| Overview | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary |

Overview

The Elementary program is for children from 6 to 12 years. Children at this level are ready to explore the world. Montessori believed that it was important to start the exploration with the big picture and move to the details. Her lessons on how the earth and its inhabitants began and moved through time are impressionistic and leave the child with the desire to learn more. At the same time, the curriculum is rich with materials that explore math, language, science, zoology, botany, history, and geography. Lower Elementary is a three-year cycle for the 6 to 9 year old (first through third grade). Upper Elementary is a three-year cycle for nine-to-twelve year olds (fourth through sixth grades).

During the Elementary years, the child shifts from concrete, sensorial exploration to an ever-expanding global vision. The Elementary student is beginning to see the interconnectedness of all things. The Montessori curriculum, an individualized and respectful environment, and specialized materials all support the student’s desire for exploring their world.

Dr. Montessori’s five Great Lessons are the essential underpinnings of the Elementary curriculum and demonstrate the interrelatedness of all things. The five stories of the great lessons are integrated into the curriculum to pique the children’s interest, capture their imagination, and arouse their natural curiosity.

The Great Lessons are:

• The Story of Creation
• The Coming of Life
• The Coming of Human Beings
• The Story of Writing
• The Story of Numerals

The many curriculum areas covered in Elementary include:

• Art
• Botany
• Community Service
• Computer Skills
• Dance
• Drama
• Field Trips
• Geography
• Geometry
• History
• Language
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education
• Practical Life
• Spanish
• Zoology