Educational Opportunities

The Road Less Traveled Private education options for Billings students

Billings Catholic Schools (BCS) In Billings, the Catholic schools provided the first longstanding choice, one that began early in the last century and continues to gain momentum. The Billings Catholic Schools district comprises four separate campuses, with Saint Francis Primary serving prekindergarten-second grade; Saint Francis Intermediate serving grades three-five; Saint Francis Upper serving grades six-eight; and Billings Central Catholic High School (BCCH) serving grades nine-12.

Kathy Harris, director of marketing for Billings Catholic Schools, reports that with 1,019 students enrolled this fall, BCS boasts a 10 percent increase over last fall. She attributes the increase to the ever-increasing accolades and national awards the schools receive, which is attractive to parents, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Catholic school students leave an early morning mass at St. Patricks Co-Cathedral.

Photo by James Woodcock

Billings Central Catholic High School has been named as one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the nation, from 2010-12, by the National Catholic Honor Roll, a rare and coveted distinction.

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and the rigor prepare students for the next level of education, with a concrete focus on the 3 R’s: Relevance in what we provide students, Rigor in the classroom, and strong Relationships with staff, peers, community and Jesus.”

Hanser and Olson agree that parents compellingly approve of the strong service commitment BCS has made to the community, which is evident in the more than 9,000 hours of community service performed each year by students in K-12.

Hanser said, “Parental involvement is also critical at BCS and Catholic schools in general. We believe that schools should do everything they can to promote genuine trust and collaboration with parents, as they are the primary educator of their children.”

Other parental attractions “...most parents of non-Catholic students desire an atmosphere to BCS, they said, are: 1) small class sizes; 2) increased number that has a faith component with smaller class sizes, an emphasis of scholarships available; 3) a on discipline and excellent academics.” graduation rate from BCCHS of nearly 100 percent each year; 4) a 100 percent rate of high school — Chris Read, graduates matriculating into the higher education arena; and, 5) Principal, St. Francis Intermediate the opportunity to participate in multiple extra-curricular and emphasis on right over wrong, the moral and more. Upon entering as freshman, school co-curricular activities. They called attention over the immoral, the ethical over the counselors take an active role, ensuring that to the fact that nearly 85 percent of high school unethical—life-choice decisions that deliver students start planning for the future. Of the students are involved in one or more MHSAlong-term consequences for the individual and 90-plus students in our son’s graduating class sponsored activities.

“BCS is rooted in the conviction that humanity—appeal to non-Catholic parents of 2013, all were pursuing higher education. as well, which is evident, Olson points out, in Overall, we have been extremely happy with education is for the whole person, from the the percentage of Catholic to non-Catholic our children’s well-rounded education at spiritual, intellectual, physical, moral and Billings Catholic Schools, as they are well social capacities of each child,” stated Hanser. students, which he said is about 70-30.

“Public schools cannot bring faith into their Chris Read, principal at Saint Francis prepared for life.”

Both Nathan and Hailey are scholar- day, which is an enormous advantage for our Intermediate, said that non-Catholics have integrated well into the BCS system: “Non- athletes thanks, in large part, to the advantages schools.”

Hanser emphasized, however, that “BCS Catholics are expected to participate in our of the private school system, emphasized the religion classes and they attend mass with us McDonalds. Nathan is a freshman this year at is not for everyone. There are some limitations each week. Except for the fact that our non- Westminster, in Salt Lake City, playing soccer. in areas such as special education and practical Catholics may not receive Holy Communion, Hailey is a sophomore at Billings Central High arts.” Principal Chris Read agreed: “We have a great public school system in Billings with but are encouraged to come forward for a School, playing soccer and basketball.

Eileen and Greg McDonald attribute the caring teachers and administrators. Because blessing, one would find it hard to single out flexibility of Billings Catholic Schools, and they are publicly funded, they can afford the non-Catholics from the Catholics.”

The attraction for non-Catholics, Read other private schools, with the “unique ability things that we can’t. We succeed in keeping up believes, is that “most parents of non-Catholic to tap into philanthropic resources to help with them in many ways, but we can’t compete students desire an atmosphere that has a offset general operating costs for the schools, with all the bells and whistles. Parents have to faith component with smaller class sizes, provide tuition assistance and fund special decide what is more important.” an emphasis on discipline and excellent projects that keep private entities viable. As past chair of the BCS Foundation Board, I was academics.”

