Program Highlights

-Purposeful learning spaces with flexible furniture

-Areas for collaborative learning and independent study

-Inspiration, imagination, and creativity

-Open concept to allow for movement

-Individualized learning portfolios

-Social-Emotional learning

Welcome Upstairs!

We would like to welcome all new and returning families to Beach Cities Montessori K-1st program. We are excited for our new journey together. As parents, you play an invaluable role in your child’s education. Working together will help ensure that we have a positive and productive year.

Our Teachers

Miss Michelle

I’m Miss Michelle and I’m one of the Kindergarten teachers here at BCM. My love for working with children began at an early age. I have been in the childcare/education field for 30+ years. From babysitting, being a nanny, toddler teacher, mom of 3 boys, preschool teacher, to now a kindergarten teacher.While studying early childhood education in college I observed a Montessori classroom. However, it wasn’t until I was an assistant with Miss Traci at a school in Manhattan Beach, that I fell in love with the Montessori method.

My favorite Maria Montessori quote:

“What the hand does, the mind remembers.” This resonates with me so much due to my own, and one of my sons learning struggles.

Allowing the children to learn at their own pace, learn through watching others, learn by doing, are just a few of the reasons that I love the Montessori method so much.

Being a part of, and witnessing a child’s educational journey is extremely rewarding. I am honored to be a teacher at Beach Cities Montessori School.

Hello, my name is Sidney Doucette! I have my Elementary Education degree from Western Governors University, I’ll be going into my second year of teaching elementary school. I love working with students and creating a safe and fun environment where the students can build a love for learning. I’ve always felt that being a teacher is what I was meant to do, my biggest strengths are my compassion and love that I bring into the classroom. I put a lot of importance on mental health and guiding the students to be the best version of themselves. I also believe that making the classroom fun is crucial in keeping the students engaged in the lesson. I look forward to getting to know students and having a great school year together.

Here’s a little info about me 😃 I was born and raised in Virginia and have been in California for 4 years. I’ve been married for 5 years and I have a 2 year old son, Oliver and a dog named Piper. In my free time I enjoy exploring the area with my family and going to Disneyland!

Curriculum

UPSTAIRS KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Kindergarten is a time of great maturity and growth! Children at this age take their place more firmly in the classroom and Montessori spends years building up to this moment. Students are provided the opportunity to develop their leadership qualities, grow confident in their knowledge, and be actively engaged throughout the school day.

Directed subjects
Schedule with transitioning
Single age (5 and 6 year olds)
Active seating
15-18 students (smaller class sizes)
Reading curriculum
Math curriculum (practical and conceptual)
Balanced literacy curriculum
Social studies curriculum
Science curriculum
Art
Spanish
Music
Collaboration and self directed learning is encouraged
Develop love of learning while motivating and introducing challenging work when needed
Differentiated grouping
School-provided snack

1ST GRADE PROGRAM

Our BCM 1st grade program strives to provide a seamless progressive curriculum incorporating the Montessori techniques with Common Core standards that focus on individual advancement. Our goal is to provide a learning environment that meets the needs of all learners. We provide active seating arrangements, balanced literacy, project-based learning, guided reading groups, literature studies, social studies, science, math, social-emotional learning, and extracurricular activities. Students will exit ready for their future academic pursuits.

15 students (smaller class sizes)
Reading curriculum (Superkids Program)
Math curriculum
Balanced literacy curriculum
Social studies curriculum
Science curriculum
Literature studies
Art
"Maker Space Room" for creative learning
Music
Spanish
School-provided snack