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Lower Elementary

Lower Elementary Program - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grades:

Class Time:

8:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Age six months marks the beginning of a new developmental plane which is defined by Dr. Montessori as the age of the Mathematical Mind. The previous stage involved the construction of the individual self, while this stage is more focused on the construction of the social self. The new gregarious being is concerned primarily with the acquisition of culture, has a highly active imagination, is devoted to morality, and has the ability to grasp abstract concepts. Dr. Montessori likened the mind at this age to a "fertile field" where the seeds of knowledge will "germinate into culture."

The Lower Elementary environment serves as an open landscape where everything has a specific purpose. Children are encouraged to explore the environment both independently and in cooperation with one another. Lessons are often presented in the form of stories in order to engage the imagination. The classroom is equipped with a wealth of color-coded, didactic materials that entice the student to explore. The materials are self-correcting in order to promote success and independence. This creates a busy, productive atmosphere where intellectual development flourishes.

The adult in this classroom is more engaged with the students. While the child's independence is still paramount, the teacher and the students are more engaged in cooperative learning. Free choice is an integral part of this experience; however, students receive many lessons from the teacher on a daily basis, and are expected to complete specific assigned tasks.

Lower Elementary Curriculum:

  • Traditional course
  • Technology
  • Art
  • Foreign language
  • Physical Education (P.E.)
  • Music
  • Cosmic Education
  • Field trips
  • Annual retreat

Lower Elementary Goals:

  • Academic excellence
  • Independence
  • Love of learning
  • Self-confidence
  • Social responsibility
  • Respect for others
  • Respect for the surrounding world and community
  • Commitment to promoting peace
  • Creative thinkers
  • Independent problem solvers

Lower Elementary Daily Schedule:

8:15 - 8:30 - Carpool Drop-Off/Journal
8:30 - 8:45 - Circle Time
8:45 - 9:10 - Outside Time
9:15 - 12:00 - Morning Work Period
12:00 - 12:30 - Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 - Enrichment Classes/Work Period
3:00 - 3:15 - Clean-Up
3:15 - 3:30 - Dismissal/Carpool Pick-Up

Annual Barrier Island Retreat:

Lower and Upper Elementary students participate in a fall retreat to St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center/Barrier Island.

Program Goals:

  1. To introduce students, teachers and chaperones to various ecological concepts such as habitats, adaptations, variety, similarity, behavior, communities, conservation, etc.
  2. To help children overcome fears associated with the outdoors by teaching them how to better understand nature and to recognize that we are a part of it.
  3. To spark students' interest in science through the use of hands-on, experiential learning.