Primary.

The Children’s House.

The Montessori classroom for children 3 to 6 years old goes by many names: Primary, Preschool, Casa de Bambini, Children’s House. But what remains the same is its globally-recognized approach to guiding children in the discovery of their confident, curious, creative and courageous selves.

The children receive private and small group lessons by their AMI or AMS certified guide. Working independently in the four main areas of the classroom (math, language, sensorial and practical life), the children build the focus, discipline, academic, creative and social skills required to lead a happy, healthy and fulfilled life. They lead and they follow, they work and they play. In their community, they learn what it means to care for themselves, others, and the world and environment around them.

Our program size is up to 29 children, depending on regulations of the time, with 3-4 guides.

Child centered (not teacher centered).

Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with your child or a small group.

A mixed-age classroom.

Because the curriculum is individualized, your child can work at his or her own pace while participating in a mixed-age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills, and responsibility by setting an example for younger friends.

The gift of choice.

Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it, and perfect it.

Hands-on materials.

The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use, your child develops a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.

Group activities and play.

While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific, or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors.

One size does not fit all.

Instead of a top down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential and connects him with the lesson best suited at that precise moment of development. Your child will be challenged according to their ability, not to a generic standard.

Kindergarten included.

Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for 3 years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. They are introduced to numbers and the decimal system. They learn about geometric figures and the political countries of our world. They leave the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting, and boundless. At this point, they are ready to move up to the Elementary program for children ages 5 to 12.