News

The Elementary years (ages 6 – 12) are ones of great excitement and promise for students and families. At Springmont, our goal is to help Primary families better understand the academic and social changes on their children’s horizons while illuminating the similarities and differences between the Primary and Elementary programs. This may seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make it informative and inspiring! 

In a Montessori Elementary classroom, students work individually or in small groups, at tables or on the floor. Unlike Primary, most lessons are given to small groups of students which appeals to their natural inclination to be social. Similar to Primary classrooms, natural lighting, soft colors, and uncluttered spaces set the stage for activity that is focused and calm. Learning materials are arranged on accessible shelves according to curricular area (math, geometry, history, language, world language, geography, botany, biology, music, and art), fostering independence as students go about their work. Everything is where it is supposed to be, conveying a sense of harmony and order that both comforts and inspires.

For students who have completed a Montessori Primary program, the environment offers continuity, with familiar routines and learning materials that afford new lessons and opportunities for more complex exploration and discovery. Children new to Montessori quickly feel at home thanks to the inspired teaching that appeals to their deepest interests and the distinctive, hands-on learning materials that teachers introduce sequentially according to students’ developmental needs. 

Elementary classrooms are happy communities. Students are focused. They take joy in their work. They invent, explore, experiment, confer, create, prepare snacks, and curl up with books or read to each other for research and studies. Meanwhile, teachers circulate throughout the room, observing the students and making notes about their progress, ready to offer support or introduce new materials when appropriate. Expectations are exquisitely clear and engagingly open-ended.

The best way to learn about the magic of the Elementary program is to see and hear about it from our Elementary Team!! We have Parent Education events planned for March 12 and April 9. Guided Observations of the Elementary classrooms continue this Wednesday & Thursday, January 10 and 11, allowing parents to see classrooms in action. In addition to seeing children and teachers working harmoniously together, I will be available to answer questions.

I look forward to seeing Primary families at our upcoming events, but please feel free to email me at afitzpatrick@springmont.com if you have any questions in the meantime!