New Student Orientation
It is the goal of MCHD that all new students become comfortable in their new surroundings as soon as possible, and that this transition is as gentle and supportive as possible. In the tradition of Montessori education, we believe in preparation of the child for new experiences and tasks.

Preschool and Extended Day
Just prior to the first week of orientation, your child’s teacher will call to set up an appointment for an individual meeting with you and your child in the classroom. This half-hour visit presents a chance for your child to see the classroom, meet his or her teachers one on one, while parents are still present. The objective is to make that initial introduction in a quiet, calm atmosphere, without simultaneously separating from parents.

During the following two weeks, new students come for a short morning, from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. With only new students in attendance, class size is about 7-8 students, enabling the two teachers to give lots of attention to each child. The room is quiet and calm, and children get settled into knowing where the bathroom is, coming to group time for a short song and brief lesson, and how to engage in the cycle of work activity.

The second week of orientation returning students arrive for the second half of the morning, after the new students have gone home or to Little House. This gives those older children a chance to renew their friendships after a long summer, and settle back into classroom routines.

Finally the class is joined together for the regular full morning schedule, traditionally the day after Labor Day. Remarkably, the new students have already bonded with their teachers and their community, and by then most feel they have found a new home and friends. The teachers continue to give focused attention to the children who are still in process with entering a new environment.

Children entering MCHD as new students at the Extended Day level will attend with other new students during Orientation Week 1, and with returning students (more their age peers) during Orientation Week 2.

Pre-Three
For students 18 to 3 years old entering this class, the teacher will arrange a home visit prior to the start of school, in order to make the child’s acquaintance in a familiar and safe environment.

New students will come to school for the first two or more weeks on a shortened schedule. The first day is "Visiting Day" and a parent or trusted other caregiver accompanies the child into the classroom. On this day, children have the freedom to explore their new school environment with a loved one present to provide reassurance as needed and to act as a beacon of familiarity to which the child can return until the teachers and the environment itself are familiar. Subsequently, the parent or caregiver stays close by but out of sight, in case the child is having a markedly difficult time adjusting, until the child is ready for independence.

Elementary
All first and fourth graders, and any elementary student new to MCHD in any grade, will attend a week or so of half-day orientation before returning students join them for the start of the regular schedule.