Tempo Montessori Charter School

Hi. This is Diane Beckham, the founding executive director of Tempo Montessori. Thank you for taking an interest in Tempo Montessori's vision to open a public Montessori school for students ages 3 to 8th grade. We anticipate expanding to include a Montessori High School, as well. It takes all of us to make this dream come true and by signing up for our newsletter, you are joining the mission to make this happen!

Strong Reader's Act- Signed by Oklahoma's Governor- April 2026

What are the highlights?

• Strong Readers Act: This law requires more training for teachers and state screenings to identify reading deficiencies early. It mandates that students read by the end of third grade and holds those who cannot back up.

• Early Intervention: The law includes early intervention measures for students not reading at grade level, starting as early as kindergarten.

• Reading Specialists: Every elementary school will have a reading specialist, and additional pay will be provided for educators who become reading specialists.

• Funding for Literacy Coaches: Funding for literacy coaches at the Oklahoma State Department of Education will be doubled.

• Third-Grade Retention: Third graders who fail literacy tests will be held back before advancing to fourth grade.
  

Tell me how?

• Early Intervention: Montessori educators are skilled in identifying initial learning challenges, such as difficulty distinguishing sounds, recognizing patterns, or problems with visual discrimination. Instruction and assessment of these foundational skills for reading achievement start when children are four years old. Tempo has adopted a strong early intervention pathway to catch these early signs of possible reading struggles.
• Reading Specialists: Tempo's current Year 1 budget includes a full-time reading interventionist. Additionally, Montessori classroom teachers will have the opportunity to build their literacy skills through paid reading certification through the American Montessori Society, Take Flight Comprehensive Intervention and Montessori for All Reading Intervention.
• Funding for Literacy Coaches: The additional funding at the state level will provide additional tools and research to complement current programs at Tempo Montessori.
• Third-Grade Retention: Tempo Montessori's multi-age classrooms move children to the next academic level at kindergarten, 3rd grade, 6th grade and 8th grade. Only after meeting grade level standards, will a child be able to transition to the next class*. This ensures students are ready to meet the rigor of advancement.

* Students who have documentation, including IEPs, 504s, or other plans, will receive support in accordance with Oklahoma statute.

Facilities... one of the biggest decisions a school makes.

Tempo Montessori is authorized to open a public Montessori school within the Union School District. The ENTIRE Tempo team has joined together to visit and discuss the best option for our families and for the Montessori Model. We have several options to explore.

What does the Montessori Model need in a facility?

The Montessori Model encourages children to move around, work collaboratively and enjoy the sunshine when possible.

The facilities Tempo is looking at include:

• Larger than "normal classrooms supporting movement, collaboration and larger projects

The outdoor areas will be redesigned to include garden beds, natural play zones, and spots where people can eat or work while soaking up the sun.

• Natural colors to promote peace and concentration

What is Tempo's timeline?

Finalizing our facilities is our #1 priority. It is our goal to have everything fall into place July 2026.

Why July 2026?

July 2026 begins Tempo's planning year. Tempo has several tasks to finish before opening on August 2, 2027.

Tasks include:

• Preparing the facility for children- code compliance, Montessori environment, beautification
• Family events- tours, enrollment, educational sessions
• Ordering Montessori materials
• Teacher development, including Montessori training for new staff

Tempo Montessori staff is working to spread the news about our public Montessori school. If you belong to a church, charity, daycare, civic/community group, neighborhood alliance, etc., we would love an opportunity to speak in front of your group. Reach out directly to diane@tempomontessori.com to set up a time.