BASIS Charter Schools follow an accelerated curriculum that goes beyond what is typically taught at U.S. public schools, inspiring students to achieve at globally competitive levels. One of the great things about our schools is that teachers are given the autonomy to make each lesson their own. As a result, teachers bring their unique perspectives into the classroom, drawing from a variety of educational techniques.
Christine Anselmi, Director of Student Affairs at BASIS Scottsdale Primary East and former Humanities Subject Expert Teacher, spent two years teaching at a Montessori primary school in Bozeman, Montana. Her experience working at a Montessori school greatly influenced her teaching style, and she continued to incorporate Montessori principles in her classroom throughout her 16-year teaching career.
Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, the Montessori Method is an educational approach that focuses on child-led, self-paced activities.
Like BASIS Charter Schools, Montessori schools are an alternative option to traditional public schools. Read on to hear Ms. Anselmi’s perspective on how the BASIS Charter School Curriculum compares to the Montessori Method.
Similarities between BASIS and Montessori
At a Montessori school, students are able to choose their own activities and work at their own pace. BASIS Charter Schools are more structured, with students moving from classroom to classroom starting in grade 1. However, both schools share the belief that children should be active participants in their own learning. “Both educational systems have a great deal of respect for their students,” says Anselmi.
BASIS Charter Schools and Montessori schools both place a strong emphasis on helping children become confident, independent learners. Whether your child attends a BASIS Charter School or a Montessori school, you can expect:
- A strong focus on self-advocacy and independence
- A supportive and nurturing learning environment
- Hands-on, interactive activities
- Collaboration and teamwork amongst students
- Individualized support for each student
- Opportunities for students to pursue their individual interests
“At BASIS Charter Schools, we provide differentiated instruction at every grade level. As teachers, we tailor our lessons to meet the needs of our specific students. This approach is similar to Montessori, in which teachers act as facilitators for child-led activities,” says Anselmi.
Similar to how children at Montessori schools are given freedom to choose different activities, the BASIS Charter School Curriculum is designed to cater to students’ unique interests and skill sets. We offer a wide array of courses, with subjects like Mandarin and Engineering starting as early as kindergarten. The well-rounded nature of our curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity and helps students discover new interests. Students can take their passions a step further with our after-school extracurriculars. Each of our campuses develops their own clubs based on the interests of their student population.
Differences between BASIS and Montessori
While there is some overlap between the philosophies of BASIS Charter Schools and Montessori schools, the day-to-day student experience varies quite a bit. Here are some things that set BASIS Charter Schools apart from Montessori schools:
- Increased focus on academic outcomes
- Teachers help students set and achieve long-term goals
- Emphasis on success skills such as time management, note taking and study skills
- Teachers are experts in their subject matter and often hold advanced degrees
- Students follow a structured schedule, with specific classes each day
- Homework is assigned nightly
- Students are tested frequently, allowing teachers to monitor their progress
“BASIS Charter Schools are outcome-driven in a way that Montessori schools may not be,” explains Anselmi. “We encourage our students to set goals for their future, and we work closely with our students to make sure they are able to achieve their higher education and career goals.”
Another notable difference is the grades served. While there are some middle schools and high schools that follow the Montessori Method, it is much more common to find Montessori schools at the preschool or primary school level. In contrast, BASIS Charter Schools provide a full K–12 education. We developed our primary school curriculum with high school in mind. Our focus on foundational skills and subject mastery in the lower grades ensures that our students can be successful when they enter our rigorous high school program.
Incorporating the Montessori Method into the BASIS classroom
Ms. Anselmi says that the Montessori Method has been instrumental in developing her teaching style. “I’ve seen firsthand how child-led learning can lead to incredible results. When I was teaching at BASIS, I often gave students the choice of learning independently or in small groups. I acted as a facilitator, challenging students to think more deeply about the content.”
Anselmi notes that within any classroom, students will have a range of different learning styles. “Even if students are studying the same material, they may have different ways of processing the information,” says Anselmi. “One thing I loved doing in my classroom was providing multiple options for assignments, allowing students to choose an option that aligned with their learning style and interests. Some students might choose to create an art project on the topic, while other students might write an essay or give a presentation aloud to the class.”
Tips for transitioning from a Montessori school to BASIS Charter Schools
BASIS Charter Schools can be an excellent next step for students who attended a Montessori preschool or primary school. “BASIS has high expectations of students, as do Montessori schools,” says Anselmi. “Both types of schools teach students to be self-sufficient, focused and capable.”
New students at BASIS Charter Schools are quickly welcomed into our community. Every campus has a dedicated Student Affairs team that works with students to support their academic and socioemotional needs. “A strong connection between parents and teachers is also helpful for ensuring your child has a smooth transition,” says Anselmi. “We work as a team with families to help our students meet their highest potential. So if you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers!”
Ms. Anselmi urges current Montessori parents not to be intimidated by the structured, rigorous nature of the BASIS Charter School Curriculum. “The fast pace of our curriculum is offset by differentiated instruction and our high level of student support,” she says. “If you’re looking for a school that shares some of the same philosophies as Montessori but focuses more on higher education goals, BASIS could be a great fit for your family.”
For a firsthand look at our vibrant school culture and innovative curriculum, we encourage you to find a BASIS Charter School near you and schedule a school tour. Going on a school tour allows you to meet teachers and staff, become familiar with our campus, and ask questions. We look forward to meeting you!