For many parents, like Greg and Eileen able to experience this firsthand. We were able McDonald, the Billings Catholic Schools offer to fund upgrades to the schools’ technology Billings Central Catholic High School 3 Broadwater Avenue flexibility and what they feel are increased needs, whereas voters had to approve the mill Billings, Montana 59101

opportunities for their children. Their son, levy for technology in the public schools.”

(406) 245-6651 BCCHS Principal Shel Hanser cites the Nathan, entered the Billings Catholic School Fax: (406) 259-3124 system in first grade; their daughter, Hailey, educational niche BCCHS fills as being its billingscatholicschools.org started in pre-school. Some of the most strong college prep program: “The curriculum BCS remain strongly-based in religion: “The liturgy and the Catholic tradition are vibrant and present in each of our schools every day,” said BCS President Harold Olson.

“For example, each day begins and ends with a prayer; each school celebrates the liturgy weekly; and, there are two all-system masses each year. Religion classes are an integral part of the curriculum.”

Saint Francis Primary School’s new principal, Deb Hayes, feels that faith-based education appeals to parents of Catholics and non-Catholics because it “teaches our children values and morals, making them better citizens of our world.”

The faith-based doctrine, with its

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significant factors in choosing BCS were “smaller class size, academic standards, religious instruction and the feeling that we instantly were part of a much bigger family,” said the McDonalds. “We immediately recognized that parents were welcomed and encouraged to participate in their child’s learning experience from a hands-on perspective, of which we all were actively engaged.”

The smaller class sizes, the McDonalds said, allowed their children the chance to participate in a wide range of activities: “All students, especially at the high school level, are encouraged to take part in one or more of the many activities that are offered, ranging from sports, band, speech and debate, theater

Billings Educational Academy (BEA)

One of the most influential entities to change the private-school

landscape in Billings is the Billings Educational Academy, founded in 2001 by Margo Haak, to “honor the individual learning style of each child.” Haak said that working with parents, children and teachers is the “best way to develop the common values of creativity, intellectual growth and personal integrity for our students. Our teaching philosophy builds self-esteem, produces self-thinkers and fosters individuality.”

Haak was a teacher in the public school system for more than 30 years where, she said, “I watched so many kids fall through the cracks, for one reason or another. I felt there had to be a different way to help them.” This need to design a non-traditional, non-religious alternative L-R: Billings Educational Academy Teacher Margo Haak, Sandy Dunning and her son Patrick Dunning. Photo

by Bob Zellar

to public school led Haak to open BEA to provide “an atmosphere that offers an individualized education program, set in a multi-age, interactive environment, that nurtures creativity, love of learning, personal growth and unquestioned integrity, where parents, children and teachers work together to maximize the learning experience.”

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Aids on the ends of his fingers. He was totally stressed out.

I spent years trying to get the help he needed at school. It is very hard to navigate the special education system in public school, so I started looking for an alternative. His original special education teacher at the public school told me about Margo’s school. She had sent another child there and he was doing much better. Patrick began attending BEA at the end of his fourth-grade year. He immediately loved the school. Margo’s outlook on education was totally different from what I was used to. She knows these kids need smaller group instruction, time to themselves, and a place to chill out when they need to. She knows they need socialization and she does a great deal to make that happen.

Patrick now is in seventh grade; his third year with Margo. He loves to go to school. He no longer chews his fingernails. All the Band-Aids are gone. He is happy, much more “All children learn differently and that is how they should be outgoing and interactive with taught, no one learns the same way; everyone has different other people, and his confidence is through the roof! This is something styles, so that is what we focus on. I have a saying that hangs in he never had. our commons area that reads: ‘If a child can’t learn in the way All students are accepted as they are; no questions asked. No we teach him, we teach him in the way that he learns.’ ” one is allowed to be made fun of. They all are treated the same, and fairly. They all are required — Margo Haak, to abide by the rules and Margo Founder, Billings Educational Academy sticks to those. She makes them treat each other, and all people, with respect. She has them give presentations in front of the other students so different from the other kids.

It didn’t seem to trouble doing their math on paper, but can go they can gain confidence. Patrick does not bat stand out much when he was younger.

