Lower Elementary Program
The Lower Elementary program is a natural outgrowth of the Primary Program and a continuation of the Montessori philosophy of self-discovery and education. It is a three year program for children ages 6 to 9, or grades 1 to 3.The lower elementary program strongly emphasizes classical literature, etymology, science, ecology, mathematics, geography, and cultural studies. Art and Music are considered vital to a young person's developing appreciation for aesthetics, the ability to create and the personal goal of self-contentment.
For older children who are good workers, our curriculum knows no bounds. While continuing to learn to be well organized, they can work at the highest levels of reading, mathematics, and other endeavors. Indeed, there is no keeping hard work from them. It is what they want to do, and they demand it. Socially, the children grow to love one another and their teachers. Our emphasis is placed on good citizenship, service, and kindness to others. The children are taught to help one another, and to work and learn together. They are free to do so and to move about in the classroom; even at the elementary level, they still need freedom in their environment.
"Special" classes, taught by the talented and motivated adults that we are privileged to work with, provide emotional support and also touch their character and perhaps open a door to a lifetime of interest in a particular area. Our special classes include: foreign language (French or Spanish), Music, and Art.