The Primary Class

Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies, and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with her or a small group.

Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at his or her own pace while participating in a mixed-age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills, and responsibility by setting an example for her younger friends.

Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it, and perfect

The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, your child will develop a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific, or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore, and play with friends outdoors.

Instead of a top-down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connect him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to her ability, not to a generic standard.

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. He is introduced to numbers and the decimal system. He learns about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. He leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills, but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting, and boundless.