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Our Classroom

In our classrooms, each curriculum area has its own set of materials placed on child-sized shelves to allow for free choice. The curriculum is presented in an orderly fashion through lessons and is also sequenced on the shelves from simple to more difficult, concrete to abstract. From the Toddler Program to the Elementary Program, the curriculum is designed to provide integrated age-appropriate experiences, tailored to the particular stage of development, and centered around a child's sensitive periods of learning. The emphasis of the curriculum is to empower children of all learning styles and to develop their independent growth.

The classroom materials, designed principally by Dr. Montessori, isolate a specific skill or concept. Children choose materials and work at their own pace, uninterrupted, often repeating a process many times. This practice allows for the inner mastery of the isolated skill the material offers.

Children put the materials away, ready for the next child, and have some responsibility for caring for the environment. This is an underlying sense of order. Adults and children treat each other and the materials with respect. Peace is the norm; conflict is the exception.

General Classroom Expectations

The following list describes the structure of the classrooms and how the children are expected to work within the environment. By using these guidelines at home, your child will feel a sense of structure and security:

1. Walk in school.
2. Speak in quiet voices.
3. Carry one thing at a time, using two hands.
4. Push in chairs when leaving tables.
5. Put work away when finished.
6. Roll up mats slowly, tightly, and keep ends even.
7. Put mats away.
8. On the ellipse, keep legs crossed and hands to themselves.
9. Walk around mats, not over them.
10. Respect for other's work.
11. Clean up whatever is dropped or spilled.

Expectations of Classroom Behavior

Students shall:

1. Show respect for others by speaking politely, listening, and following agreed upon classroom rules.
2. Show respect for the environment by taking care of the school and everything it contains.
3. Be a responsible member of their community. Students shall be honest and worthy of trust.
4. Be responsible for their actions.
5. Put their best effort into their work, whether working on their own or in a group.
6. Exercise self-control by using appropriate language and controlling their bodies.
7. Respect all living things and assume responsibility for the care of plants and animals in the environment