School Feature:Â The Learning Place
Read below the interview with Mrs. Bolanle Adewole, the Executive Director of The Learning Place located in Lekki. She talks about the school ethos, curriculum, and more. We featured TLP Center previously, the sister school for special needs.
Please introduce yourself and your background.Â
Mrs. Bolanle Adewole is the Executive Director of The Learning Place. She was certified in the theory and practice of the Montessori philosophy for children aged 2.6 years to 6 years at St Nicholas Montessori Center, London, UK in 1995. In addition, she also holds an equivalent certification from the North American Montessori Center in Canada for children aged 6-12 years. She oversees curriculum design and program implementation at TLP.
What is the name of your School and when was it founded?
The Learning Place was founded in September 2004.
Tell us about your school’s history.
On Monday, September 8th, 2004, The Learning Place (TLP) opened its doors to full-time Montessori operations. Twelve (12) students, including two with special needs, resumed on that bright first day of school. We started with two classrooms and gradually opened others as we grew. Our first year recorded rapid growth and visible student development. We actively engaged in hands-on activities; our students were happy, learning, and always looked forward to coming to school. By the end of the second year, we had reached capacity and developed a waitlist for student admissions. Our students flourished!
By the end of the second year, we had reached capacity and developed a waitlist for student admissions. Our students flourished! Share on X
Our purpose-built building was commissioned in September 2008, and we expanded as we opened the Elementary School that same year. We opened our affiliate organization, The Learning Place Center (TLPCentre) – the first ever special needs day school on Lagos Island and its environs in 2010. The Learning Place is registered as a member school of the Association of International School Educators of Nigeria (AISEN); American Montessori Society (AMS) and became registered as an international school with the UK Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in 2012. Â We have proudly produced TLP ambassadors who seamlessly transitioned into various secondary schools of choice since 2013.
Approximately 950 students have passed through our doors either for full-time schooling, our aftercare program, or holiday care (summer camp). We are delighted to note that most of our Alumni have encouraged us with positive feedback and still do.
We remain focused and committed to our vision and, in doing so, are intent on improving the caliber of facilities available to our children. More than ten years on, we have remained accomplished and at the forefront in delivering first-hand, foundational education to children.
Please give details of your staff/administration.
Each Toddler’s House (Children aged 1-3years) and Children’s House class (3-6years) is staffed by a Montessori Directress, Directress Assistant, and Classroom Support Assistants. The teams in our Elementary classes (6-12years) comprise a Montessori Directress and a Directress Assistant. The academic staff thrives under the leadership of our Head of School.
The Administrative Team manages operational aspects of the school. They also provide relationship management services and coordinate the admissions process.
What is the curriculum/teaching methodology?
THE Learning Place (TLP) is a generative Montessori school for children aged 1-12 years. TLP is grouped into four main segments namely Toddlers’ House: 0-3 years; Children’s House 3-6 years, Lower elementary 6-9 years and Upper Elementary 9-12years. Each segment has its own unique curriculum based on the Montessori philosophy.
What is the Ratio of teachers to students?
Toddler’s House – 5:1
Children’s House – 8:1
Elementary – 15:1
What age range are your students?Â
1-12years old
What is the admission process?Â
Our admissions process is made up of a number of steps:
i. Inquiry/ School Tour with the Admissions Manager
ii. Pre-admission Assessment
iii. Parent Interview with School Director
iv. Application Form Purchase
v. Wait List Placement/Enrollment
How do you assess students’ progress?
Continuous Assessment/Quarterly Assessments
What are your Discipline methods?
We believe strongly that discipline comes from within. The record shows minimal non-compliance in normalized environments. We strive to normalize our environment to prevent unacceptable behavior and noncompliance. However, when unacceptable behavior does occur, the following are modes of discipline adopted: correction, redirection, reprimand, exclusion/time-out; withholding pleasurable things/activities; writing lines; writing about appropriate behavior; doing chores, etc
What are the School Hours and any after-school services offered?
Standard Hours are:
8 am – 1 pm (Toddler’s House & Children’s House)
8 am-2:30 pm (Elementary).
We also offer early drop-off options from 7 am.
In addition, we run an after-school program that provides services such as homework support and various extracurricular activities. Sessions run from 1:30-5 pm (Toddler’s House & Children’s House); 3:00- 5 pm (Elementary).
How can parents contact you for more information? Or to schedule a visit to the school?
Parents may send an email requesting an appointment to admin@thelearningplaceng.com or call 012706224, 0803-385-6735, or 0811-397-4150.
What should parents be looking for to decide if your school would work for them/their children?
i. Well-Rounded & Whole Child Experience: We believe that no child should be left behind and all children should have an equal opportunity to learn.
ii. Individualized Learning: We understand that not all children learn at the same pace, and we are able to tailor our delivery based on where they are on their learning journey. We take into account their level of ability in planning how lessons are delivered.
iii. Conducive Environment: We place a great emphasis on how our environment and curriculum is structured so as to bring out the child’s natural desire to learn.
iv. Attention to detail: We strongly adhere to the principle of attending to every part of the whole.
iv. Independence & Leadership Skills: Our focus is on producing world-class leaders with positive values for living.
Contact Information for the school?
We may be contacted using the details above. Parents are also welcome to visitÂ
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