Preschool
MIS preschool teachers create a dynamic and nurturing space for children to be active learners who take risks and learn resilience, while cultivating and embracing their curiosity.
Immersed in the Spanish language, children explore learning centers in a play-based environment. Foundational literacy, math, arts, music and movement are woven throughout the day.
The classroom experience allows students to acquire Spanish through a holistic, early childhood experience.
Preschool at MIS
Classrooms are full of life with enthusiastic thinkers and learners. Our preschool teachers understand the importance of students interpreting the world in their own unique way. The small class size and low student-to-teacher ratio (6:1) means we can meet each learner where ever they may be in their educational journey.
What parents are saying…
“We love the connection and community built by MIS teachers!”
“My kids are engaged in school! They are excited to go to class and come home asking lots of questions, too.”
“The teachers take time to really get to know my child.”
“The teachers believe in what MIS is doing and want to be here.”
In the Classroom
Low Student : Teacher Ratio
Classrooms are full of life with enthusiastic thinkers and learners. MIS teachers understand the importance of students interpreting the world in their own unique way. The small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios mean meeting each individual learner where they are in their educational journey.
Spanish Immersion
Students learn Spanish the same way they learn their first language - by hearing and seeing it used in a natural setting. Your child does not need to have prior Spanish language skills.
Our preschool experience is 100% Spanish immersion.
Multiage Learning
Our multiage learning environment combines ages 3 through 5 in the same classroom so they can contribute to each other’s learning experience. Older children take responsibility and learn compassionate, effective leadership skills while the younger children benefit from the mentorship and modeling provided by their older peers.
IB Education
In preschool, the International Baccalaureate themes guide four units of inquiry for a holistic learning experience. This integrates socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development.
The four units are:
Who we are
How we express ourselves
How the world works
Sharing the planet
Inquiry Based Learning
The inquiry-driven approach encourages children to use their curiosity as the catalyst for constructing meaning, as well as re-constructing what they already know, to gain a deeper understanding.
Inquiry:
Engages students with what they know to excite curiosity
Facilitates exploration to encourage students to start working through the idea
Follows with an explanation that connects students’ exploration to build a contextual sense of the idea
Elaborates to extend the idea into new situations to help connect ideas
Encourages students to reflect and evaluate – to transfer their newly constructed meaning to different situations
The School Day
7:30 - 9:00am – before care available*
9:00 - 11:45 am – morning circle, integrated learning centers & snacks, imaginative play, math, word formation, art, outdoor time, specialists or project time, circle time and other classroom activities
11:45 pm – lunch & recess - half day students depart at 12:45
1:00 - 3:00 pm – nap time, snack time, free play, fine & gross motor explorations, closing circle
3:00 pm - pick up time
3:00 - 5:15 pm - after care available*
*Students must be pre-enrolled in Before and After care. No drop-ins.
Specialists
Our Specialists contribute to a holistic experience and encourage a child’s natural curiosity and desire to express themselves. They help to promote communication, confidence, creativity, original thinking, as well as social and physical development. MIS students develop an awareness and appreciation of music, art and theater from a range of places, times and cultures. Our preschoolers enjoy art, music and library several times a week.
PE Children build gross motor skills and engage in active games.
ART Children begin to construct an understanding of their community, their feelings and their environment, through visual arts.
MUSIC Children learn to communicate in unique ways that go beyond language.
Preschool Admission Requirements:
MIS preschool students must be 3 years of age by December 31 of the enrollment year. All students must be fully independent in using the toilet when they enter MIS. (No diapers)
Meet Our Teachers
Diana DeSantiago Burnich | Preschool
BA from Autonomous University of Chihuahua
Diana hails from Chihuahua, Mexico. She joined the MIS preschool team in 2014. Previous to MIS, Diana worked at the Early Learning and Day Care Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the proud mother of one MIS alumni - Camila, and a current 8th grader - Sofia.
Belén Iniesta | Preschool
MA Special Education
BA Teacher Elementary School
Belén came to us from Almeria, Andalusia, Spain, and has more than 10 years of experience as a teacher. Belen is passionate about her work - which is what brought her to Missoula. In her free time she loves to travel, experience new cultures, read about education and dance (although she claims not to be very good at that last one!).
Fabiola Morales | Preschool
BA from Universidad de Ciencias Comerciales UCC
Fabiola is from Managua, Nicaragua and began her teaching career in 2011. Prior to joining our preschool team in 2019, she taught at Paxon Elementary in Missoula. In her free time she loves spending time with her family and rollerblading (!) among many other activities!
Meet Our Assistant Teachers
Albany Bejarano | Preschool Assistant
Caroline Kelley | Preschool Assistant
Paola Ramos | Preschool Assistant
