Fifth-grade students in the Montessori program at Drew Model School in south Arlington may be able to continue in the program next year if the school board approves the phased addition of middle school classes Thursday.
The plan the board will vote on would allow rising sixth-graders to remain at Drew next fall. If there is enough interest, a full middle school program would be added at one of the county’s middle schools, said Mark Johnston, assistant superintendent for instruction.
Montessori is a popular preschool option in Arlington. Drew is the only public school offering the curriculum through fifth grade. Children in Montessori classrooms are directed toward educational materials they can choose among for individual learning. Older students help younger students in mixed-age classes.
One parent, Shirley Brothwell, praised Montessori for creating a close community among the children and allowing gifted students to advance at their own pace.
“My daughter started the Montessori program [in preschool], and it was remarkable the way she was progressing,” said Shirley Brothwell, whose children are in the third and first grades at Drew. “I would like the option [of middle school].”
But some parents and community members say they believe the resources expended on Montessori sixth-graders could be better used elsewhere.
“How are we justifying the need for more upper Montessori slots, while many of our preschool and primary grades are capped and continue to maintain a waiting list?” asked Portia Clark, a former Drew parent.
Adding middle school students won’t take away from preschool classes, said Michelle Picard, supervisor for early childhood education. Preschool needs are re-evaluated annually, she said. This year, staff focused on applying for a Head Start preschool program, she said.
Johnston does not expect many fifth-graders to choose to stay at Drew, in part because many parents have already made choices about middle school. He says the key group is this year’s fourth grade — about 35 students. If 20 or more want to continue, the program will move to a middle school.
