Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Blazing Stars different from other options in our area?
Blazing Stars offers something truly unique in the Dade City area. Choosing a school is not just about academics. It is about finding a place where your child will be known, loved for who they are, and supported as they grow into a confident, capable human being. At Blazing Stars, we blend the child-led, interest-rich learning often found in homeschooling with a community of peers, and guidance from credentialed and experienced teachers with a strong, research-backed foundation for future academics. All while staying small enough to feel connected and intentional.
What makes a Montessori school different from other preschools and Elementary schools?
There are many elements that make a Montessori classroom different from other educational programs. One of the most noticeable is the mixed-age grouping. Our classroom supports children from ages three to six and six to twelve, which allows children of various ages to work together. Montessori guides carefully prepare the classroom to engage children while also respecting each child’s agency to choose the work that calls to them.
Montessori also prioritizes the development of the whole child. This means that we focus on working together as a community and finding peaceful, positive resolutions to conflict. Our whole-child approach supports social-emotional development, which encourages well-being and positively impacts outcomes for years to come. In short, this sets children up to be happy, engaged, and caring members of their community - today and in the future.
You can read more about the many benefits of this approach here.
What is a three year cycle?
Montessori classrooms are mixed-age meaning that children from three to six and six to twelve will be interacting with each other daily. Ideally, children are able to enter into the classroom around the age of three, six, or nine and stay with us for three consecutive years. When they are young, the children are helped and even taught by the older children. When they are the classroom “elders” they help to set the tone and expectations in our classroom community. Through this process, older students solidify their own learning and feel a sense of agency and accomplishment as they become the "leaders" of the classroom they entered as young students.
As teachers, we love that the three year cycle allows us to gain a deep understanding of each child and family. Not only does this allow us to tailor our environment to serve our students, it also builds a strong and caring classroom community.
Can I afford Montessori?
We are committed to making Blazing Stars accessible to children from a wide range of families and financial situations. Our tuition structure allows us to serve families with differing needs, and we also accept School Readiness, VPK vouchers and Step Up for Students vouchers.
We also know that early childhood education is important, and we believe that Montessori is an investment in your child’s future. Numerous studies have shown the long-lasting benefits of Montessori education in early childhood. You can read more about these studies here.