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News
From Elan Vitale
In fall 2006, Elan Vitale Montessori School opened its doors on Perkins Road as the first Montessori School in Baton Rouge dedicated to providing PK3 - 8th grade education. Elan Vitale has created an authentic Montessori environment where children can develop a lifelong love of learning. Elan Vitale is structured as a traditional not-for-profit private school with a mission of providing Montessori education for families in Baton Rouge. Elan Vitale is the first Montessori School in Baton Rouge to offer extended day until 5:30 p.m. for working parents.
"As a mother of two young girls, I realized that Montessori education worked best for our children. I am excited to bring my years of expertise in the non-profit community to Elan Vitale because of what it means for their own education," said Board Vice President Emily DiStefano, who is a past president of the Junior League of Baton Rouge and President of the fundraising consulting firm DiStefano and Associates. "Baton Rouge will benefit from having this strong, proven alternative to traditional education available to our children through the middle school years."
In 2007, Montessori
Education celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first
Montessori Classroom founded by Maria Montessori in 1907 in
Italy. Montessori education is experiencing a renaissance in the
United States as a component of today's school reform movement.
Multi-age groupings, a rich and extensive curriculum implemented
with hands-on materials, cross-discipline learning and care of
the global environment are just a few of the innovative
characteristics of Montessori education.
"Montessori
education has a school setting with a family atmosphere,"
said Dr. Pam Autrey, elementary teacher. "Our focus is on
critical thinking skills, independent research and in-depth study
of subjects including advanced math and geometry, botany,
zoology, animal husbandry, geography, fine arts, dramatic arts,
music, history and entrepreneurship. The students even run their
own real business in the community."
"The
Montessori system is one of the best-kept secrets in education,"
says parent Fran Axelrod, whose children have experienced both
traditional and Montessori education. "It's an education
unlike any other where children learn to think for themselves,
achieve self-discipline and foster their natural curiosity and
independent spirit."
"As a businessman, I
believe that Montessori education truly prepares each individual
child for the creative challenges they face in the modern world,"
said Board President Albert Pellissier. "Montessori is about
more than just early childhood and pre-school education, it is a
strong and effective model for elementary and middle school. As
Baton Rouge grows, we are enthusiastic about providing the choice
of Montessori education through the middle
school years."
To
learn more about Elan Vitale or schedule a tour, please call the
school at 225-767-6620. Office hours are 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday
through Thursday. Please leave a message at other times, which
will be promptly returned.
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