General Information

• Does Countryside offer before and after school day care?
• Is hot lunch offered?
• Can I observe my child in class?
• Do you have any resources to help new parents?
• What is the difference between a 'private' school and an 'independent' school?
• What is the difference between non-profit and not-for-profit?
• Is financial assistance offered?
• Are enrichment opportunities offered?

Does Countryside offer before and after school day care?

The All Day Montessori and All Year Montessori option is available for those needing a place for their children to stay until 5:30pm.

All Day differs from All Year in that All Day does not include Holidays or Summer (when some working parents are able to make care arrangements more easily and wish to hold costs down). Read more here.

Is hot lunch offered?

Countryside has a nutritious, prepared on-the-premises, hot lunch program for children in the Extended Day Primary, All-Day/All-Year and Elementary Programs. Families may select Hot Lunch from one to five days per week.

Can I observe my child in class?

Parents are encouraged to observe classes and may do so by making an appointment through the school office.

Parents may drop in at any time to assure themselves of a safe environment for their children. At such times, they are required to stop at the school office first.

Do you have any resources to help new parents?

Countryside offers parent education classes throughout the year on various topics. The school offers an informational "Montessori in the Home" presentation; facilitates a weekly book discussion based on the book: "Children: the Challenge", by Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs; has teachers and administrative personnel available by phone and/or email every day; and provides many evening parent education opportunities. Read more here.

For new parents, a parent/infant class is offered once a week.

Find more parent resources here.

What's the difference between a 'private' school and an 'independent' school?

Both private and independent schools are non-public schools. In other words they are schools which are funded by their own resources, not by tax dollars.

The subtle distinction between a private and an independent school has to do with the legal structure of each. An independent school has a truly independent board of governors or trustees. A private school can theoretically be part of another entity such as a for profit corporation or a not for profit organization such as a church or synagogue.

Countryside is an independent, non-profit school governed by an independent board. Read article: Why Choose an Independent School.

Is financial assistance offered?

The school offers Financial Assistance to families who could otherwise not afford to send their children to Countryside. Read more here.

Are enrichment opportunities offered?

After school enrichment classes are offered throughout the school year for various age groups. Read more here.

Can't find an answer to your question? Please feel free to call us. We would love to hear from you.