Primary Montessori
Elementary Montessori
Before and After School Programs
Primary Montessori
Elementary Montessori
Before and After School Programs
Half-day Primary ages 3 - 6 (M-F 8:45am - 11:45am)
Full-day Primary ages 3 - 6 (M-F 8:45am - 2:45pm)
Those children who will turn three by September 1 will be given first consideration for the Primary mixed-age group. Additionally, some two year olds with later fall birthdays may be admitted if space permits and it is determined that they are ready for the Montessori environment.
By age three, most children are consciously interacting with their environment in an effort to understand the world around them. They find the five morning program exciting and interesting because there are so many exercises that fulfill their need to investigate and handle objects. We encourage the consistency of a five day schedule for all primary children because it helps them become acclimated to the classroom routines and affords them a better opportunity to progress to new levels of understanding.
A three year old or young four year old should be in the Montessori environment for five half days each week. A full-day schedule is not required until the third year of primary (or the equivalent of the child's kindergarten year). However, children are invited to join the Afternoon Primary Class on an individual basis, once they show the concentration and attention required for a lengthy academic day. Until the invitation is made by the primary teacher, a child who stays with us all day will nap in the afternoon.
A full primary class typically has 20 to 24 students. One Montessori teacher plus an assistant are staffed in each classroom to maintain a ratio of 1:12 or fewer.
Grades 1 through 6 (M-F 8:30am - 3:00pm)
Children transition to the elementary class as they are individually ready for a new level of concentration and independence. In the Elementary program the children work within a mixed age group of older students who already have a strong foundation in the basics of language and math. They continue to work independently, but with close guidance, learning to pace themselves and meet new challenges and deadlines. They excitedly move from the concrete to the abstract in all areas, asking in depth questions about the world and researching the answers. They learn to communicate effectively both in their writing and in speech. Rather than separating learning into subject areas, the curriculum integrates science, history, geography, math, language, art and music. Elaborate story-telling sparks their interest in learning. The far-reaching exposure tends to surpass what would normally be presented to this age group in a traditional setting.
Our Elementary Class currently has fewer than 20 students. One teacher with credentials to teach Montessori Elementary (ages 6-12) directs this class.
M-F 8:00am-8:30am
M-F 3:00pm-5:30pm
Before and After School Programs are offered for parents who need child care beyond the normal length of the school day. During the afternoon period the children have a healthy snack, play outdoors (weather permitting), and participate in games and craft projects. Parents may pick up children any time between 3:00 and 5:30pm.
©2008 Academy of the Child, Ltd.
