FAQs
We encourage you to browse through our website pages and read more. This page provides answers to some common questions.
How expensive is Radiant Montessori compared to other childcare and preschool options?
Before Radiant Montessori moved to its brand new facility in July 2015, we did a survey of tuition fees for 10 other preschools in Maple Grove. Radiant ranked number 7! So out of the 10 centers surveyed, only three of them are offering care at less than we do. That too, marginally.
Since then we have made nominal annual increases. We are confident that our fees are extremely competitive compared to other centers in Maple Grove. Please feel free to come with your findings about the other centers’ tuition fees when you visit Radiant. We would like to hear how much the others charge!
What is this huge fuss about Montessori?
Some parents are already aware of the Montessori Method. If you haven’t had the opportunity to learn about Montessori, there are ample resources on the web. Just Google, “Montessori Method” and you will find hundreds of articles on Montessori. Montessori education offers a self-directed individual learning approach. In other words, the child is free to roam about the environment and choose materials of interest to him or her. The creative nature in children are best manifested in a free but guided learning environment. Creativity comes through freedom—well directed. The Montessori materials are designed to keep the child challenged at many different levels. At Radiant, we do this well. If you pay a visit during the work hours, you will be surprised how well children respond to the structured classroom environment.
What age groups are admitted to Radiant Montessori?
We have programs for infants, toddlers, preschool and kindergarten age children.
What are the hours of operation?
Radiant starts at 7 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.
How do I schedule an appointment or start the enrollment process?
Please give us a call 763-420-2323 anytime between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the Center Director or Center Supervisor will be glad to schedule a time that works for you. Or you could email us at info@radiant-montessori.com
You could also fill in the online form on our website at www.radiant-montessori.com and someone will respond within one business day.
Do you have any part-time programs?
We have limited availability for a 4-day program in preschool. But we only offer full-time programs for toddlers and infants. Please call 763-420-2323 or email info@radiant-montessori.com to find out about the availability of preschool 4-day program.
How about lunch? Do you provide lunch? Is the cost of lunch included in the tuition?
We do provide lunch through a licensed caterer—Premier Kitchen. Please visit their website at http://premierkitcheninc.com/premier-kitchen/ The cost of lunch is not included in tuition. The cost of a hot lunch is $2.95. Radiant provides breakfast and an afternoon snack and these are included in your tuition fees.
Why should I consider Radiant Montessori for my child’s care?
If you pay us a visit, we do not need to answer this question. You will know it at once. But let us tell you in brief: Radiant offers a unique advantage. It is not just a daycare. It’s a place where your child will learn skills needed to make him or her smart. This is an era of information technology. The days when the child who memorized the most number of letters, tables and names was considered smarter, are gone. Leave alone leadership, the very survival in today’s world depends on how creatively you could use your skills and knowledge. At Radiant, we do not discourage memorizing certain things. Your child does not simply focus on knowledge but acquires the skills to learn well, the areas of his or her choice. Yes, we teach our children to develop a lifelong love of learning. To learn more about our philosophy, please click here
When did Radiant start it operations in Minnesota?
Radiant first started its operations in 2008 by renting part of a church building in Maple Grove. Radiant Center Director, Carmelita Perera is a Montessorian with over 20 years of Montessori experience. By 2015, Radiant could not accommodate requests for enrollment due to lack of space at the church building. The brand new facility was completed in July 2015 and all the families who were enrolled at the church building came along with us to the new building. Radiant Montessori is not a franchise and is the only Montessori school by its name in Minnesota.
What is the difference between Montessori and other childcare or preschool programs?
Unlike most traditional childcare programs, the Montessori education provides the child with a solid foundation of learning that will carry them well into the future. Montessori education offers a lifelong learning experience that will provide a strong foundation—an education that will set the child on a fascinating journey.
Click Montessori v traditional to compare Montessori and other traditional childcare programs.
Who is actually responsible for running Radiant Montessori?
Radiant has a staff of about 20 supervised by a Center Director and a Center Supervisor (please click here to learn more about our staff). Center Director or Center Supervisor is usually available at the Center at all times. Radiant hires responsible and qualified individuals to care for your child. They work independently and hardly needs supervision. Each classroom is self- sufficient with its own bathrooms and coat closet.
All you need is to pay us a visit to see for yourself how structured our program is!