- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 30 June 2014
- Hits: 2493
The Primary I class had some interesting new visitors during the last month of school--10 caterpillars that were very hungry.
The children observed them growing in size daily. The caterpillars doubled their size within a week until they climbed up to the top of the cup and started building their chrysalides. The children waited patiently for a week for the first butterfly to blossom, and were delighted with the beautiful butterflies that finally emerged.
The children read about and studied the life cycle of the butterfly. Some children drew or wrote about the butterflies. Others brought books to share with the class on the topic.
Germination in the Garden
The experiment of germination started more than a month ago and it is up and going in our garden. We had three clear glass containers with a bean, cotton balls and a piece of white cardboard. We placed one in the dark and added water. We placed one in the sun with water and the other with no water. The children had fun watching, observing and guessing what would happen. In our outside garden, we planted the one with sun and water and it is finally growing.
The children are thrilled and speculating how this plant will turn out. When you visit or tour The Renaissance International School to learn about our Montessori program, please feel free to stop by our garden and take a look at our plants. I’m sure the children will be happy to share information about them.
- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 23 July 2014
- Hits: 3542
We have openings and are currently accepting applications for the 2014-2015 academic year in our Montessori middle school program.
Our Montessori middle school is designed around students' needs and curiosity, encouraging them to find their own place in the community and to learn skills that aid them to thrive now and throughout adulthood. Students are enthused and engaged about the curriculum, are eager to attend school, and are highly invested in their work and projects.
The middle school program includes tri-lingual immersion so that students become fluent in French, Spanish and English. The Renaissance International School's language immersion program is believed to be the only genuine tri-language immersion Montessori program in the nation.
The curriculum also encompasses a project-based education that helps students excel in math, sciences and the humanities, specialized instruction in fine arts and music, and emphasis on personal development and service to the community. The Montessori middle school program also includes opportunities for travel, and students view the world as their classroom.
To schedule a tour, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 510-531-8566.
- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 30 September 2013
- Hits: 1953
Our Montessori program spends much time on practical life tasks. Children learn time management, group cooperation and many grace and courtesy skills. These are learned along with a growing awareness that each individual has value as a contributor to our Renaissance International School community.
In our Primary III classroom, grace and courtesy lessons have recently focused on the following:
1. How to use a hanger to hang jackets
2. How to carry a plate, glass, utensils, and place mat
3. How to clean up after lunch, and load the dishwasher
4. How to walk around rugs, paying attention to where we step
5. How to serve snack, following the menu
6. How to sit in circle
7. How to greet each other during drop off and pick up
8. How to sit in a chair properly
9. How to stand and walk in line
10. How to organize work trays
In the classroom, we discuss that respect means not interrupting those at work, focusing on our own work, carrying materials properly and working with them carefully. In circle, we respect each other by listening when someone is talking, and paying attention to our body movements so as not to distract others. Outside, we show respect by playing games that do not scare, hurt, or exclude others, and by using proper language when speaking to each other.
- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 28 May 2014
- Hits: 2250
12th Annual Children's Art Show: "A Celebration of Children's Creativity"
Come see art work created by our students age two years old through middle school in a professional gallery setting at our annual children's art show.
DATES: June 8, 2014 to June 20, 2014
TIME: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed on Father's Day
PLACE: 542B-9th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Visit our art show page for more details.
- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 24 September 2013
- Hits: 2254
Our Junior High students recently left the Dimond district in Oakland where our Montessori school is located and traveled to Santa Rosa to attend the 3rd Annual National Heirloom Festival. They went there in order to do research for the garden they will be developing later this year.
Our students listened to speakers, visited booths, asked lots of questions, browsed books, met students from two Montessori schools and even saw a pig competiton!
The students were very interested in talking with all the experts they met. They left the festival with many ideas to further research, even including the possibility of aquaponics.
