Montessori schools focus on child-led learning, allowing students to take charge of their education with teachers guiding their discovery. It fosters independence and self-direction.

Forbes Academy currently enrolls children from 18 months to 9 years old, with plans to expand in the future.

Montessori emphasizes hands-on learning, where students work at their own pace, collaboratively or individually. Multi-age classrooms allow younger students to learn from older peers while promoting independent exploration.

Class sizes for Early Childhood and older may range from 20-30 students, while infant and toddler classrooms are typically smaller, with around 10-15 children.

Yes. The Montessori environment supports children of varying abilities, allowing them to work at their own pace, whether they need extra guidance or are ready for more advanced challenges. We provide individualized learning opportunities that respect the unique strengths and needs of every child. We believe in nurturing each child’s unique potential in an inclusive, flexible environment that fosters growth for all.

Yes. The curriculum covers core subjects like Math, Science, and Language, along with Sensory and Cultural studies. At Forbes Academy, we also place special emphasis on Technology, Fine Arts, and Bilingual/Dual Language learning. These subjects are thoughtfully integrated to connect concepts across disciplines, encouraging deeper exploration and understanding.

While students have freedom in choosing activities, this freedom is within limits set by the materials and lessons prepared by the Guide.

Montessori teachers are called "Guides" because their role is to facilitate and support a child's natural learning process rather than direct it. Instead of delivering traditional lessons from the front of the classroom, Guides observe each child’s interests, readiness, and progress. They create an environment rich in learning opportunities and gently guide children to explore, discover, and learn independently. This approach encourages self-motivation, critical thinking, and autonomy, empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Homework is rare for younger students but may gradually increase as they advance. The focus is on reinforcing concepts learned at school rather than on busy work.

Forbes does not assign letter grades. Instead, Guides continuously observe and assess students' progress. Parent conferences are held regularly to discuss student development on each child’s ILP (Individual Learning Plan).

An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) at Forbes Academy is a personalized educational roadmap created collaboratively by teachers, parents, and students at the start of each semester. It sets specific goals, learning strategies, and support tailored to the student’s unique needs, strengths, and interests. Inclusivity is central to our approach, ensuring that every student—regardless of their learning style, abilities, or background—receives the individualized support they need to succeed. The ILP guides the student’s progress, which is reviewed through progress reports, self-evaluations, and conferences, allowing for continuous adjustment and growth.

No. Montessori education is secular, welcoming children of all religious backgrounds.

Research suggests that Montessori students perform as well as or better than their peers in traditional settings, both academically and socially, with long-term benefits in self-confidence and independence. At Forbes Academy, our program goes a step further by incorporating a comparison to state-mandated educational standards, ensuring that students not only meet but often exceed these benchmarks while benefiting from the holistic and individualized Montessori approach.

Yes, Montessori activities are often seen as play by children, but this "work" helps them develop new skills and independence.

Yes, students can begin at any time during the academic year, provided there is space available.

We are open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. This encourages evening family time.

Yes, field trips are part of the Forbes Academy experience for Primary and Elementary students. For younger students, we bring special activities like hayrides, puppet shows, and animals from local farms to the school.

Children in the Primary Program (3-6 years) and higher must be fully potty trained. Toddler-level students do not need to be, and we will support their training.

Yes, we understand that families have diverse needs, and we aim to provide options that accommodate different schedules:

• Toddler Program: We offer a part-time option for our youngest learners to provide flexibility for families.

• Primary Program: While our Primary program is full-time, we offer flexibility for early pick-up to suit your schedule.

• Elementary Program: Our Elementary program is designed as a full-time program to provide a consistent and engaging learning experience for our students.

Tuition can be paid in full upfront or on a monthly basis. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.

We address food allergies on a case-by-case basis to ensure each child's needs are met safely.

For closures, we follow Georgetown County Public Schools. Please refer to our Delayed Opening Policy for late starts.

Only individuals you authorize in writing may pick up your child. We verify identification at pick-up to ensure your child’s safety.

Parents play a vital role in the Montessori program by supporting their child’s development at home and being active partners in their education. Regular communication between parents and Guides helps create a consistent approach between school and home. Parents are also encouraged to observe classrooms, participate in conferences, and engage with school events and community activities. This involvement fosters a strong connection between the child, family, and school, contributing to the child’s overall development.

Montessori schools focus on guiding students to develop self-discipline, rather than enforcing traditional punitive measures. Discipline is approached through natural consequences, positive communication, and conflict resolution. Students are encouraged to reflect on their actions, learn empathy, and make positive choices within a respectful and prepared environment. The goal is to foster internal motivation and self-regulation, supporting students in becoming responsible and respectful community members.

At Forbes Academy, we support social growth through Montessori principles by promoting collaboration, respect, and empathy. Our multi-age classrooms enable younger children to learn from older peers, while older students develop leadership skills. Group projects, shared materials, and problem-solving activities enhance communication and community. Grace and courtesy lessons teach kindness and respect. We cater to diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring all students, including neurodivergent learners, thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Personalized lessons and a nurturing environment help each child grow at their own pace while developing essential social skills.

Montessori classrooms feature a variety of carefully designed, hands-on learning materials that are both engaging and purposeful. These materials are made from natural, high-quality materials like wood and glass, and are designed to promote independent exploration, concentration, and mastery of concepts. Materials cover core areas such as Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Science, and Cultural Studies. Each material has a specific purpose and is introduced to the child based on their developmental readiness, allowing them to progress at their own pace.

Transitions in Montessori schools are carefully planned to ensure each child moves to the next age group when they are developmentally ready. Guides closely observe each student’s progress and emotional readiness before recommending a transition. Children typically transition at the end of a school year, though exceptions can be made based on individual needs. Communication between Guides, parents, and the child is key to making the transition smooth, and often, students will have opportunities to visit the new classroom and meet their future peers and Guides beforehand.

We emphasize positive communication and conflict resolution, both online and offline. Our program teaches students the dos and don’ts of digital communication, how to avoid and address digital drama, and how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying effectively.