FAQ

Welcome! Below are answers to the most common questions new families ask about Gems of the Earth Montessori Academy (GEMA), along with helpful information about Montessori schools in the United States.

About GEMA

1. What is Gems of the Earth Montessori Academy (GEMA)?

GEMA is a Montessori-inspired learning environment that supports children through independence, confidence-building, and hands-on learning. We focus on the whole child—academics, leadership, ethics, and daily life skills.

2. What ages do you serve?

Please contact us for current age group availability and enrollment openings.

3. What are your school hours?

Our school hours are:
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

4. Can parents visit before enrolling?

Yes! Parents may visit GEMA between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM without their child to observe the classroom and ask questions.

Enrollment & Trial Options

5. Do you offer a trial period?

Yes. Families may choose a one-week trial before fully registering.

  • Trial hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Trial fee: $250 (one week)

  • Parents must complete Riverside County Health & Safety forms

6. Can I visit with my child before starting?

Yes. Families may schedule a visit with the child for up to 2 hours during school hours.

7. Is there a registration fee?

Yes. As we officially welcome your child into GEMA, the registration fee is added to the first month’s tuition.

8. How much is tuition?

Tuition is:
$1,000 per month

9. How do we pay tuition?

Tuition can be paid via:
Zelle

10. Is there a fee to hold my child’s spot?

Yes. GEMA holds $100 to keep enrollment open and reserve your child’s place.

Materials & What’s Included

11. Do parents need to buy school supplies?

No. GEMA does not charge for classroom materials.

12. What materials are included?

GEMA provides:

  • Workbooks (kept at school for easy reference)

  • Readers and daily reading comprehension work

  • Handouts, maps, and keepsake learning materials

  • Art & craft supplies

  • Paper, pencils, and coloring materials

  • Outdoor play materials

  • Constructive and imaginative play materials

  • Classroom essentials and toiletries

  • Seasonal events and activities (Valentine’s Day, etc.)

13. Do the workbooks go home?

Workbooks stay at school as long as your child remains enrolled at GEMA.

Food & Daily Items

14. What should my child bring each day?

Parents should provide:

  • Lunch

  • A bottle of water

  • Indoor shoes (these stay at GEMA)

15. Do you provide snacks?

Yes. Snacks are available at GEMA if your child gets hungry between meals.

Daily Routine & Montessori Values

16. Why is being on time so important?

Time is a key life skill. Being organized and prompt supports your child’s success and helps build strong habits for school and life.

17. Do children eat lunch together?

Yes. We eat lunch as a group and use that time to practice:

  • manners and respect

  • ethics

  • community and kindness

18. How do you support leadership and confidence?

Each child receives opportunities to practice leadership qualities and is recognized for effort and growth in meaningful ways.

19. Do you give tests or report cards?

Montessori education focuses on observing growth and development rather than frequent testing.
Instead of traditional report cards, we provide progress updates through communication and conferences.

20. Will I know how my child is doing?

Yes. GEMA offers parent/teacher conferences throughout the year so we can:

  • share progress

  • discuss goals

  • support your child together

Birthdays, Holidays & School Calendar

21. Do you celebrate birthdays?

Yes. Student birthdays can be recognized based on parent preferences. GEMA can celebrate birthdays in a Montessori-style way.

22. Do you observe holidays?

Yes. GEMA takes:

  • Federal holidays

  • time off for religious beliefs

23. Do you provide a school calendar?

Yes. A yearly calendar is provided at the beginning of the school year.

24. How many months is the school year?

GEMA operates 10 months per year.

The two months off are chosen with parent participation.

25. Do you offer summer school?

Yes. GEMA offers 4 weeks of Summer School if 4 or more families are registered.

Tuition remains:
$1,000 per month

26. Do families take vacation time?

Yes. Families may take 4 weeks of vacation time.

Montessori Schools in the United States (General FAQ)

27. What is a Montessori school?

A Montessori school is a learning environment based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. Montessori education supports children through:

  • independence

  • hands-on learning

  • self-paced progress

  • respect for the child

  • responsibility and practical life skills

28. Are Montessori schools common in the United States?

Yes. Montessori schools are found across the United States in many forms, including:

  • private Montessori schools

  • public Montessori magnet schools

  • charter Montessori programs

  • faith-based Montessori schools

  • home-based Montessori programs

29. What ages do Montessori schools serve in the U.S.?

Many Montessori programs serve children starting as young as:

  • infants and toddlers (0–3)

  • primary/early childhood (3–6)

  • lower elementary (6–9)

  • upper elementary (9–12)
    Some schools also offer:

  • middle school (12–14)

  • high school (14–18)

30. What makes Montessori different from traditional school?

Montessori is different because children often:

  • choose from structured work options

  • learn through hands-on materials

  • build independence and concentration

  • work in multi-age classrooms

  • learn life skills alongside academics

Teachers act as guides, helping children learn at their own pace.

31. Do Montessori schools follow state standards in the U.S.?

Some do, especially public Montessori programs.
Private Montessori schools may follow Montessori curriculum standards and may also align with state learning expectations depending on the school.

32. Are all Montessori schools the same?

Not always. Montessori schools vary in:

  • schedule and tuition

  • classroom materials

  • teacher training

  • philosophy and structure

Families should always visit, ask questions, and observe the classroom to find the best fit.

33. Are Montessori schools accredited in the United States?

Some Montessori schools choose accreditation or membership through organizations such as:

  • American Montessori Society (AMS)

  • Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)

  • International Montessori Council (IMC)

  • other regional or private school accrediting groups

Accreditation is a plus, but a classroom observation is often the best way to understand the program.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help!
Please contact us to schedule a visit, ask about enrollment, or learn more about the GEMA environment.

💎 Gems of the Earth Montessori Academy — where children grow into confident, capable GEMS.