Elementary

Learning without limits

Your child will study both broadly and deeply, covering many subjects not attempted in conventional schools. Because there is not a rigid schedule or prescribed curriculum that the whole class must follow, your child can focus intensely on her self-chosen work, with minimal interruption. At the same time, she will collaborate with the teacher to ensure that the work is challenging and purposeful – and that basic standards are met. In that way, the teacher is in charge of the minimum scope of work – your child is in charge of the maximum.

The teacher is an "Enlightened Generalist"

Our AMS-credentialed Montessori teachers don’t have a specific area of expertise and we don’t have “specialist” teachers for subjects like art, P.E., or music. Instead, our teachers have a broad knowledge of all subject areas – more than enough to help your child discover interests in any area imaginable and challenge them to deepen their field of study through research. Instead of giving the right answers, the teacher will ask your child the right questions to inspire them to find the answers for themself.

The format mirrors your child's developmental needs

Your elementary-age child has a strong drive for social connection. They are starting to develop deeper friendships and a connection to the community around them. Why then, would we want them to learn in rows of desks, confined to a chair, while the teacher lectures the class as a group? Instead, we embrace your child’s natural need for social exploration by giving lessons in small groups and encouraging children to work with a variety of others on follow-up projects and research into subjects of intense interest. In a Montessori elementary program, children help children before adults help children, resulting in teamwork, independence, and a true learning community.

Engagement is essential

Real learning occurs when children are engaged – not when the teacher makes a blanket assignment. Curiosity is championed in our elementary classroom, and your child is encouraged to explore concepts to a level of detail only limited by his or her imagination.

Learning occurs beyond the classroom

We want the children to be comfortable navigating the world, not just our classroom. So, we have a few excellent books, but not everything there is to read about a topic. As a result, the children must ‘go out’ beyond the limits of the classroom to find the information or resource that they need.

A "Going Out Trip" is a planned undertaking by a small group of children. They find a resource in the community, schedule the outing, arrange for their own transportation and supervision (by staff or parent volunteers), prepare themselves for the experience and conduct themselves with dignity while out in public. Each Going Out is an entire course of study on independence, responsibility and good citizenship.

Developing flexibility, resilience and grit

We believe children learn to be adaptable by supporting them to solve their own problems, rather than solving problems for them. With the help of a supportive adult, your child can, most often, find the solution that is best for him.

Learning in context for deeper understanding

Unlike in a conventional program with a separate time of the day for each subject, your child will gain a much deeper understanding of concepts by learning in context. The starting point for all courses of study is the “Great Lessons;” these impressionistic and scientific stories give your child the “big picture” of astronomy, earth science, geography, physics, biology, history, anthropology, cultural and social studies, language, math, music and art. Meaningful learning happens when children understand the “why” as much as the “what” – and are inspired to learn even more on their own.

Learning as its own reward

We have high expectations for your child and believe that rewards and punishments appeal to the lowest levels of individuals’ intellect. Given a sticker, children will do their best for a few minutes. Given experiences that help them to believe in themselves and their abilities, they will do their very best for a lifetime.

A learning environment that nurtures your child's curiosity

Consider when you do your best work—it's likely when you're free from interruptions and external pressures. The same principle applies to your child. Our school embraces this by offering long, open-ended work periods that honor each child’s natural curiosity and concentration.

In our classrooms, children have the freedom to choose their activities, whether independently or in groups, allowing them to explore concepts introduced in lessons at their own pace. The flexibility to move around the classroom fosters a dynamic learning environment where ideas can spread organically. This way, children are inspired not only by the lessons but also by interacting with their peers.

By providing a setting that supports uninterrupted exploration, we create a space where your child can thrive academically and socially.

Prepared and confident

The ultimate goal of the elementary program is to develop students’ abilities and self-confidence so that they are able to take charge of their own learning. Students who have gained an appreciation for the enormous scale and resources of the world through the elementary curriculum are ready to explore their place within that world upon entering middle school.