Montessori Curriculum
Practical Life
The objectives of the practical life exercises are to help the child adapt to his environment, care for oneself, thus enabling the child to develop independence. These exercises help the child to develop stronger concentration and a more coordinated controlled movement. This area includes grace and courtesy which the child establishes himself in society through kind and courteous relationships with others.
Sensorial Materials
The sensorial materials aid the child in the process of classification of his environment through discrimination, comparison, contrast and gradation of size, weight, shape, texture, color, etc.; thereby helping the child to develop order and clarity in thinking.
Language
The objectives of the language exercises are to develop the child's ability to communicate through spoken language, to explore the sound/symbol relationship, to express self through written work, and to use the practical life and sensorial materials to develop order, sequence and controlled movement.
Mathematics
Mathematics exercises are the foundation work, exploring ways in which quantities are related to one another by identifying number symbols, identifying quantity, associating number and and quantity, and exploring similarities and differences between quantities. The work progresses from the general to the specific using concrete materials and identifying language.
Geography and Social Studies
The objectives of this area are to help the child become aware of, understand and appreciate the history and diversity of world cultures, the reality of human independence, and the need for world cooperation by understanding the basic needs of man for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, defense, and spiritual needs. Additionally, these exercises help the physical (geographical) and political (cultural) context by providing identifying language, sensorial input of shapes, manual dexterity, and comparing and contrasting cultures.
Science and Biography
The objectives of this area are to examine and explore the plant and animal world through awareness and exposure to the life that surrounds the child by providing identifying language, asking questions, providing explanations, demonstrating simple experiments, drawing and writing, and enabling the child to care for his environment.
Other Academic Areas
In addition to the usual academic subjects, the curriculum includes classes on a weekly basis in Spanish, art, music, and physical education. These areas are taught by specialized teachers who are highly trained in their respective field. Children are introduced to the exciting field of computers using introductory language.
Extra Curriculum
Children may also enroll in dance, gymnastics, ceramics, and computers for an additional fee. These programs are offered during the academic day.