The curriculum is designed to be a series of progressions, each level being a preparation for the next. Our Elementary Program is dedicated to high academic standards and to continuing the focus on social development begun in the earlier years.
The development of solid work-study and self-help skills is as important as the academic aspects of the curriculum. Independent work time is built into the schedule for all grade levels. In the Early Program, all materials are presented by the teachers. Once they have been introduced to a new “work” in the classroom, the children work independently with the Montessori materials, and on activities that are specifically designed for a single child.
The Elementary teachers encourage children to work on their own on a variety of assignments, such as specific extension activities, writing projects, “D.E.A.R.” (Drop Everything And Read), Reading Workshop, learning centers, projects, and completing work started in the group. At these times, as with their homework, the children are encouraged to complete their work on their own, with clear goals and expectations as to the level and standards of their work.
