The Starwood Academy of Frisco Difference
Uniquely Starwood. Authentically Montessori. The Starwood Academy of Frisco's difference lies in our approach and dedication to the Montessori pedagogy, our deep community values, and the rich Montessori legacy brought forth by our school founder. This difference leads to graduates who are prepared to lead lives of passion and purpose.
OUR APPROACH
At Starwood Academy of Frisco, we firmly believe in the Montessori philosophy as developed by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. This method nurtures intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth at a child’s own place within a healthy and prepared environment.
With Guides (not teachers); an individual plan for every child; a self-paced, prepared environment; mixed age groups; and an emphasis on self-discipline, the Montessori Method not only teaches children important skills, but also raises them with a strong sense of independence, self-confidence and self-awareness.
Developed by the Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori, the Montessori Method places a significant emphasis on a child’s capacity to develop at their own pace. By providing children with a healthy and controlled environment in which to explore their independence, this educational method provides young students with the opportunity to reach key developmental milestones individually.
In order to most effectively promote this philosophy, the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS) state that students should be given the opportunity to develop their own system of learning in mixed-age classrooms with uninterrupted blocks of work time. Instead of producing a competitive atmosphere, personalized lessons, and concrete learning methods allow the students to develop their own sense of the world through a hands-on approach.
Unfortunately, numerous private schools throughout the country claim to follow the Montessori Method without actually upholding this philosophy. Since this educational method is not regulated by a single governing office, there is nothing that can stop a private school from claiming to promote the Montessori Method without actually implementing any of the fundamental elements.
In fact, these schools are not even required to hire educators with teaching credentials or college degrees. For this reason, our dedicated staff encourages you to choose wisely if you are searching for the right Montessori school for your child. When you come to Starwood Schools, you can rest easier knowing your child will have access to all of the learning opportunities promoted through this valuable teaching method.
At Starwood Academy of Frisco, we firmly believe in the Montessori educational philosophy. While traditional schools divide their students by age, utilize a single lesson plan and promote the idea of “abstract learning,” our schools are focused on the specific needs and interests of each individual child. When our teachers give students the opportunity to interact with mixed age groups, choose their own educational activities, and explore their senses through concrete learning, we have found that each child is more adequately equipped to develop their intellectual abilities and social skills at the same pace as their classmates, while concurrently nurturing their independence. We have also discovered that many of our students naturally acquire self-disciple while learning under the controlled bounds of this environment.
For this reason, our educators encourage you to learn more about this holistic approach to learning. Call our office today to learn more about how Starwood Academy of Frisco can benefit your child.
OUR VALUES
We live and learn by our core values at Starwood Academy of Frisco. Each person in our community — our students, their families and school staff alike — believes in building a vibrant community, nurturing respectful relationships, supporting lifelong learning, delivering excellence in education, and enjoying a love of life.
OUR LEGACY
Delivering an authentic Montessori education requires deep understanding and dedication, something in which Starwood Academy of Frisco founder and Head of School Anita Hanks has a lifetime of experience.
A second-generation Montessori school owner, Guide, Teacher Education Program (TEP) instructor, adult learner, Montessori parent and former Montessori child herself, Ms. Hanks recognizes the power of Montessori and wants every child to benefit from this dynamic educational method. As an active member of the American Montessori Society (AMS), and founder of the North Texas Montessori Institute, she is additionally dedicated to upholding the original philosophies upon which this method was founded.
OUR GRADUATES
Students leave Starwood Academy of Frisco as engaged learners, confident individuals and prepared achievers, ready to lead lives of purpose and passion. While independent and personally empowered, Starwood students share a strong work ethic, a love of learning, and a sincere respect for humanity and the world in which we live. The Starwood Academy of Frisco graduate embraces diversity as a global citizen; thinks critically as a creative, collaborative leader; and lives with integrity as a self-aware, independent human being.