Program Overview

When children demonstrate readiness in the Pre-Children’s House program, are toilet-trained, and using the restroom independently, they are ready to expand their access of the prepared classroom in Children’s House.

Our Early Childhood (2.5*/3 - 6 years) multi-aged classrooms provide student-centered environments in three essential ways:

1. FIRST, we schedule uninterrupted work cycles where learners have the freedom to choose and move responsibly as they explore the scope and sequence of Maria Montessori’s scientifically-designed materials.
2. SECOND, the American Montessori Society (AMS) or Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained teachers, along with paraprofessionals, have prepared themselves and their environments to be child-focused, always recognizing the student’s natural desire to learn, as well as their unique learning styles and needs. Click here to learn more about the five areas of the Montessori classroom!
3. THIRD, the environment reflects that each child learns best at their own pace, in a non-competitive and peaceful atmosphere while advancing from concrete lessons to work that involves more abstract concepts.

Our overall goal is to create an environment that calls to the child so that they may develop concentration, coordination, independence, order, internal discipline, and a life-long love of learning. We also recognize the teacher’s responsibility to prepare the child for an elementary environment.

The Children’s House morning work cycle also includes weekly instruction in Wellness/Mindfulness, General Music and Violin. The Children’s House Extended Day program also includes weekly experiences in the areas of Spanish, Art, Physical Education, and Library.

*Materials in a Children’s House classroom were designed by Maria Montessori for children ages 2.5-6+. For most students Children’s House is a three year cycle. However, if children show signs they are able to be safe in all settings without constant adult monitoring, are independent in the bathroom and with other personal care skills, can follow oral directions with occasional reminders, and can work well independently, they may enter Children’s House prior to turning three years old. In this case the child will spend 3.5-4 years in Children’s House.

Enrollment

Please visit the Admissions Information page for more details about enrolling in our Children’s House Program.

Extended Day Program

The Extended Day (8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) program is for children who are ready for an extension of the morning work cycle (typically 5 and 6 year-olds or upon approval of the teacher). This program most closely resembles Kindergarten in other schools; however, the MSOW curriculum exceeds that traditional definition.

The lead classroom teacher will discuss with the student’s parents when the student is ready to begin Extended Day. Having an afternoon work period gives the students an opportunity to work as a smaller community and allows the lead teacher to give longer, more involved lessons where children are able to cover material in further depth. The primary focus is on work that will help them transition into an elementary program. The afternoon also includes lunch. Lunches are brought from home, and the school provides milk and water as beverage choices during lunch.

Enrollment to the Children’s House Extended Day program is dependent on teacher approval, child readiness, and/or availability. Please contact us for current availability.