Frequently Asked Questions
About Voyager
What is Montessori?
A Montessori program is developmental, designed to maximize each student’s potential physically, socially and emotionally. Emphasis is on intellectual growth and independence, reasoning and moving from concrete understanding to abstract thinking. In a multi-age learning environment, students grow from novice to mentor becoming thoughtful readers, clear writers, skillful problem solvers and logical thinkers.
In a Montessori, learner-centered program students learn by doing. Exploration and discovery open the way to knowledge. Small group presentations and follow-up assignments are supported with long uninterrupted work time. Students enjoy freedom within structure; the ability to work alone or in small groups, and to chose the order in which work is completed.
Where do students go to school after Voyager?
Voyager graduates are prepared for any middle school environment. They attend both public and independent schools in the local community, the Seattle area and beyond.
How do students transition into other, more traditional schools?
Voyager students transition well into traditional schools. They are confident and competent in any environment. They often emerge as leaders among their peers and embrace community service activities.
Why do you have fundraising events even though we pay tuition?
Fundraising events meet the needs of the school in two ways. First, they are often fun to organize and serve as a way to connect parents to the school by providing community-building opportunities. Second, the cost of an education at an independent school often exceeds the tuition. Fundraising fills that gap with programs and events that provide opportunities for tax-deductible contributions and/or donations making a portion of the cost of attendance tax-deductible.
What is required of parents?
As with any school, parent volunteers are critical. We ask parents to plan to volunteer 38 hours per school year on volunteer activities. These activities range from work in the classroom, work parties, all-school projects, cooking and field trip driving, to public relations and the Board of Trustees. There is something for everyone. We love to learn about the special skills parents may be interested in sharing, and can often customize your volunteer time.
We also ask that parents support the school by attending events and familiarizing themselves with the information found in the Parent’s Handbook.