The Early Childhood program is a three to four-year cycle. Through completion, the child acquires the following:

• Concrete academic understanding within the areas of language, mathematics, geography, science, music and art.  
• Independent, self-motivated learning and joy of learning
• Leadership Skills
• Cultural Understanding
• Advanced Emotional Intelligence

The final, kindergarten year, is the year of academic fruition and refinement of leadership skills. In this year, the child completes the work cycle for all subjects and reaps the rewards from prior years of practice. There can be significant differences between one Montessori school and another. Learn more about the benefits of an authentic school, and find suggested readings on this page.

The curriculum is framed in a ‘prepared environment’ which includes these areas:

Practical Life– This area of the early childhood curriculum invites the young learner to act and work on real-life tasks. Through the activities, the child fosters independence, coordination, order and concentration. The materials develop a work cycle that flows into all the other areas of the classroom.

Mathematics– The central purpose of the Math materials in the early years is to lay the foundation for later development. It also prepares for the gradual transition to abstract thinking. Montessori students use hands-on learning with concrete materials to make abstract concepts clear and concrete.

Sensorial– Dr. Montessori saw the senses as the “doorway to the mind.” She considered sensory and manipulation an aid to the development of maturing sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin), and a starting point for intellectual growth.

Language– The language area contains a large variety of reading readiness materials for phonetic analysis, reading, as well as refinement of motor control for writing. The child begins by exploring the sounds that compose words and by relating them to the letters of the alphabet. He can soon produce words and sentences. Simultaneously, he trains his hand to become precise for the writing movements. Reading is prepared indirectly by writing. And because reading skills develop so smoothly in Montessori classrooms, students tend to exhibit a sudden “reading explosion” which leaves the children and their families beaming with pride.

Science, Geography, Culture and Arts– The Science curriculum includes a sound introduction to botany, zoology, chemistry, physics, geology and astronomy. The Montessori approach to science cultivates children’s fascination with the universe. History and Geography are introduced as early as age three. The youngest students work with specifically designed maps and begin to learn the names of the world’s continents and countries. Through cultural experiences within the classroom, they learn to appreciate diversity among friends. Music, Art and Movement offer children ways to express themselves, their feelings, experiences and ideas.

Children of our Early Childhood community are exposed to many different languages.   The Montessori curriculum is presented in English, by the lead guide, and assistant guides primarily communicate with children in their native language, which could consist of Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Russian, etc. (depending on classroom placement).  Additionally, Spanish class begins at the Early Childhood level, and taught by a native Spanish speaker. Spanish classes offer an introduction to vocabulary, songs, literature and culture. Learn more about our dual-language program here!