Specialist Programs

Expert Enrichment

Though the Montessori ideal is for each classroom teacher to act as a generalist, supplying enough basic information for students to launch their own independent explorations into any subject of interest, some subjects benefit from a more deeply educated and consistent adult presence. In such areas, Post Oak employs specialists who meet with students during scheduled sessions or for special projects as needed.

Art, Luiza Grandchamp

In the Elementary and Middle School, students explore a variety of artistic media, from drawing and painting to ceramics and sculpture. Studies include the art of different cultures and the history of different artistic movements: anyone touring the school really ought to stop by the art studio to see the ceiling tiles decorated with re-creations of classic paintings by graduating Middle Schoolers! Each class, from infants to adolescents, plans and produces one or more art projects for the school's biennial Gala, and older classes frequently rely on Ms. Grandchamp's aid in designing sets and backdrops for classroom theatrical productions.

Spanish, Patricia Onofre

Many classroom assistants, and several teachers, are fluent in Spanish and include it as a constant and integral part of daily classroom life. Ms. Onofre oversees the Spanish program across all curriculum levels, and teaches the subject herself in those classrooms without a fluent adult. Younger classes concentrate on vocabulary and basic conversation; older students approach the language more academically, learning grammar, verb conjugations, etc. Hispanic culture is also an important part of the life of the school: the biennial Cinco de Mayo celebration features a regional song or dance from each of the classes, performed in colorful costumes on a professional stage in front of the entire parent body.

Library, B.R. Simon

Each classroom maintains a stock of relevant books, but the school-wide library offers books for a variety of interests and age levels. Children learn the basics of library research, from finding to checking out to returning a book, and are responsible for "paying off" their own late fines by performing volunteer service in the library.

Physical Fitness, Mark Tucker & Andrea Dilger

Post Oak's physical fitness program develops a variety of skills, from basic movement and coordination in younger classes to more formalized team sports at older ages. Good sportsmanship is a part of the curriculum at every level. Elementary students have the opportunity to participate in intramural sports with other area Montessori schools. Competitive team sports and cross-country events are available for interested Middle School students, as is the annual MS 150 charity bicycle ride, for which usually several students pedal from Houston to Austin to raise money for research on multiple sclerosis.

Music, Charles Dotson

In Middle School, students study music appreciation/listening, vocal production, and music theory. Music appreciation/listening includes the basic elements of music, genres, styles, historical periods in music (i.e. the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Baroque), and studying the lives of composers and musicians. Students will attend concerts and performances, and they will also perform themselves. Selected artists from various music disciplines will demonstrate and perform for the students. Their studies of vocal production include the basics of singing, individual and ensemble singing, and performance techniques. Music theory will include learning how to read musical notes, rhythms, sharps, flats, major/minor, chords, and lyric and melody writing.