Elementary Program
Our Elementary Montessori classes are lead by certified Montessori teachers and experienced assistants. A complete set of age appropriate Montessori learning materials are available in each classroom, along with ample teacher created materials. The curriculum is individualized to meet each student's needs academically, physically, socially and emotionally, as they progress from the very young student entering Elementary school through the experienced, accountable, self-directed older learner.
MIXED AGE GROUPS (6-9) and (9-12)
Both the Lower Elementary (6-9) and Upper Elementary (9-12) classrooms offer a wonderful opportunity for peer education and leadership development. Students enjoy collaborating with their peers and learning from each other both academically and socially without the stress of competition.
Students move through the curriculum at their own pace which allows them to strike a balance between challenging themselves and allowing time for full understanding of a concept before moving on. The elementary classroom includes learning materials that spark the interests and abilities of each individual learner. This creates a highly enriching environment. Younger students are motivated by their older peers while older students enjoy the role guide for their younger classmates.
The materials are integrated and multifaceted in use to allow expanded exploration as the student's understanding grows.
Mixed age grouping also allows a teacher time to truly get to know her students so that she can better follow their lead. Having a large returning group of students in the classroom each year creates a wonderful continuity of structure, organization and community.
“The child’s progress does not depend only on his age, but also on being free to look around him.”
Individualized Curriculum
The Elementary 6-9 and 9-12 Programs build on the Preschool/Kindergarten 3-6 Montessori experience by providing a stronger focus on academic pursuits and fostering an increasing level of independence and responsibility.
The elementary curriculum forms an integrated approach to answering the "why" and "how" questions that are so prominent in the minds of elementary aged students. Information is shared in a story-telling fashion and focuses on peaking student interest and curiosity. This curiosity leads them to delve into further exploration in the areas of math, language, history, chemistry, biology, astronomy, botany, physics, culture, art, music and much more. Presented in a respectful and open-minded way, this method helps students gain a deeper understanding of the world and how they fit in it.
Students in the elementary classroom work on exploring concepts and ideas on a schedule determined, in part, by personal interest. The learner may focus for a period of time on a particular subject area, infusing an incredible amount of attention and energy into the process. At these times, the teacher monitors the student's progress, guiding and recording, while maintaining the learner's engagement and focus. Through teacher guidance, group interaction, stimulating materials and all that the classroom environment has to offer, the learner's interest will inevitably lead them to experience a variety of subject matter and allow for a strong, varied academic base.
Whole Child Approach
Children ages 6-12 begin a new period of sensitivity to social relationships. In particular, they are developing a strong preoccupation with fairness and moral decision making. With teachers acting as moderators and facilitators, students learn how to negotiate solutions that respect everyone's thoughts and feelings in order to maintain a smoothly running classroom community. Emphasis is placed on valuing the individual gifts that each students brings to the group.
In addition to growth in social relationships, students at this level take a greater responsibility in regards to organization and self-evaluation. Using journals, students record and communicate their work goals and lessons. This allows the child, teacher and family to interact and assess progress. It is a useful tool for the practice of written communication and self-evaluation, serving as a means for the child to gain independence in their educational goals.
Program Options
Our Lower Elementary (6-9) and Upper Elementary (9-12) classes are a five day per week program. We offer both an early drop off late pickup option in order to meet a variety of family scheduling needs.
After completing our Elementary program, our students have the skills that allow them to transfer easily to the educational program of their parent's choice.