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Curriculum
 The curriculum at Montessori Children's Academy is organized to foster competence, independence, and responsibility in each individual child. Our prepared environment starts with activities that promote children's emotional growth, social skills, cognitive development, and physical coordination. Our teachers (directresses) foster uninterrupted time during which the child can pursue the direction of their personal interest. Montessori education is designed to take full advantage of the self-motivation and unique ability of the child to develop his/her own capabilities.
The American Montessori Society summarizes Montessori's key objectives:
• to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers.
• to promote learning in an inquiring, cooperative, nurturing atmosphere, through self- and teacher-initiated experiences.
• to support learning through the senses, by manipulating materials and interacting with others, leading to the abstract understanding of ideas.
• to consider the individual as a whole. Physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, spiritual, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable.
• to respect oneself; others, the environment, and all of life.
Montessori develops the whole personality of the child, encouraging intellectual growth, self-discipline,self-knowledge, independence, an enthusiasm for learning, and an organized approach to problem solving.
Infant & Toddler (6 weeks - 24 months old)
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Montessri Children's Academy provides a loving safe, and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers. Our experienced teachers and caregivers and low child-to-teacher ratio helps special bonds grow between children and staff. Additionally, a registered health nurse visits monthly to provide consultation and additional resources for staff, as well as parents. |
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Primary & Preprimary (2 years - 6 years old)
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Practical Life
These activities aid in the child's development of order, concentration, coordination, and independence. They relate to the care of self and the environment and emphasize development in a step-by-step approach to work activities. These are essential for establishing the good work habits that are necessary for later success in the academic areas of the classroom. Success in school is directly tied to the degree to which children believe they are capable and independent human beings.
Sensorial
These activities aid in the child's development of perception and sensory awareness. The sensorial materials isolate all the different senses and are developmental, leading to finer and finer distinctions. Children learn to order and classify by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening, and exploring the physical properties of their environment. These perceptual skills provide the child with the tools for all learning.
Language
These activities provide the child with the concrete foundation for all further language work. Activities emphasizing auditory and visual perception skills begin with children at two years of age. The basis for phonetic approach to the sounds of our language leads directly to writing and reading. Learning usage and function of words with an emphasis on reading for meaning leads to greater creativity in expression and enthusiasm for both reading and writing.
 Mathematics
These activities introduce the child to the world of numbers in concrete form. The child not only learns numbers and counting, but is also introduced to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and the concept of fractions. Montessori students use hands-on learning materials that make abstract concepts clear and concrete. This approach to teaching mathematics offers a clear and logical strategy for helping students understand and develop a sound foundation in mathematics and geometry.
Cultural
The cultural area of the class introduces the world around the child through exercises in history, geography, botany, sceince, art, music, and foreign language. Children can learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration.
Health, Wellness
The outdoors becomes an extension of the Montessori classroom. Montessori Children's Academy is located in a cozy, residential neighborhood. We are adjacent to the Prairie Path and have a large 1/3 acre fenced-in outdoor environment. We have age appropriate equipment to help children develop their gross motor movements. Large trees provide plenty of sun-protection. The natural environment provides additional opportunity for learning as well as health and wellness.
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