A good beginning never ends.
ELEMENTARY
In our elementary environment, we offer an authentic Montessori experience for children ages 6 to 12 years old (1st-6th grade). Each student receives small group lessons and hands-on instruction. We study language, math, geometry, biology, geography, history, music, art, cooking, and daily life skills. We also focus on community service, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Scroll over the pictures to find out more information.
Our Curriculum
During the six year period of elementary, children dive deep into a variety of subjects. Each area of our classroom offers the child lessons that extend well past grade level standards. Children are encouraged to explore topics of interest in a meaningful way. The guide ensures that they receive regular lessons in each area of the classroom and that they spend ample time on key skills needed for future academic success.
Mathematics
Using materials, the youngest children begin by studying long multiplication/division, multiples/factors, and squares/cubes. By the time they are 12, they are able to solve algebraic equations, square and cube root, and ratio and proportion using paper and pencil.
You might observe the children using racks and tubes, the fraction circles, or the decimal checkerboard if you enter our classroom.
History
History is a key component of everything that we study. We learn about early humans, ancient civilizations, world history, US history , and the history of Virginia. The guide tells stories to inspire the children to research, leave campus, and make beautiful representations of what they learn.
You might observe the children creating a timeline of Ancient Greece, making a diorama, or presenting their research from a trip to the museum if you enter our classroom.
Language
Children develop their reading skills and comprehension through an in depth study of grammar and sentence analysis. They are exposed to different styles of writing, literature, and spoken language. They are encouraged to read fiction and nonfiction for pleasure and research. Children are also exposed to other languages including Spanish and French.
You might observe the children using the grammar boxes, writing a novel, or researching a topic of interest if you enter our classroom.
Geography
In our class, geography is the study of ever thing related to the non living elements of the universe. Children study the sun, the planets, the composition of the earth, chemistry, water, the work of air, and political/economic geography. Most lessons involve experiments that can be repeated. Children also research to make models or take trips out into the natural world.
You might observe the children studying the globe, conducting an experiment, or building a volcano if you enter our classroom.
Geometry
In geometry, the children explore lines, shapes, solids, equivalence, area, and volume using beautiful materials. From there, they use these concepts to create theorems and proofs.
You might observe the children working with the metal insets, the box of sticks, or the yellow area material if you enter our classroom.
Biology
We study both zoology and botany in our class. We begin the year by exploring the Timeline of Life, which provides the children with a visual representation of the coming of life and evolution. Children learn about and classify both animals and plants. Our class pets/plants and garden provide the children with the opportunity to observe and care for our community. We use hikes as a time to explore, practice our navigation skills, and sketch in our nature journals.
You might observe the children planting seeds, caring for Jojo (our box turtle), or recreating the timeline of life if you enter our classroom.
Music
The children study music in several ways. We sing everyday during circle time, learn pitch/rhythm, read and write music, and explore musical history. The children are introduced to the tone bars, guitar, ukulele, and piano.
You might observe children clapping a rhythmic pattern, using the musical alphabet, or reading chords for the ukulele if you enter our classroom.
Art
Children study art by learning techniques for drawing, painting, and sculpting and studying a variety of other mediums including knitting, calligraphy, and collage. All of our works are opportunities for art. We write in cursive and spend time creating borders and drawings to decorate each piece. Our work after a lesson, known as follow up, provides the children with an opportunity to practice the mediums they learned while studying a new topic.
You might observe a child painting with water color, replicating a famous artist's style, or crocheting a blanket if you enter our class.
Cooking and Daily Life Skills
Children are expected to care for the classroom on their own. Each day they clean the room, wash the dishes, and care for the animals. They even wash the laundry, mop, and vacuum!
Cooking is a weekly work as well. Children are exposed to a variety of recipes and techniques.
You might observe baking muffins, or collecting ingredients from the garden if you enter our classroom.
Social/Emotional Skills & Executive Functioning
The children develop their social and emotional skills through small group lessons, daily interacts with each other, and class meetings. At this age, they are building their moral compasses and need opportunities to practice.
In order for each child to develop independence, time management, and responsibility, the guide meets with them individually on a weekly basis. During this meeting, they make goals related to unfinished work, ask for support with lessons, and come up with new project ideas.