Preschool Program

The child that gets to experience the Montessori environment makes real life choices throughout every day. They get to be involved in what they choose to do and how long they get to do it. That means if they are engaged in a material, they get to continue to experiment and master it. Respect is given to the child, allowing them to spend time on discovering and problem solving in order to master a concept. 

Since the classroom is more child-centered than teacher led, students are expected to take part in the care of their classroom community. That means sweeping the floor, preparing snacks, helping a friend. The child in the Montessori classroom doesn't expect the adult to do everything around them.  They want to contribute and be of value in their community of friends. 

One of the amazing pieces to the Montessori philosophy is that each child is able to work at their own level. That means if your child has mastered a concept, they can move on to something new. If they need more time to problem solve and understand, they’re allowed that time. The teachers in the 3-6 classrooms carefully observe each child and follow their lead, offering support and guidance when needed. Their continued exploration of the classroom with direction from the teacher provides the foundation to reading, writing, and mathematical concepts.

Along with the academic development expected in a preschool class, the mixed age groups working together form a community like no other. The students have a place they know as their own, a place where they belong. This shouldn’t be overlooked, as it is an essential need for their full development. Their place is important in the classroom community.

Many experiences throughout each day allow the nurturing of skills like understanding the needs of others, responsibility and leadership. Older students become mentors for younger students. Younger students have positive role models to emulate and learn from. Both roles are critical in providing development of skills that will support their success not only academically, but as a young adult and throughout life.