Elementary Program

Elementary children are fascinated by why and want to understand everything about how the universe works. To inspire their passion to know, our AMI certified Elementary teachers are the key.

With dramatic flair and captivating materials, the teachers act as master storytellers, presenting the whole of the universe and human history: historical stories include the evolution of life on earth, the coming of human beings, the story of the creation of language, and the story of numbers. Presentations are followed by lessons, research, and project opportunities that empower students to study further details of each subject.

This method of presenting the whole, then studying the parts, provides deep thematic understanding and specific skill development and content knowledge. Students are challenged to deepen their fields of study through research. Rather than give the correct answer, a Montessori teacher asks the child the right question. As they discover answers for themselves, they activate their internal growth mindset and develop enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

An Elementary child has a strong drive for social connection. They develop deeper friendships and a stronger connection to the community around them. Why then, do we separate them in rows of desks, confined to a chair, while teachers lecture the class as a group?

Instead, Montessori Elementary programs embrace a child’s natural need for social exploration and peer connection. Teachers give lessons in small groups and encourage group work on projects or research of intense interest. Peers often help each other without adult intervention, cultivating teamwork, independence, and a supportive learning community.

As adults do in effective work environments, Elementary students engage in collaborative learning and projects with their peers. This makes coming to school everyday a joyful, highly engaging, and fulfilling experience.

For Elementary and Adolescent students, the classroom experience is not enough. Older students are seeking to understand the their place in the universe. This includes developing comfort in navigating the natural environment as well as the physical and social worlds built by humans. 

First-hand experience deepens understanding and makes new ideas concrete and memorable. In Lower Elementary, children are introduce to "going out," an activity discussed by Dr. Montessori as a connection of the child's classroom work to the world beyond school and family. Off-campus trips are planned by the children with the support of the teacher. They find a resource in the community, schedule the outing, arrange for their own transportation and adult supervision, prepare themselves for the experience, and conduct themselves with dignity while out in public. Ideas for going out may spring from presentations or individual interests. Each going out has a specific purpose and may involve follow-up work in the classroom.

This skill is further facilitated through Arbor's Outdoor Program, where experienced naturalists extend their classroom biology work into practical applications on campus and off site at Medicine Bow. Every outing also functions as an entire course of study on independence, responsibility, and good citizenship, in addition to the planned intellectual rewards established by the children.

We believe in every child's adaptability and resilience. Teacher support students in solving their own problems. With a supportive adult, children can often find the solution that best fits their ability.

One key ingredient in the process is self-regulation: the child's ability to reflect on their learning progress, assess their level of focus, manage their time, and set goals for the future. Students have regular one-on-one meetings to go over work journals with their teachers. Each day students record detailed accountings of their day and their accomplishments. This process helps Elementary students strongly internalize the skills for lifelong learning. Research also indicates this type of self-awareness and self-regulation are essential qualities for developing resilience in life.

As they learn of historical and current events beyond their immediate experiences, elementary children seek out role models and heroes. They wonder who has risen to meet the challenges and create positive change? Elementary teachers meet this yearning with a curriculum that explores the lives and accomplishments of diverse and remarkable historical and modern-day figures.

Not only does this ignite and excite intellectual and ethical curiosity, but students feel awe and admiration for the lives of those who came before them. They ask, "how can I be helpful?" And then, they actively pursue what in means to contribute with integrity to the community of the larger world.

Creativity is a core component of a well balanced Montessori program. To expand upon their creative work in the classroom, Elementary children spend time each week in specialty classes learning fundamentals and principles in art, music, and Spanish.