. We collaborate with specialists, the education team and outside supportive resources when needed and maintain open communication with families to ensure every child thrives. How do you help children prepare for the transition to kindergarten? We focus on building both academic read- iness and social-emotional skills. Children practice early literacy and math concepts, develop problem-solving abilities, and learn routines that mirror kindergarten expec- tations. We also emphasize confidence, independence, and self-regulation to ensure a smooth transition. If you could describe your school in three words, what would they be? Nurturing. Engaging. Inspiring What are 1-3 events you have every year that families and children look forward to? Special events vary by school location. It is best to contact your school’s Center Director for a Calendar of Events.
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