FAQs

General / Structure

Q: Is Growing Minds Montessori Academy a licensed school?

A: We are a K–2 focused Montessori learning center currently operating as a structured learning environment while we prepare for licensure as a private school. Our academy is made up of four distinct part-time enrichment programs designed to support elementary academic growth, early childhood development, and Russian language learning.

Across all programs, we provide small-group instruction with individualized support in a calm, structured environment. In our K–2 Academic Enrichment Program, children develop foundational skills in reading (literacy), writing, and math through hands-on Montessori materials and guided learning experiences.

Q: Is this a full-time school program?

A: No. Growing Minds Montessori Academy offers part-time enrichment programs only and is not a full-time school. Our programs are designed to supplement a child’s learning through focused academic instruction, early childhood development, and language enrichment in a small-group Montessori-inspired environment.

Families who participate in our programs typically remain enrolled in a licensed school program or home-based education, depending on the program requirements.

We do not replace full-time schooling, but instead provide meaningful, targeted learning experiences that support a child’s overall educational journey.

Q: Is this a drop-in tutoring center or traditional learning center? What is the time commitment, and will my child be doing worksheets?

A: We are not a drop-in tutoring program. Students enroll in a consistent weekly schedule to support meaningful progress, routine, and continuity in learning. Programs run on set days and times depending on the enrolled track.

We are also not a traditional worksheet-based learning center. Instead, learning is hands-on, concrete, and Montessori-based, using purposeful materials that help children develop understanding before moving into abstract work.

Q: What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

A: Our student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1. This intentionally small group size allows us to provide highly individualized attention to each child while still supporting meaningful peer interaction and community learning.

Q: Do children have to enroll in all programs?

A: No. Families may enroll in one or more program based on their child’s needs.

Q: Do you offer financial assistance?

A: At this time, as a Montessori learning center, we are not able to offer formal financial assistance. We hope to be able to provide this option in the future once we are fully licensed as a school.

In the meantime, we are always happy to speak with families to discuss program options and help determine the best possible fit for their needs. We value accessibility and will do our best to offer guidance and clarity during the enrollment process.

Q. Are you a Christian organization?

A: We are not a Christian school; however, we are do cultivate a Christian learning environment. Our program includes daily Bible reading and prayer time as part of our routine. In addition to structured morning circle Bible time, faith naturally carries throughout the day through conversations, questions, and teachable moments as they arise in the classroom.

We aim to create an environment where children can freely reflect, ask questions, and connect Biblical principles to their everyday learning experiences in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

Academic Enrichment (K–2)

Q: What does this program include?

A: This program provides small group and individualized Montessori-based instruction in reading, writing, and math for early elementary learners who benefit from additional academic support or a more personalized approach.

Q: Who is this program for? Is it only for children who are behind, or also for those at or above grade level?

A: This program is designed to support a wide range of learners—including children who may need extra guidance in foundational skills such as reading and math, those working at grade level, and those who are ready for greater academic challenge. We focus on meeting each child where they are and helping them grow in confidence, independence, and skill through hands-on learning.

Q: I’m a homeschooling parent. Can I just do this at home myself?

A: We deeply respect the dedication and effort that homeschooling families put into their children’s learning—there is so much value in what you are already doing at home.

Some elements of this approach can absolutely be implemented in a home setting. However, our program offers a structured Montessori environment that is intentionally designed around mixed-age social learning, consistent daily routines, and a carefully sequenced curriculum that supports a natural progression of skills from ages 3 to 6.

Children benefit not only from the hands-on materials and individualized instruction, but also from the classroom community—where younger and older learners learn alongside one another, modeling, reinforcing, and extending skills in a social environment that is difficult to replicate individually at home. This combination of structure, materials, and guided progression helps support steady development in independence, focus, and academic foundations over time.

Q: How does homeschooling work with your program (Form 4140)?

A: Families who choose to homeschool their child may participate in our Academic Enrichment program while maintaining their home education status. In Hawaiʻi, parents typically submit the required homeschooling notification (Form 4140) independently. Our program is designed to support homeschool learners by providing structured Montessori-based instruction in reading, writing, and math within a small group setting.

Q: We are new to homeschooling and my child is struggling. Can your program replace homeschooling entirely?

A: Many families come to us at the beginning of their homeschooling journey when their child is experiencing academic challenges. While our Academic Enrichment program provides structured, Montessori-based instruction in reading, writing, and math, parents remain responsible for their child’s home education plan and required state homeschooling filings.

Our role is to support families by providing consistent academic instruction, individualized learning, and a structured environment that builds confidence and foundational skills. We also provide regular progress updates and learning documentation that families can use to support their homeschool records.

For many families, our program becomes an important academic support system alongside their home education.

Early Childhood Foundations (3–5)

Q. Is this a daycare program?

A: No, we do not provide daycare services. Our Early Childhood Foundations program is an educational learning environment focused on foundational academic growth, skill development, and independence through structured, Montessori-based activities.

Q: What does the Early Childhood Foundations program focus on?

A: This program provides a Montessori-based foundation for early learners, focusing on independence, early academics, social development, and hands-on exploration in a calm, structured environment.

Q: What does a typical day look like for early childhood learners?

A: Young learners participate in Montessori activities that build independence, early academic skills, and social development through hands-on materials and guided exploration in a calm, structured environment.

Q: Do I need to homeschool my child to enroll in the Early Childhood program (ages 3–5)?

A: No. Families do not need to be homeschooling to participate in our Early Childhood Foundations program. This program is open to families seeking a Montessori-based early learning environment that supports independence, early academics, and social development in a structured, small-group setting. It can be used as a standalone program or as part of a broader homeschool plan if families choose.