Kids in up to the board “and ace it!” an eye about speaking in front of the other kindergarten are supposed to jump around and It is this holistic approach to teaching, students at BEA. He is totally comfortable with act silly; but, as he got older, those behaviors she declares, that leads to a well-rounded life: it.

It is really amazing!

She takes them on field started becoming more evident.

Academically “I feel that academics are not the only thing trips regularly, and they perform community he was fine, but he was not socially adept.

He that should be taught in school. I want the service so they understand the importance of talked to himself a lot and didn’t interact much kids to learn to be good citizens and to give giving. with other kids. of themselves, without expecting anything in The Dunnings’ feelings evidence well His teachers loved him because he was return. We have adopted foster grandparents Margo Haak’s educational philosophy on sweet, caring, and he didn’t bother anybody. we visit in the nursing home. We have a which she founded BEA: “My teaching He just sat in the back of the class quietly portion of the highway we clean up. We help experience of over 37 years has taught me a talking to himself.

That was the problem.

In Angel Horses, Special Olympics, the Montana most important lesson,” said Haak. “Learning the fourth grade, I went to visit him at school Rescue Mission and others. For culture, we should be fun, and that this is exactly where I for an open house.

I asked Patrick to show go to Alberta Bair Theater performances.

We don’t have a playground, so for PE, we go me his desk. When I opened it up, there were am supposed to be!” bowling, swimming, horseback riding, golfing about 40 to 50 sheets of paper (assignments) and dance classes. We do ballroom dancing that were just shoved in there, not completed. I because I feel that is where the boys learn to thought to myself “how is that possible?” There Billings Educational Academy be gentlemen and the girls learn to be ladies. ” was no one to make certain he got his work 212 Central Ave For parents of children who have done.

Billings, MT 59102 He also had bitten his fingernails down experienced difficulty in a traditional school (406) 248-4031 setting, BEA has been the answer they were to the nubs. He went around with 10 Bandbillingsedacademy.com Haak said the success BEA has enjoyed is a result of the school’s emphasis on independent curriculum that encourages and supports each child’s unique gifts. In this way, she adds, children become excited participants in the cultivation of their lifelong love of learning.

“All children learn differently and that is how they should be taught,” Haak pronounces with passion. “No one learns the same way; everyone has different styles, so that is what we focus on. I have a saying that hangs in our commons area that reads: ‘If a child can’t learn in the way we teach him, we teach him in the way that he learns.’”

At BEA, students working individually at their own pace; and, Haak expressed, “If they have a specific learning style that works best for them, that is how we teach them.

For instance, she noted, some students have

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seeking. The majority of students have some form of autism and seem to flourish in the school’s environment. Having strong parental involvement, Haak expressed, is a key factor “by fostering consistency between home and school.” Some of the parents teach classes or help drive to the various activities. Just like the students, Haak proudly imparts, each parent has a talent he or she can share.

One such parent, Sandy Dunning, cannot sing the praises for Haak and BEA highly enough. Her son, Patrick, who just turned 13, was diagnosed at age 4 with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism. He has been in speech and occupational therapy since then.

Here is Sandy’s story: Patrick had many sensory issues, meaning that sounds, lights and textures bothered him. Although therapy helped, he still was

Grace Montessori Academy (GMA) Grace Montessori Academy (GMA) opened its doors in August of 2007, educating 35 children, pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. It was founded by a small grassroots group of like-minded individuals led by Mary Beth Gregory, Linda Hart and Pamela Purcell, who believed in the Montessori pedagogy that places the child at the center of learning, with a learning environment tailored to the needs of the child.

“This small group, with a passion for education, wanted to provide the Billings community with a unique, quality approach to educating children that differed from the traditional model seen in the public and most parochial settings,” said Mary Beth Gregory, GMA head of school. “At the heart of this passion was the understanding that no one instructional model

Mary Beth Gregory watches as Montessori students Meridith Buchanan, left, and Chloe Budge work on a project at the school.

Photo by James Woodcock

fits all children.”

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different spaces within a mile radius of the main facility, the new building will house all students and will feature an activities center to provide the school with a larger area in which to conduct concerts, school programs, art, music and PE. “Because GMA is very communityminded,” said Gregory, “we will offer this center for use by other organizations in need of such a space. One beautiful aspect of our new building is the creation of an outdoor learning environment, which comprises a natural playground and other conservationminded projects. In Montessori, the outdoor environment becomes an extension of the indoor learning environment. For example, we will phase in, over the next couple of years, a pond system where our upper elementary students may learn about water Ph, fish habitat and the need for healthy water to support our environment.”

