First State Montessori Academy

If the Charter is approved, and an appropriate site is found, our plan is to open the school in August 2013.

If the Charter is approved, FSMA is open to students who live in Delaware.  Enrollment preferences will be given to student according to criteria authorized by the Delaware Charter School Statute.  For example, families who can demonstrate an interest in the Montessori teaching philosophy will give given a preference. FSMA will host open houses, parent education session, and Montessori immersion programs to provide equitable and accessible opportunities for families to demonstrate their interest in the Montessori Method. 

Yes.  FSMA has followed the preferences outlined in Delaware Code 14.  The following 5 preferences will be in effect:

1) Founders (not to exceed 5% of enrollment)
2) Siblings
3) Children of FSMA staff
4) 5-Mile radius (until a location is found, this radius remains undefined)
5) Demonstrated interest in the Montessori method of teaching

Families and students can demonstrate their interest in Montessori by the following:

*  Attending an open house
*  Participating in a parent education session
*  Scheduling a phone conversation with an FSMA staff member
*  Requesting information
*  Previous attendance at a Montessori school
*  Filling out the FSMA application

FSMA believes that parents should learn more about Montessori and discover what make this model of education different from a traditional setting.  In an effort to facilitate that, FSMA will host open houses, tours and parent education sessions throughout the enrollment period.

If FSMA is granted a charter (the decision is made in May 2012), FSMA will be in the position to accept applications in the Fall of 2012. Once the application is ready, it can be obtained via the FSMA web site, by attending an open house or a parent education session where families are invited to learn more about FSMA.

FSMA will be a Kindergarden through 6th grade school.

FSMA classrooms will have 26 students lead by a dual-certified teacher and a teacher's aid.  FSMA teachers will be both DE state certified as well as Montessori certified.  The over all student-teacher ratio at the school will be 18:1.

FSMA does not presently have an administrative head, a position referred to as the "Head of School." Recruiting for this position will commence after FSMA's application is officially approved by a vote of the State Board of Education.

Presently, FSMA is conducting a facilities search.  FSMA anticipates being located in the greater Wilmington area.

A Delaware Charter School is a free and independent public school formed under the laws of the State of Delaware that provides an alternative to traditional public schools operated by school districts. Put differently, a Delaware Charter School is a public school that does not operate under the umbrella of an existing Delaware School District. For more information, visit the website for the Delaware Department of Education: http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/schools/charterschools/default.shtml

The Christina School District, in partnership with Elementary Workshop, Inc., is forming two Montessori programs within their school district. The two locations will be at Brookside Elementary School in Newark, and in downtown Wilmington at the current home of Elementary Workshop Montessori School on 5th and Pine Streets.  FSMA, in contrast, is seeking to form an independent Delaware Charter School. The Christina School District’s endorsement and implementation of a Montessori curriculum is a testament to its success, as well as its propriety in public schools. FSMA helped foster and is supportive of the relationship between EW and the CSD, however there is no formal relationship between FSMA and the Christina School District Program.

You can help spread the word about FSMA, "Like" FSMA on Facebook, and email us with your contact details so that we can inform you of programs and other informational sessions to come.

Please send an email to the following email address: FSMA.Charter@gmail.com. We will periodically send out information to help you decide if FSMA is right for your child and how you can participate in many of the supportive programs.