Many attributes and unique components distinguish Briar Vista Elementary from other public elementary schools including instructional methods, student and staff diversity, Montessori materials, and the multi-aged classes. Briar Vista is one of only two public Montessori schools in the DeKalb County School District with both Montessori and traditional-class tracks offered. The school is located in a diverse community and this diversity is reflected in Briar Vista’s student demographics.
Montessori Education
Briar Vista students work in a hands-on, multi-age learning environment that incorporates the Montessori method. This method is focused on the whole child developing his or her physical, social, emotional and cognitive potential.
Students are challenged by the extensive curriculum, and all activities are hands-on, with the teacher serving as a guide. Instructional use of Montessori materials provides concrete representations of abstract concepts. Differentiated instruction addresses students’ needs, and is delivered through individual, small group and whole class presentations. The state curriculum is implemented using the Montessori approach.
Briar Vista prepares students to step out into the world as engaged, competent, responsible and respectful citizens who will appreciate that they can learn all of their lives.
The tenants of Montessori education are:
Each child is valued as a unique individual.
Montessori students develop order, coordination, concentration and independence.
Students are part of a close, caring community.
Montessori students enjoy freedom within parameters set by their teachers.
Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge.
Overview
The faculty and staff of Briar Vista are dedicated to providing a quality education to our boys and girls. The school's mission is to establish a strong foundation for all students by providing a safe, nurturing learning environment, enhanced with the use of developmentally appropriate resources, enabling them to become life-long learners in a rapidly changing society.
School Goals
To improve student achievement in the area of Reading in Grades 1-5.
To improve student achievement in the area of Math on Standardized Assessment.
To improve Human Relations among all who are a part of the educational process.
Unique Assets
Briar Vista offers students the choice of the Montessori or traditional track. In the Montessori setting, students learn in multi-age classrooms: Multi-aged classes enhance the Montessori dynamic by maximizing curriculum options available to any one child and providing a community atmosphere that plays a vital role in socialization. Younger children learn from older children, and the older children reinforce their learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered.
Briar Vista has a history of family and community support. Our PTO is extremely active. When there are strong ties between home and school, students are the ones who benefit. The businesses in the community have provided us with endless support to enrich our academic programs, and for this we are extremely grateful.