Programs & Curriculum
Lower Elementary - Opening Fall of 2025Our mixed-age, Lower Elementary program allows flexibility in learning for children ages 6 to 9. Each child’s experience is tailored to their individual needs and interests, allowing for a unique opportunity for personalized growth and development.
Learning How To Learn
At the core of our Montessori elementary program is the belief that all children learn best when given the time and opportunity to learn at their own pace. We all have our own interests and learning styles. Our elementary program is structured to foster creativity, develop learning strategies, and build confidence in our students.
Daily Schedule
8:00 - 8:30 Arrival Time
Families arrive and sign in. Children wash their hands, store their personal belongings, and greet the teacher. Morning Meeting starts at 8:30 and marks the beginning of the school day.
8:30 - 11:30 Morning Work Period
The morning work period is a time for children to receive lessons from the teacher, make independent choices, and engage with their peers. Children work with Montessori materials in the areas of math, language, and cultural studies and track their progress through individualized work plans curated by the Montessori teacher. Work may be done alone, in small groups, or as a whole class lesson. As the morning work period comes to an end, the children partipate in daily chores that help maintain the classroom environment and foster a sense of ownernship and responsiblity for their shared space.
11:30 - 1:00 Recess and Lunch
The children go outside for an extended period in the morning and again in afternoon. Recess is an opportunity to play with friends in our Primary class and is an important component in healthy social development. The Elementary class eats outside at a covered picnic pavillion or inside the classroom, depending on the weather and the season.
1:00 - 3:00 Afternoon Work Period
The afternoon work period starts with quiet creative pursuits, like drawing or crochet. Similar to the morning work period, afternoons are spent on independent work or small group projects. Weekly classes, like art, yoga, or nature walks, also take place during this time.
School Day students are to be picked up at 2:45.
3:00 - 5:00 After School Activity Period
Children who remain at the school will enjoy their afternoon snack, additional time on the playground, and have access to a variety of traditional toys and games. Parents are welcome to arrive any time after 3pm, but all children must be picked up by 5pm.
Curriculum
Comprehensive Subjects
The Montessori lower elementary curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the whole child from the age of six through nine. The elementary classroom is a space where curiousity is encouraged and confidence blooms.
Practical Life
Within the Elementary program, the Practical Life curriculum expands from the foundation laid in Early Childhood. Practical Life at the Elementary level shifts from a focus on self-care and fine motor skills, to skills that help children connect with their interests in the outside world, organize their time, and take part in their community.
While self-care and appropriate social interactions continue to be supported, lessons that teach responsibility are the focus. Use of tools, such as work plans, to support organization and time management skills, are incorporated into the daily routine.
Science and Social Studies
Interdisciplinary and integrated studies of geology, geography, physical and life sciences, anthropology, and history are built around “Great Lessons,” a series of dramatic stories that explore the origins of the universe, our planet, and the continuous development of human advancement. The laws of physics and chemistry reveal the interdependency of all living things. Beginning with a study of civilization, students explore the contributions of history and what it means to be a responsible citizen and to seek ways to make the world a better, more peaceful place.
Math
The ideas of number concepts, place value, numerals, and related quantities are reinforced and expanded upon within the Elementary program. Newfound purposes for familiar math materials provide children with the means to consider number concepts, mathematical operations, and more complex functions, helping to expand advanced mathematical knowledge and understanding.
Language
Reading and writing are integral to all subjects in Montessori Elementary, as children express their interests and satisfy their curiosity. Students master conventions with thorough studies of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. They produce final copies with careful penmanship and keyboarding. They read, analyze, think critically, and compare and contrast literature to support personal opinion and perspective. Using these reading and writing skills, they present ideas through formal and informal presentations.
Cultural Studies
Cultural studies are interdisciplinary and integrate zoology, botany, geography, geology, physical and life sciences, and anthropology. Through these lessons, children explore the interconnectedness of all living things. Additionally, in-depth studies of history, physical and political world geography, civics, economics, peace and justice, the arts, world language, and physical education are introduced.
The curriculum descriptions above come from the American Montessori Society website.
Book a Tour
Curious about Montessori? Looking for a childcare option that is educational, warm, and inviting? Come visit us and see if Shenandoah Montessori School is the right fit for your child.