Montessori Preschool
Montessori Preschool is ages three, four, and kindergarten
The three year cycle of learning in the preschool is designed to take advantage of the exciting period in a child’s life between the ages of three and six, when the mind absorbs information like a sponge. In the first two years of the cycle, the early childhood programs and materials help children to develop order, coordination, concentration, and independent work habits, which are essential for the more advanced skills and materials they will encounter at ages five and six.
The child experiences three specific roles within the mixed-age group — being the youngest, the middle, and the oldest. This cycle offers the students the opportunity to teach themselves, learn from one another, and to assume leadership roles. Older students consolidate newly learned skills and concepts by teaching what they know to younger classmates, which in turn creates a deeper and more lasting knowledge base.
Through the structure of the Montessori classroom and guidance from the teachers, children learn to take responsibility for their own learning. Small groups and individual instruction characterize the Preschool. Teachers move throughout the classroom, facilitating children’s work choices and social interactions.
In addition to traditional Montessori materials, many classroom activities are designed by the teachers; they monitor and adapt activities according to the needs and interests of the children. The classrooms are divided into several distinct areas designed to engage children’s interest, with each section containing activities offering varying degrees of challenge. Ranging from simple to complex, the graduated activities are designed to increase concentration, focus, fine motor control, and organizational skills.
Highlights of the Montessori Preschool program:
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The three year cycle gives students the opportunity to learn, practice, and master material while forming deep, meaningful connections with their teachers and peers
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An individualized curriculum designed for students’ joyful discovery of new concepts
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A beautiful classroom environment set up by the areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language Arts, Science, Physical Geography and Cultural Geography
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Art, music, and physical education programming
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Daily outdoor play time on the roof playground
Montessori Kindergarten
Montessori Kindergarten is ages 5 and 6
Montessori Kindergarten students are the leaders in the Preschool classroom. The Kindergarten program is structured to meet the developmental needs of students capable of pursuing a more academically challenging agenda throughout the day. Kindergarten students find joy in learning and collaboration with their peers as their social skills and self-confidence are solidified.
Highlights of the Montessori Kindergarten program:
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Our teachers use strategies that support and facilitate the unique and total growth of each individual
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Kindergarten students are introduced to progressively more advanced Montessori materials and have longer and more in-depth lessons
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Students serve as role models for younger students; they reinforce and consolidate their own learning by teaching concepts they have already mastered to their peers
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Students are encouraged to learn respectful, caring attitudes for oneself, others, and the environment
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Kindergarten students participate in music and physical education classes
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Children exhibit the independence, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership that they have practiced during their previous years in the classroom, exercising them independently as they prepare to transition into the rigorous Montessori Elementary program