Primary Program

(3 years – 6 years), 30 students per classroom

Dr. Maria Montessori characterized the primary child at this age as having "an absorbent mind," soaking up knowledge automatically. As a result of this natural tendency, she felt that children learn most happily and productively through independent work in an environment that has been specially prepared to meet their developmental needs.

Our prepared environment abounds with activities which are attractive and interesting to children and which give them clear messages on how to succeed. Teachers design work which builds eye-hand coordination, concentration, manual dexterity and self-reliance. Pre-reading and writing skills and basic math concepts are introduced in individual and group lessons at a pace which is developmentally appropriate for each child. Our goal is to nurture and encourage the primary child's natural love of learning.

Our kindergarten enrichment program supplements the regular primary curriculum for our four-and-a-half through six year olds. Each afternoon is devoted to an advanced lesson in a different subject area such as history, biology, physical science or cultural geography. These kindergarten lessons are stimulating and fun and, because they are focused and structured for a group, they prepare the children for the format of an elementary program.