Primary
Montessori Community School has five multi-age, primary classes, each with students between the ages of 3 and 6 years old. The oldest group, Kindergarten-aged students, are referred to as “Elders.” Our classroom communities have 20–24 students with one or two trained Montessori teachers and one assistant. Younger children (3 and 4 year olds) are offered a morning only option from 8:15 – 11:45 or an all day option until 3:00.
Elders spend mornings with the entire class and enjoy afternoons as a small group (between 6 and 8 students) with one Montessori teacher. They complete their day at 3:00. All children in primary have in-class music and Spanish instruction. Kindergartners also have formal Music, Art, Spanish and P.E. during the week with their peer group.
The aim of the primary program is to help children construct themselves and develop their full potential through interaction with their environment. Children are able to work independently or in small groups with materials specifically designed to meet their developmental needs.
Primary students benefit from special in-class celebrations and projects, often led by parent volunteers. Primary students attend field trips which may include the pumpkin and strawberry patch, children’s shows at local venues, and visits to museums. They also enjoy on-campus visits from the fire department, storytellers and other performers. Elders take additional field trips directly related to their curriculum.
