Primary

A program for students 3-6 years old.

The Primary program, for children aged 3-6, embraces the Montessori method's core tenets of self-directed, experiential learning. The classrooms are thoughtfully designed to provide opportunities for children to engage in practical life skills, sensorial exploration, mathematics, language, culture, and science. Teachers guide and observe, presenting new materials and concepts as each child is ready. This individualized approach fosters a love for learning, self-confidence, and the groundwork for academic success.

Child Centered 

(not teacher centered)

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.

A Mixed-Age Classroom

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.

The Gift of Choice

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 it.

Hands-On Materials

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

Group Activities and Play

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.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects 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.

Daily Schedule

•  8:30am-11:30am Uninterrupted 3hr work cycle. (snacks are made ready with student’s help and served in the room)
•  11:30am-12:15pm Lunch
•  12:30pm-1:15pm Play time
•  1:30pm-2:30pm Rest or Nap time (Children nap as needed, and others are encouraged to continue work.)
•  1:30pm-3:00pm Afternoon work cycle
•  3:00pm School dismissed
•  3:00pm-5pm After school schedule

Full Day: 7am-5pm
School Hours: 8:30am-3pm
Half Day: 8:30am-1pm

Kindergarten Included

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. She is introduced to numbers and the decimal system. She learns about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. She leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting and boundless. At this point, she is ready to move up to the Elementary program, for children from the ages of 6 to 12.