Russian Immersion Studio (K-2) and Little Linguists: Russian for Beginners (3-5)

Q. How are you qualified to teach Russian?

A: Our guide, Lyudmila (Mila) Dahlman, is a native Russian speaker, born and raised in Moscow, Russia. She is fluent in Russian and trained in reading, writing, and oral language instruction.

Russian language learning is provided through structured lessons that support speaking, reading, and writing skills, with a focus on natural language development and age-appropriate progression.

Q: Does my child need prior Russian experience?

A: No prior experience is required. Instruction is designed to be accessible for beginners through immersive, age-appropriate activities.

Q: Why should I consider a Russian language program for my child?

A: Early childhood is one of the most effective times for language learning. Russian immersion supports not only language development, but also cognitive growth, memory, attention, and listening skills. Children in bilingual environments often develop stronger problem-solving abilities, flexibility in thinking, and greater cultural awareness.

Q: What are the benefits of bilingual (or multilingual) education?

A: Research shows that children exposed to a second language at an early age often develop:

• stronger executive functioning and concentration

• improved memory and listening skills

• increased cognitive flexibility and problem-solving ability

• enhanced literacy development in their primary language

• greater cultural awareness and communication confidence

Language learning also supports overall brain development and adaptability across academic subjects.

Q: Will my child become fluent in Russian?

A: Fluency develops over time and depends on consistency, exposure, and continued practice outside of the program. Our goal is to build a strong foundation in listening, comprehension, and communication so children gain confidence and familiarity with the language in a natural way.

Q: What does a typical class look like?

A: Children learn through a structured Montessori-inspired routine that includes songs, stories, vocabulary activities, guided conversation, and hands-on materials. Older students also begin early reading and writing in Russian using developmentally appropriate methods.

Q: Is this program taught in English or Russian?

A: The program is primarily conducted in Russian, especially for instruction and routine language use. English is used as needed for clarification and support, particularly in the early stages of learning.

Q: Can my child participate if they are also enrolled in another program?

A: Yes. Families may combine Russian language programs with either Early Childhood Foundations or Academic Enrichment. The programs are designed as part-time enrichment and can complement other educational settings.

Montessori Approach

Q. How are you qualified to teach Montessori?
A. Our guide, Mila Dahlman, is a credentialed elementary-level teacher and a certified Montessori instructor for ages 0–3 and 3–6 through the North American Montessori Center. She also holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and is qualified as a reading specialist, with additional expertise in supporting early literacy development.

Our program is guided by Montessori principles, using hands-on materials, individualized learning, and child-led exploration within a structured learning environment.

Q: How is your program different from a traditional school?

A: Our program follows a Montessori-based approach that emphasizes small-group, individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and mixed-age classrooms. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, children progress at their own pace with targeted support in foundational academic skills.

Q: What makes your program Montessori-based?

A: We use hands-on Montessori materials, mixed-age learning environments, and individualized instruction that supports each child’s developmental pace, independence, and confidence in learning.

Q: How do you support children who are struggling academically?

A: Our approach focuses on meeting each child where they are. We provide individualized instruction, hands-on learning, and small group support to strengthen foundational skills in a supportive environment.

Q: How will I know if my child is making progress?

A: We provide regular updates on each child’s academic development, including progress in core skills such as reading, writing, and math. Families receive ongoing communication so they can clearly understand their child’s growth and areas of improvement. These include weekly messages and quarterly progress conferences.

Scheduling / Enrollment

Q: Is the program full-day or part-time?

A: We offer part-time enrichment programs only, designed to support children’s learning through focused morning and afternoon sessions. Families may choose one or more programs depending on their child’s age and educational needs.

Our Early Childhood Foundations program and Academic Enrichment Program are offered in separate morning and afternoon blocks, while our Russian language programs are offered as distinct enrichment options that may be combined depending on the child’s enrollment.

Q: What are the program hours?

A: Our programs run Monday–Thursday in structured half-day blocks:

• Academic Enrichment Program (K–2): Mon/Wed 12:30pm–3:25pm

• Russian Immersion Studio (K–2): Tues/Thurs 12:30pm–3:25pm

• Early Childhood Foundations (Ages 3–5): Mon/Wed 8:30am–11:25am

• Little Linguists: Russian for Beginners (Ages 3–5): Tues/Thurs 8:30am–11:25am

Each program operates as a part-time enrichment experience and is designed to support consistent learning within a calm, structured Montessori-inspired environment.

Q. What is the enrollment process?

A: Families interested in enrollment are encouraged to begin by exploring our website and reaching out with any questions. We then schedule a visit or tour so families can learn more about our program and environment. If the program feels like a good fit, enrollment forms and additional information will be provided. We value open communication throughout the process and strive to make enrollment welcoming and personal for each family.

Q: What does the academic calendar look like for next year?

A: At Growing Minds Montessori Academy, our school year is organized into (6) six-week learning terms designed to support consistency, focus, and meaningful developmental progress.

Each term is followed by a short seasonal break, allowing children time to rest and return refreshed and ready to learn.

Our anticipated start date for the 2026–2027 school year is August 17, 2026.

Our academic calendar includes:

• (6) six-week academic terms

• One-week breaks between terms

• A two-week winter/Christmas break

• An extended summer break

• Observation of all major federal and State of Hawaiʻi holidays

This balanced rhythm supports both academic growth and family wellness while maintaining continuity in the Montessori environment.

Families receive a full academic calendar upon enrollment, including all school holidays, breaks, and important dates.

Q: Can families enroll mid-year?

A: For the 2026–2027 school year, enrollment will be closing on July 31, 2026. After the school year begins, enrollment will be available on a rolling basis only if space becomes available.

We encourage families to reach out early, as spaces are limited and filled based on classroom capacity and program fit. We look forward to welcoming you to our program!