Early Childhood Program

The Early Childhood classroom is a deliberately engineered space crafted to meet the developmental needs and tendencies of the 3-6 year old. Within a community of multi-aged students, the teachers implement a hands-on curriculum using specially designed manipulatives that invite the child to explore and engage their senses in learning. 

The Montessori teacher is trained to observe the needs and interests of the child. Through continuous observation they identify how to entice the child to work in an area of the classroom that is suited to their current interest and present lessons at the appropriate time in their readiness and development. 

Around the age of three, the child begins to consciously seek out certain experiences and information to perfect their accomplishments. They will demonstrate an innate desire to make their own choices and to accomplish tasks independently. As the child exercises their will, they develop the ability to concentrate, make decisions and self-regulate.

Equal attention is given to the child’s social, emotional and academic development. The curriculum follows a 3-year sequence and is built around distinct areas of study: Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Peace Education and Cultural Studies. A three-hour work cycle allows the child space for creativity and innovation, to select materials freely, and to become absorbed in their work. Interruptions to the child’s work are minimized so as to foster focus, concentration, critical thinking and problem solving.

Dual Language

In the Early Childhood dual language class, children have the opportunity to learn how to communicate in both languages. One teacher speaks and presents lessons to the children in English while the other speaks and presents lessons in Spanish. Children are encouraged to evenly divide their time between Montessori works in English and Spanish.

Completion of the entire three-year Early Childhood Dual Language curriculum is critical to the child’s development of the Spanish language. The first and second year are spent building vocabulary and laying the foundation for speaking, reading, and writing the language while the third and final year consolidates the learning.

Reading and speaking in both languages is necessary to become bilingual, bi-literate and bicultural.

Families have the option to select a dual language classroom upon enrollment. Space is limited.

Outdoor Classroom

Early Childhood students participate weekly in the Outdoor Classroom where they explore the plants, soil, invertebrates, birds, and weather in all of the seasons. Through hands-on activities Outdoor Classroom helps the students experience and gain an understanding and love for the natural world around them. In addition, the students have many opportunities to practice and master essential developmental skills such as balance, control, independence, focus, and coordination through digging, building with logs, sticks and rocks, while interacting with nature in this class.

Early Childhood teachers and parents establish close bonds so as to optimize the early childhood’s learning experience. Together they work to allow the child to grow and overcome challenges without unnecessary interference or assistance therefore building self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and the determination to master life skills.