Elementary Program

The Montessori elementary environment balances the child’s developing imagination and powers of abstraction with concrete, hands-on, materials. The classroom is divided by curriculum areas; lessons are placed on shelves for individual children to use by themselves or with a small group of classmates. As children progress through elementary they begin to work more abstractly but still refer to the materials to check work and review skills. The prepared environment provides the “keys” of each discipline in a manner that meets the elementary child’s needs for inspiration as well as order. 

Teachers tailor the elementary curriculum to support the child’s interests, needs and abilities. They monitor progress against established benchmarks and expectations for student learning, including: academic preparedness, independence, confidence, autonomy, intrinsic motivation and social responsibility. 

The elementary aged child is a social creature, and the classroom’s learning activities and routines allow for purposeful interaction to occur. In this multi-age community, there are opportunities for all individuals to learn from each other, at times leading, sharing the load, or serving as role models.

Elementary students have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and are encouraged to delve into topics and experiences that interest them. The curriculum is rich and inviting covering the following subject areas: Practical Life, Mathematics, Language, Cultural Studies, Science, Social Studies, Business Ventures, Service Learning and Peace Education. Along with moving at their individual academic pace, students practice important life skills including, but not limited to: time management, self regulation, conflict resolution and contributing to the greater community.

Outdoor Classroom

Lower Elementary students participate in the Outdoor Classroom where they explore and interact with the garden area throughout the changing seasons. They learn about plant identification, functions, and uses, as well as earth history, animal adaptations, and paleo cultures. The purpose of the Lower Elementary Outdoor Program is to help students gain an understanding and love for the natural world around them while engaging in problem solving and creative application.

Great Outdoors Program

In Upper Elementary, the Great Outdoors program facilitates meaningful interaction with the environment through a three-year rotating cycle involving watershed, Utah native plants, as well as ecosystems and relationships in nature. Students explore habitats through hiking, lessons, activities, projects, observation, note taking, sketching, and researching. The purpose of these expeditions is to give the students a direct, personal connection with their natural world and, through that connection, a better understanding of the world around them as well as of themselves.

Spanish

In Lower Elementary the Spanish specialist incorporates Spanish into the students’ daily routine by providing lessons in vocabulary, grammar and many practical life experiences.

In Upper Elementary, Spanish instruction is provided under two main standards: Spanish language lessons and Rosetta Stone (an interactive computer program). Each week students have the opportunity to receive lessons from an instructor that furthers their understanding of the grammar of the language and supports their advancement through Rosetta Stone to practice vocabulary, writing and speaking. 

Winter Sports

Elementary students participate in a five week Winter Sports program each year. This event provides students with an opportunity to develop their skiing skills and have outdoor fun in the “greatest snow on earth”. This annual event also provides opportunities for the students to stretch and develop their social and emotional skills.

Adventure

The Upper Elementary students participate in an exciting overnight Adventure each year.  With the guidance of their classroom and Great Outdoors teachers, the students organize a three day/two night trip. The students raise funds for this rite of passage through their assorted business venture initiatives. 

Community Theater

Upper Elementary students participate in theater workshops each fall, culminating in a Community Theater production. Students are given the opportunity to take part in all aspects of a play. They contribute to the script, direct the scenes, learn to give and receive constructive criticism, and cooperate with each other to produce a successful play. They also work on costume and set design and the creation of sound effects.

At the elementary level, the teamwork of teachers and parents is critical to the academic success and engagement of the students in school life. This involves a commitment by all to have clear and timely communication and to value, encourage and promote hard work.