ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

Our curriculum plan follows the Montessori method of elementary education, high academic standards, development of artistic and creative talents and stresses an individual education program similar to the local GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) classes. The program encourages the development of concentration, self-esteem, research skills, curiosity, self-direction, active rather than passive learning and social and emotional development. Montessori education encourages cooperative rather than competitive learning.

Each class follows a weekly schedule for each of two terms during the year. During half the school day the children focus on core subjects: reading, writing, language arts, math, geometry, spelling, grammar, penmanship and critical thinking skills. During the other half of the day, they will focus on the cultural and artistic curriculum, encouraging curiosity about the world and artistic expression. The Integrated Studies include cultural and physical geography, history, physical science, zoology, botany, environmental studies, computers, music, Spanish, drama, art and physical education. These cultural classes are typically taught as group lessons by either a cultural subject specialist or by their teacher. Generally, the cultural groups consist of 8-10 students. Our facility contains a library, a computer lab, an art room, a teaching kitchen, a science lab and a theater/dance studio in addition to our eight classrooms.