Primary
Ages 2.5 to 6 years (Pre-K to K)

The Primary Program is a joyful and peaceful community of children. The younger children are guided by the teacher and learn by observing and working with older students. The older children learn leadership and compassion by being role models for the younger students in this mixed-aged setting. Children are given individual, sequenced lessons designed to increase their skills and independence. After they have been introduced to the various activities and materials, children enjoy choosing their own work freely, following their interests.

Primary Program Areas of Study

Every morning, Primary children are engaged in a wide variety of work during their uninterrupted three-hour work period. Children may work in PRACTICAL LIFE developing skills to care for themselves or their classroom. They may engage in LANGUAGE work, identifying sounds, writing or playing games that introduce parts of speech. Some children may work together in MATH to solve a large equation with manipulative math materials. Others may choose to develop their understanding of size and dimension in our SENSORIAL area, building the pink tower or brown stairs. Experiences in art, geography, biology, music and movement are woven throughout each area of the classroom.  The Montessori materials, joyfully presented and freely chosen, create a strong foundation for reading, writing, creativity, critical thinking and participation in an active, diverse community. By the time children have completed three years in Primary, they have become poised, proud, and compassionate leaders for the younger children. They have learned to think for themselves, approach learning with joy, and self-regulate their emotions for social harmony.

Primary Days and Hours

5 Full Days: M-F 8:15 am to 3:15 pm (required for final year students)

5 Half Days: M-F 8:15 am to 11:45 am

Typical Primary Classroom Routine