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Elementary Programs (ages 6 - 12) |
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Elementary Program: 8:30a.m – 3:00p.m.
The elementary child has reached a new level of development. Before he was interested in things: working with his hands, learning their names. Now he is interested mainly in the how and why... the problem of cause and effect.
- Maria Montessori
The Montessori Elementary class is a stimulating, interesting place! Having spent three valuable years in the Children’s House program, the six year old is excited and equipped to continue his journey. The intellectual development of the elementary child can accurately be defined as the passage to abstraction. The inquisitive six year old has entered a questioning period. He is constructing his mind, his intelligence, his will and his imagination. The elementary child wants to know everything about everything! He wants to know the when, where and how of everything. Learning at this stage must be relevant and respond to the child’s need to understand his universe. The children are offered a rich and diverse curriculum with emphasis on developing skills, which will support and inspire lifelong learning. The classroom environment encourages both individual and small groups exploration.
Children develop strong skills in reading, writing, mathematics, geometry, geography, history, biology, botany, and social studies through an integrated, core curriculum that begins with thought provoking and inspiring stories.
Like the Children’s House, Montessori elementary is based on a three-year cycle with multi-age groupings. Not only does this enhance social development but also learning opportunities. The youngest children are exposed to and inspired by the older children’s activities and knowledge. The older children benefit, in turn, from “teaching” the younger ones. The older children also provide leadership and mentoring to their younger peers. Friendships that develop in this environment have depth and are generally long lasting. The Montessori elementary environment provides and nurtures a profound sense of acceptance and belonging.
As with the Children’s House, the elementary child has the same teacher for the duration of the three-year cycle. This continuing relationship affords the teacher a luxury of having a special bond with each student, as well as intimate knowledge of each child’s unique qualities. Such a teacher will know and respect the individual personalities of each child permitting her to help each one reach his or her natural potential.
Most students enter the Elementary from HRIMS’s Children’s House classes (ages 3–6), though the school considers a small number of outside students each year who meet certain criteria.
The Early Morning Program, the Full Day Program and Summer Programs are available to the Elementary students.
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