Primary Program
An academic program for students 3-6 years old.
"The greatest gift we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence." — Dr. Maria Montessori
Child Centered
(not guide centered)
Unlike conventional environment, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the guide, our program does the opposite – the guide is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies and needs. You won’t see the guide standing at the front of the environment at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with her or a small group.
A Mixed-Age Environment
Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at their own pace while participating in a mixed-age environment 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 their 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, they develop 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 guide 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 guide is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connect them with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to their ability, not to a generic standard.
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 environment 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. They are introduced to numbers and the decimal system. They learn about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. They leave the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting, and boundless.
