Priority Enrollment applications accepted through March 14Tuesday, Feb. 11, is Parent Information Night for the families of potential Ramona Community School students — either the Montessori or the Mountain Valley program.ramonac.FEATURERamona Community is one of Ramona Unified School District’s alternative schools. Its Montessori Academy includes grades kindergarten through 6, and Mountain Valley Academy (MVA), an independent study program, is for grades kindergarten through 12.Both programs are aligned to the California Content Standards. The school is at 1010 Ramona St.Parent Information Night will begin at 6 p.m. in the school’s Multipurpose Room. It will start with a presentation about the Montessori program. Next will be a presentation about MVA’s K through 7 program, followed by a discussion of MVA’s grades 8 through 12 program.The three presentations are expected to take a total of about 45 minutes.After the program overviews, teachers will open their classrooms for parents to see. The teachers will be available to answer questions.Brochures and application forms will be available. Parents who attend Parent Information Night will be able to waive the initial parent/teacher interview that is part of the application process for the Montessori program.While families must apply for their children to participate in the two alternative programs, as part of Ramona’s public school system, both programs are free.Enrollment for the 2014-15 school year is taking place, and applications will be accepted through June. The Priority Enrollment Window, however, will close on Friday, March 14.Montessori Academy is based on the theory and teachings of the late Dr. Maria Montessori. The curriculum is aligned to state standards, but is guided in a non-traditional learning environment, according to district information about the program.“We encourage students to become independent thinkers, engaged learners and positive contributors to our society by showing responsibility for each other and the world around them,” district information reads.MVA offers two approaches to its independent study program. Students have the option of total home study or a program that blends home and classroom learning, including an option for online high school courses.The Montessori program welcomes applicants from Ramona and San Diego County residents.MVA accepts applications from families living in Ramona, San Diego County and the adjacent counties of Imperial, Riverside and Orange.More information is on the district website under Ramona Community School and at 760-787-3602.
