We offer half-day (3-hour) programs for the 3 and young 4 year olds, school day (8:30 am-3:00 pm) for older 4 and 5 year olds, as well as an all-day program (7:00 am-6:00 pm) for those who need a longer day.

The scientifically designed, self-corrective Montessori materials stimulate and nurture the child's natural curiosity and will develop in him a positive eager attitude towards learning. Each child chooses the material he is ready for at the moment, whether it is in the practical life area, in the sensory materials or in the academic realm. The practical life materials teach the child to care for himself and his surroundings. In the sensorial area, the materials are designed to develop the five senses. Since human beings begin to learn with their senses, the child whose faculties have been keenly developed will learn more easily. When the child is ready, he works in the academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, geography, science, music and art through the use of concrete materials.

The Directress (teacher) observes each child's particular interests and directs him toward the appropriate areas to develop the necessary skills. The classroom is a prepared environment of structured learning at the child's own pace. Respect for the individual child and his needs are of utmost importance.

"To consider the school as a place where instruction is given is one point of view. But to consider the school as a preparation for life is another. In the latter case, the school must satisfy all the needs of life."
Maria Montessori, from Childhood to Adolescence

The Montessori elementary program is designed to meet the development needs of each individual child in a way that is both faithful to Dr. Montessori's insights and consistent with the expectations of American parents of the 21st century.

Elementary classrooms are multi-age settings, with classes divided into groups of children 6 to 9 years old (lower elementary) and 9 to 12 years old (upper elementary). Mixed-age grouping encourages the sense of family and community, while providing mentoring opportunities in which the older students help the younger, thereby reinforcing their own skills in the process.

Children of this age demonstrate an intense desire to develop strong connections with their peers. They take increasing responsibility for their own conduct in personal relationships as well as in caring for the environment.

Freedom of movement, open work space, and uninterrupted blocks of time for individual and group projects all help to support the needs of children from 6 to 12 in gaining control over their growing bodies, as well as their drive toward autonomy.

Physical exercise through non-competitive sports and games help develop large-motor coordination while emphasizing the benefit of teamwork. Children this age tend to love physical challenges.

As children mature during these elementary years, the Montessori curriculum focuses on three characteristics of this age period:

Montessori elementary studies are based on a cultural curriculum, which integrates history, geography, mathematics, science, biology, language, literature, arts and music. The interdisciplinary approach helps children build creative and critical thinking skills.

In keeping with Montessori's process-oriented educational philosophy, assessment of performance is based on a systematic collection of information, including observations by teachers and parents, portfolios containing examples of work, and conferences.

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