“As a private school, we hold ourselves to a high standard Gregory said she has experienced of educating children, as this is expected from us by all of our an increasing number of families coming to GMA concerned about the parents. In turn, parental involvement challenges they see the public system is essential in our private school. facing. She said these parents desire “smaller classroom settings, more individualized instruction, a rigorous — Mary Beth Gregory, academic program; and, for many, the Grace Montessori Academy, Head of School.

Christian setting.”

Each administrator of the private Gregory encourages families at her schools interviewed concurred that one of niche as the only Christian Montessori school in Billings that educates pre-school through school to stay with the program through the most important considerations in the the sixth grade, “to receive the full benefit success of private education is strong parental sixth grade.

Montessori education is characterized of a Montessori education. Our elementary involvement.

“As a private school, we hold ourselves by small, multi-age classrooms, a special set program builds upon what they learned in of hands-on educational materials, student- the earlier years. From here, we are able to to a high standard of educating children, as chosen work in long time blocks, a collaborative take the child through a wonderful journey of this is expected from us by all of our parents,” environment with student mentors, absence of exploration and learning. GMA’s elementary said Gregory. In turn, she added, “Parental grades and tests, and individual and small- program meets the curriculum standards involvement is essential in our private school. group instruction in academic and social skills. of the state. We find that our students are Our intent is to keep our tuition as low as More than 5,000 schools in the U.S., prepared, if not more than prepared, for their possible and many of our parents, through including 300 public schools, use the Montessori next educational experience once they leave their volunteer help, allow us to do this. In addition, we believe that demonstrating to your method. “This prepared environment is our school.”

Having elementary education, Gregory child a servant’s heart is an essential Christian aesthetically pleasing and invites the child to experience learning in a multi-sensory declared, “has been a wonderful asset to principle. We believe any student can flourish manner,” said Gregory. “Each learning strand our school as it helps complete the cycle of at GMA. We are honest in letting parents taught to the child is accompanied by a hands- learning for this developmental plane,” adding know that as a private school, we cannot on lesson so that he or she may experience that “parents have been so satisfied with this provide as many resources as the public system learning on a deeper level. Studies have program that they are encouraging us to can. We have encountered this situation with shown that engaging the hands with learning consider a middle school.” This concept, she those children who have significant learning stimulates more area of the brain. In addition, reports, “will be explored within the context of challenges.” they are free to roam the environment and our new five-year growth plan.”

Because the school’s growth rate exceeded engage in lessons that correlate to the sensitive Grace Montessori Academy period of brain development that the child may expectations, GMA has outgrown its existing Billings Christian Montessori School 125 25th Street West be experiencing at the time. Through guidance facility, leading to a board decision, last year, to Billings, MT 59102 from the teacher, children learn and are very build a state-of-the art facility that is expected (406) 652-1739 mindful that this freedom is framed within to be completed by the end of November 2013. www.gmamt.org the context of ‘choosing to do what is right,’ as Rather than housing the student body in four The school founders, she added, value choice and strongly believe “parents should have the ability to choose the educational model that best fits the learning needs of their child.”

Staying true to Maria Montessori’s intent of seeing her pedagogy carried out in a Christian setting was equally important to GMA founders, stated Gregory, who explained that Montessori believed her teachings would reach their greatest potential if allowed to flourish in a Christian educational environment.

Gregory reports that after seven years, “GMA has exceeded its growth plan as the Billings community has responded so positively to our model of educating children.”

With 131 students currently enrolled, Gregory said GMA has found its unique educational

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opposed to ‘choosing to do whatever I want.’”

Gregory said the Montessori lessons are presented in a precise and sequential fashion: “A child progresses through the curriculum in an orderly manner, where the student is given ample time to practice a skill until mastery is obtained. The beauty of a Montessori environment is that the child is able to progress at his or her pace and is not required to move as a group, as seen in the traditional setting; therefore, a child who needs more time to understand a concept is afforded this necessity and a child who understands more quickly can continue to move forward. This manner of teaching instills a love of learning within children as they find learning to be more enjoyable and satisfying, rather than frustrating or boring.”

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