The Elementary Program at Merrimack Montessori School combines mixed age groups of students in a classroom that is often like a one room school house. Once again you will witness children working independently and in small groups. Students in elementary often learn at differing rates and employ a variety of learning strategies and are given lessons tailored to take this into account. Our teachers endeavor to truly educate, by drawing out the discovery of concepts and information, rather than lecturing to their students. The emphasis is placed on the process of learning, rather than the product. We encourage independent thinking and each student’s unique curiosity about learning. We strive to create opportunities in and out of the classroom where students can learn the skills needed to be a good problem solver and to learn how to learn.

The Montessori curriculum is integrated and provides students with a muti-faceted view of how strands of thinking in cultural studies of a country for example can be learned through art, science, reading stories, writing, and even theatre. Often in a Montessori Elementary classroom you will find materials that demonstrate a “whole to parts” understanding of a concept. Students in an elementary class are engaged in their discovery of conceptual understanding. Informal and formal assessments are made of each student’s learning not only by the teacher but often by the student. Students will often share their learning through art, plays, writings, songs, and visual demonstrations.

Lessons are given to the whole class, small groups and individually. During the elementary years, student will continue to use the Montessori manipulative materials, however, they are now moving from concrete to abstract reasoning. When students are ready they will move away from using the materials and do more abstract writing and record keeping.

Students in our elementary classroom are expected to become increasingly responsible for their own work schedule. Continued joy in learning, inner discipline, organization of time, respect for self and others, and appropriate participation in the community of the classroom, the whole school community and in the greater community are benchmarks of success for the elementary aged student.

Students at Merrimack Montessori not only learn in the classroom, but often become involved in community based projects of service. Classroom outings provide a rich compliment to in class learning. As students in elementary are asking more questions and looking out into the world for answers and understanding it is the perfect time to take their learning into the field.

Students in our Montessori Elementary classroom are well prepared to be contributing members in other educational settings when they plan to leave the school. Their preparation for learning has included high standards for performance in math, language arts and reading, cultural studies, the sciences, and the arts. At Merrimack Montessori we are focused on helping each student reach their highest level of potential in academics as well as in their physical and social development. We strive to help each student feel confident, articulate, friendly, self assured and ready for their next challenge in learning.

Six years to nine year olds.

Classes are held: Monday through Friday 8:15 am to 3:30 pm