Lower Elementary Program
8:30-3:15pm
For students graduating from the Early Childhood program, the elementary program is a natural progression and expands upon their prior learning. Students new to Montessori soon feel comfortable in a classroom with plenty of opportunities to learn the excitement for guiding their own learning and having their voice matter through participation within their classroom community.
Teachers guide children through a rigorous curriculum that is customized to each child's interests and abilities. Teachers track student's progress against benchmarks and program expectations including academic preparedness, independence, confidence, citizenship, and intrinsic motivation.
Curriculum Areas
Practical Life
Practical life skills in the Elementary program shift from a focus on fine motor skills and self-care to learning how to organize one's time, how to use a work plan, and how to be a part of a kind and gracious community.
Language
The elementary level student takes their writing and reading to the next level. Students learn about grammar and the mechanics of writing, all while refining their spelling skills.
Students focus on using these skills and reading and learning how to compare and contrast and think critically about their own ideas. Then they are invited to present their ideas by making informal and formal presentations to their peers.
Math
Students are eager to touch and explore the beautiful Montessori math materials. Teachers provide custom lessons meeting each child precisely where they are in their development.
As in all classroom areas, the focus is for lessons to scaffold from concrete to abstract. Children are set up for a lifetime of mathematic success when they learn about numbers as physical quantities in conjunction with written symbols.
Students expand their numeracy as they learn about place value, mathematical operations, and more complex functions to expand their mathematical awareness.
Science and Social Studies
Elementary students take a deeper dive into the study of geology, geography, physical science, and the studies of zoology, and botany.
The “Great Lessons,” are a series of dramatic stories that explore the origins of the universe, our planet, and the continuous development of human advancement. Students uncover the idea that all living things are interdependent.
Beginning with a study of the timeline of life, students explore the lessons of history and what it means to be a responsible citizen and to find ways to make the world a better, more peaceful place.
Cultural Studies
The Social Studies curriculum begins with scientific theories of how the planet was formed and a deep dive study into our planet's landforms. Children learn about the water cycle and get hands-on exploring models of volcanoes, lakes, islands, bays, and capes.
Once students have a greater understanding of continental geography, we take a deeper dive into the study of each continent's unique cultures, geography, history, zoology and biomes.
Our goal is for children to understand that as humans, we have more commonalities than differences, and our commonalities are what bring us together to make the world a better place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Maria Montessori developed her style of education over 100 years ago. Just as Montessori knew 100 years ago, and studies and research from Harvard still prove today that the first six years of a child's life are the most critical building blocks for their foundation and their continued success in life. Thriving Day Academy believes every child is unique and understands that what they learn during their time with us is pivotal to their future success.
The best way to see the difference is to visit our beautiful school. Our school is furnished with curated Montessori learning materials that excite and invite children to learn.
From the pink tower, the moveable alphabet, and the golden beads to the living specimens for our zoology studies, you will feel like you've walked into an interactive kids museum when you enter our school.
A mixed-age classroom has many benefits.
Mirrors the real world
Mixed-age classrooms mirror the way our society actually works. We all learn at different paces and work with people of varying ages and different sets of knowledge and skills. We learn from people who know more than us and solidify our learning by teaching others.
Freedom within limits is the way that order is maintained in a Montessori environment. Children have the choice to choose what they want to work on as long as they've had a lesson on how to use the material and they are respecting the ground rules of the classroom environment.
Typical Ground Rules usually include:
Respect for all living things -
All living things deserve our respect. We work hard to teach children that even the smallest ant that makes it into the classroom has the right to be moved back outside to where it belongs. Respect for all living things is taught and reinforced through our zoology and social studies lessons.
Inside Voices -
Children are encouraged to use inside voices, so they don't interrupt the other children who are working.
Walking Feet -
There are many learning materials in the classroom, and children are encouraged to use walking feet in the classroom as it is a busy place, and running could be hazardous. (Although we have a large movement space where running and getting your wiggles out is also encouraged!)
Putting away work when finished -
In a classroom full of materials, children are encouraged to put their work away before moving to something new to foster their sense of order and self-discipline.
Apply Now
Thriving Day Academy believes children should have an environment set up to facilitate a child's natural sense of wonder and curiosity.
