By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

The Brilliant Star School on Navy Hill yesterday announced that it is recruiting more students in order to expand its elementary program this year.
Beginning in August, the school will have classes for grades 4, 5 and 6, according to co-principal Rob Schultz.
He said they are offering a 30 percent discount on tuition for students who enroll in the fall of 2007, “as part of our efforts to recruit qualified students.”
He said the discount, along with the school’s generous financial aid could bring the monthly cost down to “as low as $75 per month — making quality education available to nearly everyone.”
“So we encourage all interested families to stop by and apply,” Schultz said, adding that they are now looking for 10 children to join their current students who will be moving up to 4th and 5th grades in August.
Founded in 1999, Brilliant Star School uses the internationally recognized Montessori curriculum which places emphasis on “creating a love of learning, independence and responsibility.”
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, the current president of Brillant Star’s board of trustees, said parents appreciate the Montessori curriculum.
“So, although we started out as a toddler enrichment program, we’ve expanded every year, to meet the needs of the children and their families,” he said.
Kinney Fontecchio, a teacher a the school, said their goal is to provide “keys” as well as various materials and experiences that will allow students to discover learning.
The curriculum introduces geometry, algebra, physics, literature, performing and visual arts, in the elementary years.
“The children just soak it up,” said Fontecchio. “Kid’s exposed to the Montessori curriculum do exceptionally well in all areas, including standardized testing. But more importantly they become analytical thinkers and learn to work as responsible members of a community.”
For more information, call Rob Schultz at 323-7827 or e-mail principal@brilliantstar.org.
You can also visit the school’s Web site at www.BrilliantStar.org.