Elementary

Windows Into the Classrooms

Lower Elementary — 1st through 3rd grade with 2 Montessori trained teachers

Upper Elementary — 4th through 6th grade with 2 Montessori trained teachers

The areas of study remain consistent from Kindergarten Bridge, while topics and assignments naturally grow in complexity. This allows the student to revisit past lessons in novel and increasingly intellectual ways. Learning is an active experience rather than rote memorization of facts. Leadership development is foundational to the Montessori philosophy and is fostered through our Elementary programs.

Lower Elementary Schedule

8:30 - 8:50 - Arrival and Outdoor Recess

8:50 - 9:00 - Circle

9:00 - 11:30 - Work Period or Resources

11:30 - 11:45 - Classroom Jobs

11:45 - 1:00 - Lunch and Outdoor Recess

1:00 - 1:15 - Story Read Aloud

1:15 - 2:30 - Work Period or Resources

2:30 - 2:50 - Classroom Jobs

2:50 - 3:00 - Circle

3:00 - 3:30 - Dismissal

Upper Elementary Schedule

8:30 - 8:45 - Arrival

8:45 - 9:00 - Morning Meeting

9:00 - 11:45 - Work period or Resources

11:45 - 12:00 - Classroom Jobs

12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch and Outdoor Recess

1:00 - 2:45 - Work Period or Resources

2:45 - 3:30 - Classroom Jobs and Dismissal

Cultural Studies

Lower Elementary Program

In Montessori, Cultural Studies encompass the traditional disciplines of social studies and science. Students will learn about the timeline of the earth, botany, zoology, and geography.

Upper Elementary Program

Cultural Studies are at the heart of the Upper Elementary program and are presented in weekly group lessons. Both history and science are taught in 3-year cycles. Students will learn about early civilizations through recent American history during their 3 years. The science lessons include the periodic table, earth science, and biology. Work includes hands-on labs, model making, and research projects.

Math

Lower Elementary Program

Montessori hands-on math materials provide a concrete foundation in the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This knowledge allows students to develop problem-solving skills and place math in a real-life context. Students are also introduced to the studies of time and measurement, estimation, fractions and geometry. The student develops the ability to transition from concrete materials to understanding the material abstractly.

Upper Elementary Program

Once the four operations are mastered, students move on to study fractions, decimals and percents, problem solving, algebra, logic, graphing, probability, the metric system, and different base systems. Geometry materials give them a strong foundation in the study of plane figures, area and volume, and formulas. Students are also introduced to the concepts of congruence, similarity, and equivalence. 

Language

Lower Elementary Program

The Lower Elementary Language curriculum provides students with an understanding and appreciation of reading, literature, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling, homophones, antonyms, root words, alphabetizing skills, and research. Reading and writing skills are developed through phonemic awareness, grammar and word study, mechanics, spelling, reading comprehension, cultural studies, reading groups, and the research process.

Upper Elementary Program

The Language Program expands the study of grammar and creative writing, including poetry, fiction, expository writing, research, playwriting, songwriting, as well as memoirs. We feature an in-depth literature sequence that introduces students to reading novels and discussing them in literature seminars. Students have book choice and then meet to discuss the story. Each group member has the responsibility to contribute to the discussion and has a role in completing the group assignment.  At the end of the literature four-week cycle, students also write an essay.