Infant
Ages 6 Weeks to 18 Months
A Montessori classroom for infants, sometimes referred to as “The Nido” (Italian for “nest”), accommodates non-mobile or crawling infants in a peaceful classroom environment. Here, the infant safely explores, feeling secure in the presence of loving adult caregivers. The environment includes developmentally appropriate furniture and materials. Safety is paramount, but equipment that limits a child’s freedom of movement is avoided. Instead, specially designed furniture supports your child’s budding independence, including bars for pulling up, mirrors to reflect body movement, a sleeping area with individual floor beds, and child-sized tables and chairs rather than highchairs.
Toddler
Ages 18 months to 3 Years
The Montessori toddler environment safely supports your child's drive to do things independently, helping them develop confidence and a sense of competence. In this learning environment, you will find child-sized furniture, utensils, and other tools that enable children to make independent choices and complete activities. Practical life and sensorial activities foster independence and support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. A self-care area fosters toilet awareness and independence in maintaining personal hygiene (such as learning how to wipe one's nose and wash hands). There are also low tables that enable the children to help prepare, serve, eat, and clean up their snacks and meals.
Primary
Ages 2.5 to 6 Years
The Primary classroom is a multi-age learning environment that encourages children 2.5 to 6 years old to explore, discover, and to take ownership of their education. This intentional mix encourages peer learning, mentorship, and collaboration. Older children serve as role models, while younger ones benefit from observing and interacting with their peers. This dynamic environment promotes social skills, empathy, and a sense of community. Primary students are free to learn at their own pace, each advancing as they are ready, guided by the teacher and an individualized learning plan.
Elementary
Ages 6 to 12 Years
The elementary classroom is also a multi-age setting, with children ranging in age from 6 to 12 years old. In this environment, students engage as contributing members of a respectful community; they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning. The elementary student embarks on lessons, projects, and field tips that include individual work, cooperative work in large and small groups, and opportunities for decision-making and evaluation; skills that will support them in later education and in life.