Faqs

Our mission is to empower every child to build a life of purpose.
We accomplish this through a learning environment that emphasizes academic excellence, independence, character development, and meaningful relationships.
Our five Core Values – Love, Joy, Ownership, Purpose, and Reflection—guide our school community and shape the experiences we provide for our passengers.

Sankofa Montessori is located at 5881 Phillips Drive Forest Park, GA 30297. We encourage prospective families to visit our school, learn more about our instructional model, and experience our community firsthand.

Yes. All passengers are required to wear the approved Sankofa school uniform each school day.
Our uniform expectations promote school pride, consistency, belonging, and a focused learning environment. Families receive detailed information regarding approved uniform items and dress code expectations during the enrollment process.

Sankofa Montessori is a tuition-free public charter school that uses a unique instructional model called The Sankofa Bridge.
Rather than operating as a traditional Montessori school, we intentionally combine the academic structure, grade-level standards, and accountability of traditional public education with selected Montessori principles, including hands-on learning, independence, and purposeful Work Cycles.
Our passengers receive structured instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and other core subjects while also participating in collaborative learning and opportunities for independent exploration.
At Sankofa, families do not have to choose between strong academics and student-centered learning. We bridge the two.

Sankofa Montessori is a structured, academically focused public charter school—not a play-based school or a traditional Montessori program.
Through The Sankofa Bridge, we combine the academic rigor, grade-level standards, and accountability of traditional public education with selected Montessori principles.
Our passengers participate in a full academic school day that includes direct instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and science; classroom transitions; independent assignments; assessments; and clearly defined academic and behavioral expectations.
While hands-on exploration and student choice are part of our instructional approach, they do not replace structured teaching, grade-level curriculum, or academic accountability.
Our classrooms balance meaningful learning experiences with consistent routines, high expectations, and opportunities for passengers to develop independence and responsibility.
At Sankofa, learning is purposeful, instruction is intentional, and academic achievement is a priority.

Yes! Sankofa Montessori is a tuition-free public charter school.
There is no tuition to attend Sankofa, and families do not have to meet income requirements to apply.
As a public charter school, we provide a public education experience with a distinctive instructional approach designed to support academic achievement, independence, and whole-child development.

Absolutely. Sankofa is a structured, high-expectation learning environment.
While our instructional approach incorporates hands-on learning and opportunities for independence, our passengers follow clear routines, established expectations, and structured academic schedules.
Our teachers provide direct instruction, monitor academic progress, reinforce positive behavior, and hold passengers accountable for meeting classroom and schoolwide expectations.
Through social-emotional learning, consistent routines, and our Core Values, we create an environment where structure, accountability, and care work together.
At Sankofa, student independence does not mean a lack of structure. We intentionally teach passengers how to manage responsibilities, make positive choices, and take ownership of their learning.

At Sankofa Montessori, we believe every passenger deserves a safe, respectful, and academically focused learning environment.
Sankofa has an established Student Code of Conduct that is actively enforced. All passengers are expected to follow schoolwide behavioral expectations, demonstrate respect for others, and take responsibility for their actions.
Our approach to student discipline balances accountability, consistency, and opportunities for growth. Through our Core Values – Love, Joy, Ownership, Purpose, and Reflection – we explicitly teach positive behavior, reinforce expectations, and help passengers understand the impact of their choices.
When behavioral expectations are not met, school leadership and staff respond in accordance with our Code of Conduct, using appropriate interventions and disciplinary consequences based on the circumstances.
We are intentional about protecting the learning environment. Behaviors that repeatedly disrupt instruction, compromise safety, or interfere with another passenger’s ability to learn are addressed promptly and consistently.
While we recognize that children are still developing important social-emotional and decision-making skills, we maintain high expectations for behavior and accountability.
At Sankofa, we lead with love, hold passengers accountable, and protect every child’s right to learn.

Academic achievement is a priority at Sankofa Montessori.
Through The Sankofa Bridge, passengers receive rigorous, standards-aligned instruction using research-based curricula, including Wonders for English Language Arts, Open Up Resources for Mathematics, and STEMscopes for Science.
Our content-specific instructional model allows passengers to learn from multiple educators who collaborate to provide focused instruction, targeted interventions, and enrichment based on individual academic needs.
We monitor academic growth through classroom assessments, MAP Growth, DIBELS, and other progress-monitoring tools.
Beginning in third grade, passengers participate in the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS). Passengers in Grades 3–5 also receive dedicated GMAS preparation to strengthen their understanding of grade-level standards, critical-thinking skills, and assessment readiness.
Our goal is to ensure passengers are academically prepared, confident, and equipped for continued success.

Sankofa Montessori is a public charter school with a state-wide attendance zone, and there are no income requirements to apply.

Sankofa Montessori currently serves passengers in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.

Our academic program is organized into three developmental levels:

• Primary (Kindergarten): Building strong academic foundations, independence, and early learning skills.
• Lower Elementary (Grades 1–3): Strengthening literacy, mathematics, critical thinking, and academic responsibility.
• Upper Elementary (Grades 4–5): Increasing academic rigor, developing leadership, and preparing passengers for middle school.

Each program reflects The Sankofa Bridge, combining structured academic instruction with Montessori-inspired learning experiences.

ParentSquare is Sankofa Montessori’s primary communication platform.
Families receive important school announcements, classroom updates, reminders, and information regarding school events through ParentSquare.
For classroom or academic concerns, families should begin by contacting their passenger’s Lead Guide. Our team generally responds to messages within 24–48 business hours.
For urgent matters requiring immediate assistance, families should contact the school’s front office. We value respectful, timely, and collaborative communication between families and our school team.

We are excited that you are considering Sankofa Montessori for your family!

Families can begin the enrollment process by visiting our website and completing the online application.

Our enrollment team will provide information regarding application deadlines, available seats, lottery procedures when applicable, and next steps for enrollment.

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