Elementary

Learning without limits

Your child will study both broadly and deeply, covering many subjects not attempted in conventional schools. Because we offer a flexible and tailored school curriculum, your child can focus intensely on their subjects of greatest interest, with minimal interruption. At the same time, they will collaborate with the teacher to ensure that their work is challenging and purposeful – meeting and going beyond the standard traditional school curriculum.

The teacher is an “enlightened generalist”

Our CCMA credentialed Montessori 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. However, our teachers with specific expertise also offer our students specialized knowledge in subjects like French, Spanish, Music, Art and Physical Education.

Beyond the classroom

We want the children to be comfortable navigating the world, not just our classroom. Students are encouraged to do their own research, analyze their findings and come to their own conclusions. Montessori teaches students to think, not simply to memorize and reproduce on tests. Far from just passively giving students the “right answers”, Montessori teachers ask the “right questions” and challenge students to find new solutions and discover the answers on their own. As a result, we encourage the children to ‘go out’ beyond the limits of the classroom to find the information and resources they need. The children learn to schedule these outings, 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 the community. This is a key element of the Elementary Program that prepares children to succeed in the real world of ideas, enterprise, and challenging perspectives. Learning the right answers may get children through a test, but learning how to learn will get them successfully through life.

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.

Learning in context for deeper understanding

Unlike a conventional elementary program which teaches each subject in isolation, 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.

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 best solution.

Learning as its own reward

We have high expectations for your child, and believe that rewards and punishments appeal to the lowest levels of their intellect. A sticker might motivate them for a few minutes, but providing experiences that build confidence in their abilities will inspire them to do their best for a lifetime.

Prepared and confident

The elementary program aims to develop students' abilities and self-confidence so they can take ownership of their learning. Through the Elementary curriculum, students gain an understanding and appreciation of the universes’ vastness and resources, preparing them to explore their place within it.