Dr. Maria Montessori believed that the first three years of life are the most fundamental in the development of human beings and their potential.  The Pre-Primary environment is a nurturing place for children to begin their schooling experience. Children at this age are ready for many hands on experiences that engage them in all areas of learning. Children at this age most often work along side one another in this carefully prepared environment that encourages independence and concentration. Children also learn to respect themselves, their classmates, and the materials in the room. Self care and gross and fine motor development is a large part of the class experience.

Our Montessori Pre-Primary experience engages the youngest members of our community in many curriculum areas around the room including practical life, science, art, work with numbers, and many language based activities including early reading and writing skills. Each day there are circle times devoted to singing and movement, the introduction of new materials, games, story time, and other group experiences. A healthy group snack is provided by parents.

Children in our Pre-Primary class are ready for lessons and limit setting. As two to three year olds, they are beginning to have command of their language and ready for many problem solving experiences and opportunities that allow them to learn the results of cause and effect situations. In our carefully prepared classrooms students learn about the real world through experimentation and exploration of the many hands on materials which are available on the classroom shelves.

These materials are often ones that children have not seen before and therefore are visually appealing, colorful, great to handle, engaging, filled often with multiple lessons, and peak children’s curiosity. Montessori materials and lessons are presented in an attractive, inviting manner. Teacher directions are usually visual or verbally direct and simple to ensure success. Throughout the year, many opportunities for repetition are encouraged. As new concepts are introduced, material presentations progress in difficulty. The classroom evolves with the child and his or her developmental readiness.

Children in our Pre-Primary classroom become familiar with our entire school community through cross programming activities, class visits, and all school assemblies.

Our school’s Head Teacher is a Montessori trained Toddler Teacher and is certified by the American Montessori Society. Our classroom assistant is experienced and has worked with young children.

Two years old through Three years old

Children enrolled in this classroom must two years old by September.

Classes are held:

3 Day class: 8:30 am to 11:30am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

2 Day class: 8:30am to 11:30am Thursday, Friday

5 Day class: 8:30am to 11:30am Monday – Friday