Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did The Leona Group decide to open an elementary school with a Montessori approach in Youngtown?
The Leona Group, a charter school management company, opened its first three high schools in 1998. This was the beginning of an educational odyssey in Arizona that allows parents a tuition-free alternative choice to the public school district. Each Leona school is unique and seeks to offer parents of a particular community a choice for their children’s education. When Advance U opens in August 2013, the school will offer two distinct tracks: for the pre-K and kindergarten classes, the school will provide an education that follows the methodologies of Maria Montessori. The Montessori program will grow with the inaugural pre-K and kindergarten classes until they graduate from Advance U. For students who begin with Advance U in grades 1 – 3, these children will be taught in a rigorous traditional educational setting that places an emphasis on academic excellence as well as the development of the whole child. Within six years, the traditional education model will be phased out and Advance U will incorporate the Montessori approach in all grades.
2. Advance U will have a Montessori track. What does this mean?
The Montessori approach encourages multi-age classrooms that offer a collaborative and supportive environment. The curriculum is specifically designed according to a child’s development phase and the prepared environment is rich with hands-on activities. At Advance U, we will offer a smaller environment where education of the whole child is valued. As a school of choice, parents are given options and environments that best fulfills the needs of their children. For an in-depth discussion of the Montessori approach to education, please click this link to visit the American Montessori Society.
3. If my child is in the Montessori track, will he/she still be prepared for the state’s standardized test?
Of course test scores are important! Teachers within The Leona Group approach education with more than test scores in mind. By teaching critical thinking skills, a student learns to master the subject through Advancey rather than rote memorization. This allows students to “think beyond” the test; students gain problem-solving skills in this process.
4. Why would families choose Advance U over the local district school?
In this era of school choice, an educational program choice is a personal decision. For parents who desire a smaller, more personal program, Advance U will meet those needs. A Montessori education is usually available only in private schools; but because Advance U is a publicly funded charter school in grades K-3, parents will now have access to a tuition-free Montessori education, beginning in kindergarten (pre-K is fee-based). For students who begin at Advance U in the traditional track, they will continue with a traditional track until they graduate from Advance U.
5. Are there academic requirements or pre-tests for children who want to enroll at Advance U?
Advance U does not require children to “test in” to the school. Only standard enrollment forms are required. Please click here for enrollment information.
6. Does Advance U offer services to special needs children?
Advance U will offer special education and related services to any student who needs such services. Advance U teachers are trained to teach students with diverse learning styles and ability levels. Advance U believes in close collaboration between staff, general education teachers, special education teachers and parents. This produces the best possible learning outcomes for the students.
7. Does Advance U accept DES payment for the Pre-K program?
For any family who qualifies for this state funded program, tuition costs will be accepted from DES to pay for the Pre-K program. Any difference between tuition costs and funding will be the responsibility of the parent.
The Leona Group, a charter school management company, opened its first three high schools in 1998. This was the beginning of an educational odyssey in Arizona that allows parents a tuition-free alternative choice to the public school district. Each Leona school is unique and seeks to offer parents of a particular community a choice for their children’s education. When Advance U opens in August 2013, the school will offer two distinct tracks: for the pre-K and kindergarten classes, the school will provide an education that follows the methodologies of Maria Montessori. The Montessori program will grow with the inaugural pre-K and kindergarten classes until they graduate from Advance U. For students who begin with Advance U in grades 1 – 3, these children will be taught in a rigorous traditional educational setting that places an emphasis on academic excellence as well as the development of the whole child. Within six years, the traditional education model will be phased out and Advance U will incorporate the Montessori approach in all grades.
2. Advance U will have a Montessori track. What does this mean?
The Montessori approach encourages multi-age classrooms that offer a collaborative and supportive environment. The curriculum is specifically designed according to a child’s development phase and the prepared environment is rich with hands-on activities. At Advance U, we will offer a smaller environment where education of the whole child is valued. As a school of choice, parents are given options and environments that best fulfills the needs of their children. For an in-depth discussion of the Montessori approach to education, please click this link to visit the American Montessori Society.
3. If my child is in the Montessori track, will he/she still be prepared for the state’s standardized test?
Of course test scores are important! Teachers within The Leona Group approach education with more than test scores in mind. By teaching critical thinking skills, a student learns to master the subject through Advancey rather than rote memorization. This allows students to “think beyond” the test; students gain problem-solving skills in this process.
4. Why would families choose Advance U over the local district school?
In this era of school choice, an educational program choice is a personal decision. For parents who desire a smaller, more personal program, Advance U will meet those needs. A Montessori education is usually available only in private schools; but because Advance U is a publicly funded charter school in grades K-3, parents will now have access to a tuition-free Montessori education, beginning in kindergarten (pre-K is fee-based). For students who begin at Advance U in the traditional track, they will continue with a traditional track until they graduate from Advance U.
5. Are there academic requirements or pre-tests for children who want to enroll at Advance U?
Advance U does not require children to “test in” to the school. Only standard enrollment forms are required. Please click here for enrollment information.
6. Does Advance U offer services to special needs children?
Advance U will offer special education and related services to any student who needs such services. Advance U teachers are trained to teach students with diverse learning styles and ability levels. Advance U believes in close collaboration between staff, general education teachers, special education teachers and parents. This produces the best possible learning outcomes for the students.
7. Does Advance U accept DES payment for the Pre-K program?
For any family who qualifies for this state funded program, tuition costs will be accepted from DES to pay for the Pre-K program. Any difference between tuition costs and funding will be the responsibility of the parent.
