Our Elementary Program begins with and completes the Second Plane of Development. This plane begins with concrete materials and ends with the understanding of the academic work in the abstract. The Core Curriculum is an extension of the Primary curriculum and includes Music, Language, Math, Geometry, Science and the Cultural Subjects. As in the Primary level, many Art and Music activities are integral to other areas, specifically Cultural Subjects. Daily outdoor activity time emphasizes team building and sportsmanship. While the Elementary Student no longer requires the Practical Life Curriculum to develop his/her concentration, coordination, independence and responsibility that they gained during the Primary years, Practical Life remains one of the most important areas of the Elementary curriculum.

In the Second Plane these patterns of learning, behavior, attitudes and social interaction blossom under the guidance of the Elementary Staff. The 6-14 year old student is involved in the Creation of Self through developing use of reason, intelligence and imagination to understand 'why', 'how' and 'when'. He has a physical relationship to the classroom environment for which he shares responsibility with his classmates to maintain an aesthetically pleasing work environment. The collaboration of the students on this practical challenge involves the use of intelligence and imagination in socially acceptable ways. As the student gains expertise in relationship to his peer group, he is gradually developing a sense of diplomacy, social integration and the ability to assume various leadership roles. By the time the Montessori Student has successfully met the challenges of the Second Plane of Development, our staff delights in knowing that he has become a persona with the self-confidence and knowledge that he is capable of succeeding by his own efforts and abilities. Practical Life in action.

Learn more about the Elementary Curriculum

Joyful Schools: Montessori for the Elementary Years