Primary Program

An academic program for students 3-6 years old.

The Primary program is truly a gift to your child. Designed for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years, it is an opportunity to nurture his individual development within the context of a group setting. The result? Self-confidence, joy, and a lifelong love-for-learning.

Child Centered

(not teacher centered)

Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies, and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with her or a small group.

A Mixed-Age Classroom

Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at his or her own pace while participating in a mixed-age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills, and responsibility by setting an example for her younger friends.

The Gift of Choice

Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it, and perfect it.

Hands-On Materials

The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, he develops a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

Group Activities and Play

While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific, or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore, and play with friends outdoors.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects her with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to her ability, not to a generic standard.

Kindergarten Included

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. She is introduced to numbers and the decimal system. She learns about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. In addition to the extensive Montessori curriculum, she also receives enrichment instruction in PE, Spanish, Music, and Art. She leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting, and boundless. At this point, she is ready to move up to the Lower Elementary Program, for children from the ages of 6 to 9.

Primary Program Goals

• Guide each child in the use of manipulatives that are designed to give the child a new experience and to develop a specific concept; 
• Aid each child in developing initiative, self-awareness, communication skills and a sense of community;
• Help each child develop within an excellent foundation for creative learning;
• Assist each child in building a habit of concentration.