Open House Sat Mar 7
HOMESCHOOL
Welcoming Homeschoolers Grades 1-6
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2026-2027
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Abstract Minds Program
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Montessori Homeschool Learners Program
Welcome to Castle Island Bilingual Montessori, an accredited elementary school in Downtown Albany, where we focus on the development of the whole child.
True to Montessori philosophy, we recognize that learning takes many forms. Meeting our mission to provide more Montessori to more children, we are pleased to partner with our local homeschooling community to support and enrich their educational journey.
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Our Abstract Minds Program offers flexible, in-person learning for children in Grades 1-6.
“Abstract Mind” is the designation of the Montessori Second Plane of Development, children ages 6 -12. The learning environment in our school for these elementary years is designed to allow for large projects, research, and collaborative work, often extending beyond the classroom. We know that children in this plane are exploring their intellectual and moral independence, and can be characterized by their demonstration of a "reasoning mind," intense imagination, and a strong sense of social justice. Children move from concrete, hands-on learning to abstract thought, exploring the "how" and "why" behind concepts.
Through our Abstract Minds Program, we invite homeschool children to join us for 3 or 5 afternoons per week of engaging, collaborative learning experiences.
Enroll by semester for your child to participate in our mixed-age learning community for social activities, including lunch, and for enrichment classes:
​Programs​
Fall Semester: September-February
Spring Semester: February-June
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Option One
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Spanish with the Arts, 3 Afternoons/Week
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Creative Visual Arts (Multimedia Exploration)
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Music Fundamentals & Performance
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Option Two
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Spanish with Arts & Movement, 5 Afternoons/Week
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Movement with Music (Afro-Caribbean Dance)
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Movement with Sports (Non-Competitive, Purposeful Physical Education)
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*Theater Arts (Bilingual Musical, Fall Semester only)
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​​Plus ...
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Special Enrichment Events: Cross-Country/Track Meets (Fall & Spring); Variety Show (Fall); Bilingual Children’s Play (Fall); Feria de Español (Spring)
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Our Abstract Minds Program gives children the chance
to learn new skills, build friendships, and become part of our inclusive, bilingual community while continuing their homeschool journey.
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Who We Are
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AMS/AMI Montessori certified teachers
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Experienced staff, combined experience in education over 100 years
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Dedicated to ensuring every student and family succeed
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Kind and supportive community of learners
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What We Offer
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3 or 5 Academic Enrichment Afternoons per week
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Montessori philosophy of following the child with Grace & Courtesy
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Hands-on and individualized lessons
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Academic and cross-curricular exposure to Spanish
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Call or email for a tour today and learn about the difference Montessori can make for your family's homeschool experience.
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Daily Schedule
12:30 - 3:30 pm
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12:30 - 1:00 pm Montessori Mealtime family-style shared meals foster independence, grace, and courtesy by involving children in every step of the meal experience
1:15 - 2:15 pm Enrichment Classes
2:15 - 3:00 pm Afternoon Montessori Work Cycle with Spanish Immersion
3:15 - 3:30 pm Dismissal
Pricing
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Deposit: $375 per semester
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Option One, 3-Days/Week: $585/month
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Option Two, 5-Days/Week: $850/month
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Fall Semester Six Payments: July - December
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Spring Semester Six Payments: January - June
Spanish Immersion with ...
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​Visual Arts Studio
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Kindergarten & Elementary
90 Minutes Weekly: Instruction & Studio
The focus of Visual Arts Studio is to introduce students to a broad range of art media. The projects we do in the studio have themes coordinating with what your child is learning in the classroom. The best part? Your child gets to bring their work-of-art home to you!
Music Fundamentals & Performance
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Kindergarten & Elementary
90 Minutes Weekly: Instruction & Studio
The focus of Music Studio is to introduce students to the basics and beyond, beginning with fundamentals of rhythm recognition, especially with drumming. Children learn tone scales through introduction and practice with xylophones. The children prepare songs and music pieces to perform at the three major family events: variety school, the school play, and the ¡Féria de Español!
Theater Arts
Early Childhood - Elementary
Variety Show (December)
Bilingual Play Production (February)
Children are invited to develop their talents and to learn new skills in dramatic arts. Guides facilitate stage presence for voluntary performance in the annual talent show, and auditions are held for the annual bilingual English/Spanish children's play. Three months of rehearsals prepare the actors as well as back stage creators to produce a show attended broadly by the community!
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Watch two of our past productions, filmed during the pandemic:
Movement with Sports
(Physical Education)
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Kindergarten & Elementary
90 Minutes Weekly
The children are guided in the introduction of sports skills while developing their balance, agility, flexibility and hand-eye coordination. They learn game rules, teamwork and working towards their individual achievement.
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Castle Island participates in the Fall and Spring running competitions sponsored by the Just Run Capital Region Chapter.
Movement with Music
(Music and Dance)​
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Kindergarten & Elementary
1 Hour Weekly
The children are guided in dance introduction with an emphasis on movement rooted in Afro-Latin origins, including Flamenco from Spain and traditional dance from West Africa. They strengthen their gross motor muscles while developing rhythmic awareness and skills moving with music.
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The children perform at the annual Variety Show (December) and in La Féria de Español (March).
Excursions
(Field Trips)
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Early Childhood
Fall & Spring Outings on Foot
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Elementary
Monthly Outings on Foot or by Vehicle TBD
The children curriculum studies are enhanced with their outings into the world. We have access to many enriching places to visit within walking distance in Downtown Albany! Regular trips include:
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Ladder 1 Historic Fire Station
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New York State Museum
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New York State Capitol Building
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Albany Public Library - Main Branch & Howe Branch
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Albany Institute of History & Art
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Corning Preserve on the Hudson River
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Radix Center: Urban Agriculture
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Governor's, Cherry Hill and Schuyler Mansions ​
Guest Speakers
(Parent Volunteers Welcome!)
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Early Childhood
Quarterly
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Elementary
Monthly
The children benefit from learning about adult work from volunteers who present their expertise from a broad range of knowledge and skills. These presentations provide a model for children as they learn about a variety work that adults love to do! Guides invite professionals from the community, including current and alumni parents to present their professions or hobbies, providing an opportunity to the children to learn and ask questions directly to the expert.












