Redbud

three to six years

Our Primary Classroom is thoughtfully designed to nurture each child’s intellect and unfolding personality during these formative years.  Early childhood is a delightful time to be active, explore the environment, and develop confidence as a learner through investigation and discovery.

Practical life is the hallmark of Montessori education in the Primary Classroom.  The exercises in the practical life area involve care of the environment, care of oneself, physical developmental skills, and grace and courtesy.  These exercises help children develop independence and provide preparation for the academic world.

The Montessori community promotes respect for self and others, waiting turns, and cooperation. In our carefully prepared environment, children develop a sense of order, concentration, coordination, and independence, while gaining a strong foundation for mathematics, writing, reading, science, cultural studies, geography, art, and music.

Magnolia

six to twelve years

The quest to learn about self and the world continues in the elementary years.  Elementary children are very social and are interested in issues such as cooperation, fairness, and decision-making.  They are learning how to work collaboratively and exploring the rules of society.  We give focus and purpose to children’s natural desire to work within a group.

One of the goals of the Montessori curriculum is to expose children to the whole range of human knowledge through an integrated approach to learning.  The “cosmic education” provides an overview of the history of the universe.  Through the study of ancient civilizations, children discover that mathematics, language, geography, music, and art all developed from basic human needs.  With children, this knowledge fosters respect and understanding for others. The Montessori culture works and activities use a child's natural curiosity for the world around them to teach zoology, biology, Earth science, and geography, while strengthening reading and writing skills.

In the lower elementary class, lessons are primarily presented through the use of Montessori materials and exercises.  These materials demonstrate why and how things work, providing a strong, concrete understanding of concepts, and laying the foundation for abstract reasoning.  The upper elementary curriculum continues to ignite the inquisitive mind through research, investigation, experiments and project-based learning.

In addition to core subjects, music, art, drama, yoga and Spanish lessons are integrated into our program to develop the whole child.

Unlike traditional settings, our students are engaged throughout the entire learning process and have the gift of time to fully develop, understand, and master concepts in a supportive, respectful environment.