ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

The elementary Montessori (6 to 12 years of age) curriculum build upon the student's Early Childhood Montessori experience (3 to 6 years of age). The Montessori Materials continue to play an important role as the child begins to move from the concret to the abstact.

Lessons involve exploration and hands-on experiences. The child in the elementary classroom learns by doing hence the classroom is rich in materials and resources.

The curriculum is individualized. The needs, ability, interests and skills of each child are taken into consideration when lessons are planned and knowledge assessed. The elementary program teaches the student how to think clearly, how to research, how to express herself in writing and speech.

The program fosters independent work as well as group effort, and supports a variety of learning styles. Elementary Montessori education integrates all the different areas of study rather than compartmentalizing them. It emphasizes learning how to discover the answer for oneself rather than waiting for the information to be given.

Different from a traditional school setting where teacher directed curriculum determines the daily lessons, the Elementary Montessori students choose their own work. Under the guidance of the teachers, the Montessori students select activities that reflect their ability levels yet present opportunities to practice and perfect skills.

Practical Life: At the elementary level, Practical Life emphasizes the nurturing of life skills that support independent thought and action. The skills include - meal preparation, public speaking, needlework, animal care, gardening, recycling, maintenance skills, housekeeping, collaboration and tutoring.

Mathematics: Mathematic lessons concentrate on basic operations in arithmetic, place value and beginning geometry through the use of hands-on manipulative materials. A solid foundation in these skills, using Montessori materials, allows for a smooth transition from concrete to abstract.

Language Arts: Language includes reading, writing, storytelling, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and penmanship. Attention to literature is emphasized; a wide variety of children’s books and genres are available. Reading bridges all subjects in the curriculum. Writing takes many forms: logging daily work, journal, writer’s workshop as well as reports. All students have regular opportunities for both giving and receiving feedback to peers and publishing finished works.



Cultural & Science Studies: The cultural curriculum focuses on History and Geography. The sciences include Botany, Zoology, the Human Body as well as Physical Science. These subjects are explored in a three-year rotating cycle.

Physical Education: The structure of the elementary Montessori classroom allows the students freedom of movement for the majority of the day. In addition, children have a daily minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor playtime where they are encouraged to participate in active play, either structured or freeform. Direct instruction in Physical Education is through Movement class and organized games.

Art & Music: Each month a different artist is studied. The children are introduced to the artist’s life and work and participate in related art projects. In addition various art materials and mediums are available for the students to choose from. Similarly, each month a composer is studied with appropriate music played throughout the work periods. Music and Movement classes are offered throughout the week for enrichment and specific knowledge purposes.

Technology: The elementary students are introduced to computers in their second year in the Montessori classroom. Word processing programs are introduced as a method by which the students garner computer skills as well as a means to publish their writing and reports.

Research: Montessori students are encouraged to explore topics that capture their imagination. The approach is largely based on library research. The children assemble reports on their findings and make presentations to their classmates. The oral and written reports grow in sophistication and complexity with each passing year.

Foreign Language: Spanish class meets several times each week. Class groupings are composed of those with similar knowledge of the language. Thematic units of study are followed, with the children learning vocabulary and conversation through craft, song and game. Gradually the students are exposed to reading and writing exercises.

Drama: Each year the elementary students participate in a class production. Poetry recitals are performed on a regular basis. At the end of the year the students present small skits based on their year’s studies.

Field Trips: Field Trips enhance the year’s curriculum. The children extend their learning beyond the classroom by making several off campus trips each month. The students attend a number of stage productions each year as well as visiting museums and exhibits.