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Elementary Program

Children between the ages of six and twelve develop a reasoning mind that asks why and how things happen in the world. The children's own questions, then, provide the basis for their explorations. And what better answer to their questions, Maria Montessori said, then to provide them with the Universe itself? With their ability to think abstractly and the power of their imaginations to "see" what cannot be seen, the Universe is the limit for their search.

The Montessori teacher guides and assists the students in this search. The stories of the Great Lessons and other key presentations provide a framework in which the details of the various disciplines - history, mathematics, language, geography, the sciences, and social studies - can be studied and the conceptual skills that children need to become literate members of society can be mastered. The Montessori curriculum, rather than being a collection of random facts, takes a global, interdisciplinary approach and emphasizes the interconnectedness of life, as well as emphasizing the unique role and responsibility human beings have on our planet.

Working independently or in small group, students teach themselves and teach each other, learning at their own pace as they pursue their projects and master the basic skills. Teachers set-up additional learning opportunities and try to nurture and encourage the students' varied interests and to foster a lifelong love of learning. The arts, music, physical education, foreign languages, and community service are integrated as much as possible with the other subjects. The mixed-age classes and cooperative learning approach also foster the social development of each child and a sense of belonging to a community.
Language - the Elementary Program presumes that children are on their way to becoming fluent readers and writers. The writing process is central to the language course, as children use this as a vehicle for developing ideas, reflecting on their writing, responding to peer's writing and applying conventions of language.

Children explore literature through classroom read-aloud, independent reading, book groups and reading response exercises, both oral and written.

Word study and grammar are central to Montessori's philosophy. Students explore word roots and affixes, syllabication, etymology, and figurative language. In grammar, students continue in their word function and sentence analysis. Older students enjoy advance verb study and study sentence diagramming. Spelling rules are taught through weekly lessons.

Mathematics - the Elementary math course consists of several strands of math; arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and history of mathematics. Mastering math facts is a priority in the elementary program as students continue to refine their understanding of dynamic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. New topics include a study of multiples and divisibility, fraction concepts and operations, decimal concepts and operations, ratios, percentages, and signed numbers. Optional topics include the study of polynomials, squaring and cubing, and square-roots and cube roots. Instruction in pre-algebra, coordinate geometry and multi-based math are available to highly motivated students. In geometry, children explore plane figures, measurements, lines and angles, equivalence, congruence and similarity, area, solid geometry, and volume. Children work abstractly once comfortable with the materials. There are many opportunities for multi-sensory follow-up in the geometry strand, often including extensions of art, history and science.

Science, History, Cultural Studies, Art, Physical Education, Computers and Music - an integrated approach to learning offers students an opportunity to explore topics that capture their imagination. Through library research, assembling of reports, creation of handmade books, oral presentations, dramatic re-enactments, and art projects, students are encouraged to demonstrate their learning and to share their increasing knowledge with other students. Science, history, cultural studies, art, physical education, computer science, music, languages, and field trips complement the strong foundations students receive in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Going-Out - Montessori philosophy stresses the importance of social experiences that allow children to manage themselves responsibly while learning to adapt to the world beyond the classroom. The Elementary program extends its walls to provide safe opportunities for the child to investigate the world by going out into society. "Going-out" is akin to having children plan their own field trips, based on the child's own interests and as an extension of work they are doing in the classroom. Through the going-out experience, the child learns how to plan for the chosen excursion, including arranging for available transportation, looking ahead to determine what items or tools may be needed and what attire is appropriate. From going-out, the child learns (with minimal adult supervision) the responsibilities of ones own conduct in relation to prevailing laws and rules, and how to cope with situations as they arise. Classroom teachers lead children through the "going-out" process to ensure that they are well prepared for the experience. As with field trips, children are chaperoned by adults during "going-out" excursions, but it is the children who are "in charge".

Expectations of Elementary Students - ideally, students in the Elementary (6-12) program have also attended the Children's House, as Elementary builds on those earlier experiences. Students succeed best when they are responsible, self-discipline, and intellectually curious. The Montessori approach strives to foster those qualities as well as a life long love of learning.

For children entering the Elementary Program without prior Montessori experience, please consider the following:

1. A child must read and write at or above age appropriate level.
2. Possess a level of indepence, self-discipline and responsibility appropriate for their age level.
3. Attend a "teacher evaluation and assessment" prior to admissions.