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           The Montessori school was founded in 1956. It was running in Kalamaki until 1960 and later in Patissia. Since September 1976 it is running in Tatoi-Varibobi.

          The Montessori school has received the authorization of the Ministry of Education to run according to the Montessori method. It also employs all teaching aids and material for both Primary and Nursery school, which are (were) produced in special factories in Europe.

It is directed by Mr. A. Zachopoulo and Ms. Zachopoulou, who have both completed their post graduate studies abroad in order to succeed the best application of the Montessori system in Greece. Children of 2 1/2 up to 12 years of age are accepted in the school.

The teaching staff is carefully selected, specifically trained and directed by the Principals of the school so that a united formula is followed in children's Culture and Education.

Our School is approved by the Association Montessori International (A.M.I). (International organization of promotion and supervision of the Montessori system). It is also the representative of this organization in our country. It is informed by the scientific forms which are distributed in all Montessori schools in the World by the A.M.I. It also attends relative conferences and seminars.

It follows the Montessori principle
a) adjustment in development
b) avoidance of huge school buildings that are not suitable for young ages.
 

           Our school has permitted places. Schools of 1000 or 2000 children are not easily controlled since it is impossible for the directors of the school, who are responsible of the student's progress, to know and relate with every student individually and deal with their different problems, in order to direct the teaching staff.

Our school follows the Montessori system and works according to the principles of schools of projects.

The teaching aids used have considered the scientific way of consolidation of knowledge. Everyday during the first two hours, children work with the material individually or in small groups. They are given the opportunity to fully comprehend what the teacher has taught them, and they also solve all their problems by themselves. As a result, they achieve to organise their perception. Through material, children are given the opportunity to practice and also to correct themselves.

This is considered to be one of the major differences of the Montessori method of teaching, in contrast with those applied in ordinary schools. (Kindergardens - Nursery schools).


The program of Nursery school includes exercises with the Montessori teaching aids such as sensorial exercises, practical life exercises as well as rhythmic, gymnastics and music according to the principles of Dalcroze and Orff. The exercises of practical life help the children become capable and independent people. A program of looking after animals and plants is also applied, as well as a program of creativity for the development of fundamental culture (painting art & craft) and entertainment (puppet show, games, tales, dancing and singing). Once the child shows that it has overcome all the above mentioned needs and has abilities and willingness to carry on, numbers and letters are demonstrated to it and deals with them as long as it wishes without external pressure.
 

Primary school

Our students manage to exceed the national Curriculum of Ministry of Education Toleration with the help of teaching aids and special material, which they use either individually or in-groups. Each child may occupy with any subject as long as it needs to, or it can concentrate on subjects that attract his interest. The teacher's role is to help and guide them firmly.

The subjects, taught in primary school, are:
a) English
b) Music (instrument & rudiments of music with application in children's orchestra - Orff system)
c) Rhythmic - gymnastics for boys and girls according to the principles of Dalcroze for physical exercise, mental development (concentration, readiness, inner discipline spiritual freedom). 3 visits at least during the academic year (cultural - archaeological).

Music

The subject of music is considered to be of a very advanced level similar to the level that music schools have. Children play the recorder by reading notes. As years go by, the musical pieces have progressive difficulty, so, when they reach more advanced classes, they are able to play instrumental classical pieces.

Our advanced orchestra has performed concerts, not only in several greek cities but in Europe as well (Holland where it was rewarded, Munich, Lozanne, Geneve, Stockholm, Brussels, Luxemburg, Rome). Nursery school children are also prepared for musical culture through certain exercises.

Afternoon

The students from the second up to the sixth grade may stay at school until 4 o'clock, in order to study their homework or occupy themselves with specific subjects, sports and games.

During the afternoon children do most of their work at school so they have only little left to finish at home. Apart from doing their homework for the following day, they also occupy themselves with computer studies, Greek traditional dances, Italian language, gymnastics, basketball and volleyball, as we consider all of them essential for their studies. If parents wish their children to return home in the afternoon, there is no objection to that, as all main subjects are taught before two o'clock, during the morning schedule. Usually children of nursery and first grade leave school at 2:00 pm.

The school can also provide full lunch to the students who wish to eat in its dining room. Parents may also give their children packed lunch from home and are supervised while they are eating in the refectory of the school.

The student's transportation is done with school buses with the attendance of experienced staff.