The class of 3 to 6-year olds with its balance of individual and cooperative learning, allows children to follow their interests and progress at their own pace.  According to Montessori's concept of freedom with responsibility, the children are given as much autonomy as they are able to handle.  Along with knowledge, they acquire good work habits, social skills and self-esteem, essential for a lifetime of creative living and learning.  In this setting the children learn from each other, and how to respect each other's work and personal space.  They take an active role in maintaining their environment.  Each activity responds to the children's need for movement, independence, language, and self-confidence.

Our traditional, core program runs from 8:30 am to 12:15 pm.  This morning class consists of a balance of individual work time, which is the heart of Montessori education; group time for stories, music, sharing, and brief lessons; outside time and lunch.  We always recommend five days a week as being the best schedule for the child, with the most consistency and benefits. However, due to continuing demand, varied life needs, and appreciation from many parents, we also offer three-days-a-week as an enrollment option.

For the children who are of kindergarten age, a key part of our program is the Afternoon Class, which goes from 12:30-2:45 pm.  This is the culmination of the 3- or 4-year primary Montessori cycle.  This longer day provides a balance of the rich, mixed-age class in the mornings, with more advanced lessons, individual attention, music, art, cultural extensions, social experiences and occasional field trips, with their smaller group of peers in the afternoons.

DAILY SCHEDULE

8:30 - 9:00:  Arrival and greeting

8:30:  Morning work cycle (snack offered throughout as well as individual or small group lessons with the teachers)

10:50:  Clean-up and group time (birthday walks, music, calendar, Spanish, etc.)

11:20:  Outside time

11:50-12:10:  Lunch

12:15-12:30:  Morning dismissal

12:30:  Afternoon Class children enter the classroom, put their things away and sign themselves in

12:35 - 1:00:  Daily lesson is given (Tues.-cultural, Wed.-science, Thurs.-music, Fri.-art)

1:00 - 2:00:  Work time

2:00 - 2:15:  Jobs

2:15 - 2:30:  Outside time

2:30 - 2:45:  Read chapter book

2:45 - 3:00:  Afternoon Class dismissal