Elementary - 6 years to 12 years

Elementary students continue to use multi-sensory Montessori learning materials to develop a sense of numbers and computational skills. Hands-on lessons, using a clear and reliable coding system enables students to explore increasingly complex math concepts. Through practice of problem and process, they construct solid math reasoning skills and become confident problem-solvers. Over the six years in Elementary, students also navigate a rich hands-on geometry curriculum, which begins with a study of nomenclature and shape, and evolves into an application of mathematical skills to measure size, perimeter, area and volume.

For Lower Elementary students, the focus of science is on living systems. They begin their study by observing live plants and animals to notice their external parts and body functions. Using a question and answer research format, they discover similarities and differences among animals and plant species.

Upper Elementary students focus on the five classes of vertebrates and the invertebrate branches, as well as the plant kingdom. Through these studies, students upgrade their understanding of a life cycle and investigate how environmental alterations affect living systems. In addition to a more in-depth study of plant and animal physiology, Upper Elementary students are introduced to microbiology and human biology and health.

Elementary students, armed with great imaginations and a deep curiosity, are excellent time travelers. They enjoy the “great lessons,” which invite them to contemplate events of the past: the birth of the Universe, the formation of the planet Earth, the beginning of life, the origins of writing, and the history of numbers. The tools they need to build a timeline of human history are presented early and nurtured throughout the Elementary years. Using a variety of clocks, timelines and matrices, students learn how to organize events over long and short lengths of time.

As an introduction to history research, students use a fundamental human needs framework to learn how all people, both ancient and modern, have met their physical and spiritual needs. This allows students to recognize the unifying traits of humans of all places and all times, while also appreciating their rich cultural differences.

Elementary students are naturally inclined to develop a geographic perspective and explore their place on earth. They use a series of physical, political, and biome maps to improves their knowledge of natural and man made geography, as well as to chart trends in population and migration. The study of resources begins with an examination of the crucial role of agriculture. Through role play, creation of product maps and study of products, students learn how the functioning systems around them are a result of cooperation and agreement among people and the elements.

Older students pay crucial importance to the distribution of resources around the world, global trade, and how economics impacts the way people live and work.

Elementary students engage in strengthening practical life skills such as cooking, managing their materials and time, and organizing activities. Each student is accountable for completing class work in the time allotted and collaborates with teachers weekly to track their progress.

As children move forward, they are given increasing responsibility in planning and executing their weekly tasks, including cleaning and managing belongings.

Practical Life Lessons for Upper Elementary students include technology, as they learn and practice online research, keyboard skills, email, and internet safety.