The primary program serves 18 – 24 children ages 3 to 6 years, with one credentialed Montessori Teacher and one Assistant.  Program hours are 9am – 12pm, 5 days per week for 3 and 4 year olds, and 9am – 3pm for kindergarten children.  A 9am – 12pm, 3 days per week program is available for 3 year olds.  The enrichment classes in the Primary morning class include music, foreign language, art, and library.  The kindergarten program has an extended day with a strong emphasis on language, math, science and geography.  Each kindergarten class usually has 6 – 8 children, guided by a Primary Teacher.

 

The Primary classroom consists of 4 main areas: practical life, sensorial, math and language.  The practical life lessons teach the child to concentrate and become independent, developing a sense of order and coordination.  Sensorial lessons isolate and refine one sense at a time.  Many sensorial and practical life lessons help to prepare the child for later work in math, science and language. 

 

Primary math lessons provide a strong foundation for comprehension of the numeral system, including lessons in numerals and counting, introduction to the decimal system, squaring and cubing, and fractions.  Language begins with matching, sequencing, and sounds, eventually progressing to reading and writing.  All Primary lessons are designed specifically to address the 3-6 year old child’s developmental needs.