The Montessori community is noticeably different from classrooms in conventional schools. Children in a Montessori community learn to make choices about their school work. Choosing challenging work or activities from a variety of areas is an important life lesson. Each room is filled with permanent materials arranged in sequence from the simple to the complex. The materials are attractive to a child and invite exploration; each is designed to be self-correcting while teaching the child mastery of a single concept. Materials at the elementary level reflect the more abstract concepts and advanced requirements expected of more mature students.
Our Elementary community is made up of two multi-aged group levels: Lower (first, second & third) and Upper (fourth, fifth & sixth). The academic program at this level is strong in skill development and broad in character. We believe that basic proficiencies and critical thinking skills are essential. We emphasize the values of independence, cooperation, and self-discipline. Education is more than learning factual information; it is the ability to concentrate, to read and write fluently, to research confidently, to complete projects, and to work productively, both individually and in a group. This format for learning is one that builds knowledge, working with concrete materials which lead to the abstract and critical thinking skills. The Montessori approach along with additional approaches and materials from larger non-Montessori educational community meets individual needs. This combination provides opportunities for enrichment beyond the basic curriculum. Individualized pacing and flexibility in the classroom program meets varied styles of learning.
“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.” -Maria Montessori
