lower elementary

1st grade through 3rd grade (ages 6-9)


The Elementary Program expands and extends the foundation of the early childhood environment, offering individual and small-group instruction using beautiful and dynamic manipulations that present abstract ideas concretely. Language is an important part of the entire Montessori curriculum as it provides the student with an awareness of language and how it can be used effectively.


Once a student has an understanding that writing is a graphic form of language, they begin to work with spelling, word study, penmanship, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. The experience in reading and writing comes through the child’s work in other areas of the curriculum, such as geography, history, and botany which continue to be emphasized through hands-on, experiential learning and is structured to meet the developmental needs and interests of children at this age.



introduction of concepts in the following courses:

foreign language

Once per week, students will attend a Spanish class. Returning students will continue from where they left off in the Early Childhood Spanish curriculum; new students will be introduced to Spanish basics.

mathematics

Manipulation of concrete and symbolic materials develops sound arithmetic skills and leads the child to make his or her abstractions. The children work with fraction materials, cubing materials, and materials for studying algebra and calculus.

geometry

Experienced sensorially through manipulation of both plane and solid geometric figures. As much geometric nomenclature is supplied as the child is able to assimilate so that the child will have as much information as possible at his or her command upon entering the stage of exploring why, how, and when things happen.

social studies & Science

Also, known as 'Cultural Studies', Dr. Maria Montessori felt that social studies and sciences should be integrated into the environment, as they are in life. The subject areas studied include geography, geology, history, botany, zoology, chemistry, sociology, and government.

history

The Montessori curriculum follows the development of the solar system, life on Earth, the development of humankind, early civilizations, and recorded history. The child sees the long labor of humankind that is needed to accomplish all that is enjoyed here today.

geography

Studies focus on how the physical configurations of the Earth contribute to our history. The study of physical geography is the basis for the study of economic geography, which shows the interdependence of people.

art

In the elementary environment, the adult aids the child in the development of skills in order that the child may creatively express him or herself through various media. In addition to art expression, art is an integrating factor for the rest of the curriculum. The child may use it in such ways as geometrical drawings, geographical maps or illustrations for history, botany, zoology, social studies, etc.

music

The elementary program consists of singing, dancing, music appreciation, guest listening, and ear training. There will be opportunities to listen to and discuss many different types of musical instruments.

physical education

Biological studies relating to physical education include human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. An interest in the development of skills that could be used in later life is the emphasis, along with the challenge of competing with oneself rather than competing against others