Toddler:
At the age of 18 months the focus is for special understanding, respect and support. Primary importance will be to make the child comfortable when parted from parents and to develop a gradual consistent routine of work with the purpose to guide and fulfill the needs children have at this age, such as:
- Control of movement
- Social Skills (Sharing, eating , playing, tidy up etc)
- Being consistent and establishing a routine
- Introduction to Montessori environment
- Preparation for academic work
Preschool (Transition):
Beginning at the age of about 2.5 years, the child is surrounded by Sensorial, Practical Life, Language, Math, Manipulative Materials designed to prepare the child for the Primary Class. The purpose of this stage is to guide and fulfill the needs children have at this age, such as:
- Order in an environment
- Respect , good manners, personal cleanliness and social skills
- Academic work utilizing Montessori materials
- Physical control of body and complex motor skills
Preschool (Primary):
Beginning at age about 3+ years the children are invited to work independently in the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural Subjects. All the materials the child works with are designed to lead the child towards abstract thinking. At this stage the child has acquired a good foundation and is ready to make rapid advancements. The Teacher deals with each child individually and demonstrates the activity and stands back while the child works, to allow him the satisfaction of his own discovery and a feeling of accomplishment and pride.
Dr. Montessori outlines various periods of Sensitivity , in which a child is more capable and motivated to learn reading, writing, math, and order effortlessly. Teachers are very much aware of these Sensitive Periods and encourage the children to develop them to their maximum potential.
Kindergarten and Elementary:
Beginning at age 5+, the Kindergarten and Elementary programs are an extension of the preschool, with a curriculum consisting of the traditional disciplines. Sensitive Period of Memorization takes place during this range of age. In addition to our rather unique academic program being high on our hierarchy of importance, we also place stress on the child’s affective development. Social relationships, emotions, and positive attitudes are among the topics of discussion which are openly treated in the classroom. Our goal is that children at this age, in addition to receiving a formal and highly academic education, will come to appreciate their own worth and have a high regard for others.
At the end of the school year the children will be tested using a recognized standardized test of academic skills. If your child is going to transfer to a traditional or another private school, it is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school at least a month before applying at the school and taking the acceptance exam. Our test procedures are different than traditional; therefore, it is best that children be exposed to taking tests in the traditional way in advance.