Magnet Information
John E Ford is an Inspirations Magnet
John E. Ford is proud to be one of the seven inspirations magnet schools. The name inspirations was chosen because magnet school light educational fires and spark imaginations. They inspire students to do great things! It seemed only natural to locate these new programs in the downtown area, which itself is experiencing an inspiring renaissance.
John E. Ford's inspiration comes from two already successful programs: Montessori and Spanish Immersion. The unique nature of these two programs provides the foundation for the district's very first K - 8 school. Children who start here can stay with the same schoolmates for nine years and experience the benefits of a program that starts at a young age and prepares them for high school.
Montessori Program
The Montessori program uses a model that has been successful around the world for over 100 years. It offers a well-rounded educational opportunity based on a belief that it is in the child's nature to love learning and be self-motivated.
In a Montessori school, you will find multi-aged groupings of students who teach, collaborate and help each other with the learning process. The teacher prepares the environment, offers activities and functions as a facilitator, while observing the children constantly to help them "learn how to learn."
Spanish Immersion Program
This program immerses students in a foreign language by teaching all subjects in Spanish. Students read, write and speak Spanish in their daily course of instruction. Our method recognizes that the best way for children to learn a foreign language is to use it extensively every day. That is why no English is used in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Immersion gives children the best of both worlds- learning a foreign language with nearly native proficiency while maintaining English-language skills.
Spanish Immersion/Montessori Combination
The Spanish Immersion class will be taught using the Montessori Methods.
Pre-Kindergarten program available
Children can start as early as three years old in our pre-kindergarten program, as long as they are potty-trained. We offer Montessori, Spanish Immersion and Spanish Montessori. The pre-Kindergarten program runs from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Monday through Friday. It is a tuition based program and is currently $327.00 per month. (subject to change) Extended day for both morning and afternoon is available for an additional fee. Transportation is NOT provided for Pre-Kindergarten students.
Admission and Transportation
Students residing in ALL seven magnet transportation zones may apply for John E Ford. Transportation service will be provided. Students may apply for Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten and 1st Grade without prior experience. New students in grades 2 through 8 will be admitted only through a special examination or prior experience with the Spanish Language or the Montessori method of instruction.
To learn more about John E Ford, please call 630-6540.
Tours are available every Thursday, starting January 10th, throughout January and February. Please call 630-6540 to sign up for a tour.