Primary

The Primary program, for children 3-6 years old, is Montessori's oldest and most well-known program.  Focused on supporting children's development by following and guiding their internal quest to learn, this introduces children to a wide variety of academic subjects, by inviting them to explore beautiful, carefully designed materials at their own pace, interest level, and developmental stage.  Beginning by introducing the broad subjects in a very concrete manner, each series of lessons becomes gradually more complex and abstract.  This gradual growth ensures that each lesson builds on the previous, enabling the child always to move on just enough to remain challenged and interested, yet always ready for success.

The curriculum is designed to foster independence, self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-control.  Additionally, each exercise helps develop concentration, a sense of order, attention to small detail, gross- and fine-motor skills and control, and precision and sequencing.  Children are encouraged to repeat an exercise as many times as they wish, for as long as they wish.  This repetition allows for extended concentration, refinement of ability, and a sense of self-accomplishment: "I can do it myself!".  

Montessori teaches us that a child is always learning, no matter their environment, explaining that a child is like a sponge, soaking up whatever surrounds them.  With this in mind, we see the environment as the primary tool for aiding a child's growth.  Ensuring it is full of beautiful materials for a child to use invites them to participate and interact; filling it with concrete materials which teach carefully planned concepts helps the child to develop amazing knowledge nearly effortlessly.  Careful choice of language enables children to develop vocabulary, modelling grace and courtesy encourages the natural development of empathy and etiquette.