- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 21 October 2011
- Hits: 261
The Renaissance School (TRS) is a Montessori school in Oakland serving children ages two through grade 8. Leslie Hites, who continues to serve as Head of School, founded TRS in 1992.
The Renaissance idea is reflected throughout the curriculum. Students are encouraged to explore the world through a Spanish and French language immersion program, choral instruction, a studio arts program, travel, and
above all, individualized instruction that allows students to learn and grow at their own pace and achieve their academic, social and emotional potential.
Starting at age 2, students participate in a dual language immersion program. In first grade, they enter a tri-lingual immersion program (English, French, and Spanish). This results in children becoming comfortable with more than one language at an early age.
The curriculum also includes choral instruction utilizing the Kodály Method, a successful Hungarian technique specifically designed for teaching music to children. Instrumental music instruction is also available on an extracurricular basis.
In addition, one of the cornerstones of the school’s program is our unparalleled studio arts program. The school stages a popular art show each June at a donated gallery, showcasing at least two pieces of each student’s artwork.
Hearing different languages, studying music and art in diverse settings, along with special outdoor educational experiences like camping and even international trips helps our students express themselves well, gain a lifelong love of learning and become citizens of the world.
Above all, faculty and staff at TRS have a true respect for children, and treat each one as an individual. Our teachers are trained in the Schools Attuned program, which helps children learn in the best way possible for them.
Two-hour, in-depth tours of The Renaissance School are available by appointment, year round. Reserve online by clicking on the program level of the tour you want to attend. (Pre Primary/Primary or Kindergarten/Elementary).
Reservations may also be made by calling 510-531-8566. Tours are two hours in length and adults only, please.
- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 13 October 2011
- Hits: 420
- Updated: 25 May 2016
- Published: 25 October 2011
- Hits: 294
The Renaissance School (TRS) is the only genuine three-language immersion Montessori school in the nation. Students ranging in age from two-years-old through Pre-K enter our pre-primary/primary program and are instructed in English and Spanish or English and French. When they enter the Elementary level, a third language is added bringing to bear a tri-lingual immersion program.
This year, there is a new element in how some of our students are learning foreign languages. We are taking advantage of technology with our language immersion program. One of our instructors, Nathalie Colin, is teaching our Upper Elementary/Adolescent students in French from France.
Colin has set up a video “classroom” in order to be able to instruct her TRS students from a location in France. In many ways having Nathalie teach via video from so far away is not too different from having her in the classroom. Students can still see and hear her and in return she is able to see the students and respond to their questions and comments.
Despite the distance, students can still see and hear her and in return she is able to view the students and interact with them, responding to their questions and comments.
The program is also enhanced by our new teacher/assistant Wilson Goss who speaks to the students 100% in French and is able to support Nathalie in whatever way is needed.
Wilson is a graduate of Tulane University where he completed a double major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and French. He also completed a Master of Arts in French Literature and Francophone Studies at Tulane. After completing his studies, Wilson worked in a 4th grade French full immersion program where he spoke and taught the students in French only. We are delighted to have Wilson here at TRS.
Language immersion is a key component of our school. Find out more about our philosophy on learning foreign languages.
