Announcing Full-Day Programming at Aidan for 2020-2021

Updated: November 4, 2019

Please note the following update regarding half-day programming for Primary children: 

Currently enrolled children who are entering Primary for their first year may opt for half-day programming through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. After the 2020-2021 school year, half-day programming will no longer be offered in the Primary Program. Children enrolled in our Toddler Program will still have the option of half-day or full-day beginning in 2020-2021 and beyond. 

At Aidan Montessori School, we are always looking at the school through the filter of, “What is in the best interests of the children?” Therefore, it is with great pleasure and fanfare that we announce, that beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, there will be Full-day programming for our Toddler and Primary children.

The school day for both groups will end at 3:00 PM. At the Toddler level, morning programming will continue to be offered with Full-day being optional. All children enrolled in the Primary program will stay for the Full-day; and, they will have the option to join ASP at dismissal, up until 6:00 PM. Toddlers’ days will end at 3:00 PM; ASP will not be available to them.

We believe that full-day programming is best for our children for a number of reasons. First, the Full-day enables them to double their Montessori experience, giving them more time for lessons, for repeating those lessons, and consequently solidifying and deepening their understanding. Second, staying in the same classroom with the same cohort of peers enables them to benefit from fewer transitions and fewer changes in adults with whom they interact, thus minimizing those social and emotional adjustments. Finally, being fully immersed in Full-day Montessori at the youngest ages sets our children up for success as they move into our elementary program, allowing them time to meet developmental milestones under the guidance of a Montessori expert. 

Much thought, discussion, and research went into this decision. We still have much work to do in order to implement this program. Please know that the Lower School team will be working together throughout this year to make sure that we have all the pieces in place to greet our Full-day children next year with the excellence that you all expect from Aidan Montessori School.

 If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Merkel, Director of Education and Head of the Lower School.