We provide a safe, nurturing, creative learning environment

Meet OMS

The Oaks Montessori School is dedicated to total quality education. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, creative learning environment for the whole person.

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Educational Programs

Primary and Kindergarten
3-6 years
Areas covered are Practical Life, Sensorial, Language Arts (beginning reading and primary grammar), Mathematics and Geometry, Botany and Zoology, Sciences, History and Geography, Music, Foreign Language, Cultural Arts, Visual Art, Movement Education, and Peace Education.

Elementary Programs
6-12 years
Everyday Living, Sensorial, Reading, Grammar, Penmanship, Creative Writing, Language Arts, Mathematics, Geometry, History, Geography, Botany, Biology, Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Foreign Language, Visual Art, Music, Dance, Physical Education, and Peace Education.

A Peek Inside OMS

"Montessori is the best method of schooling I have found for children to joyfully and effectively learn independence, responsibility, self discipline, leadership, strong academics and life time love of learning. I strongly suggest you visit a Montessori school to observe a classroom and see the light in the children’s eyes. "


History
In 1977, Teri Bickham, began to carry on the legacy in Hammond. Since then she expanded the Montessori programs on the northshore by founding Oaks Montessori School.

Accreditations
Louisiana Montessori Association Accreditation
Louisiana Bureau of Elementary and Secondary Education - Accredited and Approved
Montessori World Educational Institute – Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Unique
The only non-public Montessori school in Tangipahoa Parish meeting the needs of students primary through elementary school

Although the majority of Montessori schools in the United States are pre-schools, Montessori programs exist for children from birth through the age of eighteen. Oaks Montessori School offers a program for children ages 3 through 12.

The hands-on methods used in Montessori classrooms are highly effective with children of varying intellectual levels and learning styles.  Children work at their own pace, with the teacher directing them through self-guided learning.

Each classroom environment follows a Montessori curriculum. Montessori is based on the principle of free choice of purposeful activity. The children learn at a young age that with freedom, comes responsibility.

This is Dr. Montessori's concept that the classroom environment can be designed to facilitate maximum independent learning and exploration by the children. In the prepared environment, there is a variety of activity as well as a great deal of movement. Children may be working individually, or in small groups-choosing activities at their own pace. Their developmental needs are being met as they experience a blend of freedom and self-discipline.

Grades are not given in Montessori schools instead, the teacher makes direct observations of the child's performance to determine his mastery of the subject. Parents are invited to make classroom observations throughout the year, especially prior to a Parent-Teacher conference. Although the conferences are held in October and February, meetings with the teacher are encouraged throughout the year. A written progress report is sent home in January and May for the Primary children, and in October, January, March, and May for the Elementary children.

Montessori children are unusually adaptable. They have had experiences working independently as well as in groups. They are encouraged to make decisions at an early age, which helps them to problem-solve, make choices on their own, and manage their time well. One predictor of future success is having a sense of self-esteem. The Montessori program is based on self-directed, non-competitive activities, which helps children develop a strong self-image and confidence to face challenges and change with optimism.