Preschool (3-6 years)

This is the stage where students can really begin to experience the fullness of multi-age groups. With older kids serving as examples and role models, they are encouraged to lead and assist the younger children, who benefit from having someone to look up to. In a traditional classroom setting, with closer age groupings, the leaders generally form based the strongest personalities. In the Montessori classroom, however, even the more quiet ones are given opportunities to develop leadership skills.

In this age group the children are taught a sense of respect between the students and teachers. We use exercises to teach the children how to resolve conflicts and show common courtesy in different situations. Teaching them how to respect others and also how to be helpful friends produces an atmosphere of good citizenship and community.

The core of the class curriculum is based on the five main areas of the Montessori classroom: Sensory Exercises, Practical Life, Language, Math, and Culture/Science. In addition to learning practical skills for daily living and developing their senses as they learn, the students begin the foundation for reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as being exposed to various ideas of science and culture.

By the time they are done with this class, they have spent 3 years honing theirfundamental learning skills are prepared for the next stage of education. More importantly, they have acquired the outlook that learning is fun and exciting, and their curiosity will only grow. They are now ready for the Elementary Class.