While Public School Ratings Drop, Montessori Reggio Academy Shines
Recently released scores on school performance in Fort Bend County show an overall decline in public schools, but one private school continues to win awards year after year.
Montessori Reggio Academy (MRA) of Sugar Land, winner of Sugar Land’s Best award every year since it opened, has expanded its successful preschool and opened its elementary school to parents and students seeking a higher quality education.
It’s an alternative to Fort Bend Independent School District, which received a score of “B” from the Texas Education Agency, the state organization that oversees schools and analyzes their performance.
The TEA scores public schools based on their performance in three categories: Student Achievement, which evaluates performance across all subjects for students; School Progress, which measures the number of students that grew at least one year academically (or are on track) and the achievement of all students including the economically disadvantaged; and Closing the Gaps, which studies differentials among racial/ethnic groups, socioeconomic backgrounds and other factors.
Montessori Reggio Academy is a private school that strives to exceed public school performance and uses similar indicators to determine success. Smaller class sizes and teacher-student ratios ensure every student receives one-on-one attention.
“Our student achievement is exemplary,” said Martina Murphy, Head of School at MRA. “Studies show and we can confirm that Montessori students advance more rapidly than children in public schools. The unique materials and methods used in the Montessori approach foster a love of learning, hands-on exploration, and a level of engagement that advances students at a much faster pace.”
MRA also avoids the achievement gaps so prevalent within the public school system. Because MRA is ethnically diverse and teaches global perspectives and cultural appreciation, all students are given every advantage to succeed. Units of study center on continents, countries, and cultures, so that students form these understandings at a young age.
“Coming this fall semester, we are so proud to introduce our Language Immersion Program in Spanish. Students are allowed to learn from our native-speaker instructors, foreign language instruction at the elementary level is not only easier for students to absorb, but also strengthens English language learning skills like reading and writing. Those skills are necessary for mastery of every subject, including science and math.
While public schools closed entirely or provided only virtual learning during and post-pandemic, MRA remained open while maintaining the highest level of cleanliness and safety. Smaller class sizes allow for greater social distancing, and instruction continued as normal. As a result, MRA students lost no instructional time and continued to progress at their rate, far surpassing students of the same age group who attend public schools.
Montessori Reggio Academy accepts students year-round.
For more information or to register, go to https://www.montessorireggioacademy.com/.
Written by: Rebecca Deurlein
Freelance Writer