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The elementary child enters a classroom where they will be for the next three years, lower elementary 1^st – 3^rd grade (6 – 9 yrs old), and upper elementary 4^th – 6^th grade (9 – 12 yrs old). There is continuity in these environments, which promotes creativity, builds self-esteem, and allows the development of leadership skills as the older children of each level naturally become mentors for their younger classmates. Also included are the lessons of grace and courtesy to help the children of this age manage their social situations and develop a nurturing attitude toward all younger students.

Elementary students are in a sensitive period for the development of social structures, moral order, and the conscious mind. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and learn to use their voice to point these out! This period is reflected in the use of “Cosmic Education”, which connects the elementary child to the greater world around them, helping them find their place and develop a relationship within it.

The Montessori elementary curriculum places the vastness and wonder of the entire universe in the hands and imagination of the children. History is at the heart of each subject, and a story from history ignites the imagination and enthusiasm for study. The elementary curriculum is wholly integrated and consists of mathematics, geometry, language arts, geography, physical science, history, biology, music, and art.

Each elementary child receives their lessons in individual and/or small group settings based on ability rather than just age and grade. Following a lesson, the child is free to choose which area of the curriculum to study with the expectation that the child will be prepared for the next lesson; in this way, responsibility and self-direction are developed as the child learns to independently manage their day and workload.

Lessons are seeds planted, and the child is encouraged to take a particular subject or topic as far as she can. A love of learning and an understanding that learning stems from curiosity are instilled in the elementary child. Balance in one’s life is also emphasized as the Guides draw the student into any areas that the child may be avoiding.

Children in the elementary program receive reflective guidance from the adults in the classroom, who meet at the beginning of each week to set goals in a work plan. At the end of the week, the elementary child records their own reflections on how the week went and any areas they wish to improve, as well as areas they felt particularly successful with.

Other special events and projects the elementary participate in (but are not limited to) are: special lunch, pizza lunch, First Friday, Mileage Club, various “Going Outs”, reading buddies, science fair, international fair, presentation night, the annual field day trip, and weekly specials of art, music, nature discovery, outdoor games, and maker’s time.

Lower Elementary (1^st – 3^rd grade)

With a heightened sense of curiosity, a well-developed ability to solve problems, and a greater sensitivity to the environment, the lower elementary child begins, in earnest, to learn the traditional disciplines of mathematics, literature, and science, and begins to expand their cultural boundaries through active participation in the areas of art, music, and drama. In these years, the child becomes accustomed to success and simply treats the obstacles that they encounter as new challenges to overcome.

Upper Elementary (4^th – 6^th grade)

The upper classroom provides the capstone for the Montessori experience at Stepping Stones Montessori School. This learning environment continues to challenge each student to reach their maximum learning potential. Students leave Stepping Stones with a strong sense of self, a solid academic experience, and, most importantly, a love of learning that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Students in the upper elementary deepen their relationship with their community by leading activities such as pizza and special lunch, and they practice these skills in their daily interactions amongst their own cohorts and the lower elementary.

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Elementary Tuition

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Testimonials

“I really want to thank my mom for sending me to this school, thanks to Ms. Mandi, Ms. Margie, and other cool people for being the best teachers ever.”
“…being here and knowing all the kids is kind of like a family…”
“I think Montessori is the best type of school for all kids.”
– Terrence, 6th year speech

“It has been a wonderful experience coming to Stepping Stones . . .  Thank you mom and dad for sending me to this amazing school!”
“I came to Stepping Stones when I was 2 ½ years old. At that time I didn’t speak English, but the teachers taught me no matter what language barriers we had. From learning how to zip a coat, and washing the dishes, my primary teachers gave me a boost for Lower Elementary.”
-JB, 6th year speech

“I have had a great time being here. I have been here since around three years old. My favorite time being in fifth grade was going to Sleepy Hollow. It was very fun.”
-Charlotte, 6th year speech