Lower Elementary

Lower Elementary

Kindergarten to 4th grade

Cosmic education” is the overall approach to the curriculum throughout Montessori at the Park. By this we mean the integration of language and literature, mathematics, sciences, geography, environmental studies, art, music, and drama. Dr. Maria Montessori described the child at the elementary stage as having unlimited interests in our universe and their place in it. Therefore, we present students with all subject areas (“the cosmos”) and allow the freedom to explore any of them in as much depth as they desire. The teacher presents individual and small group lessons according to interest, as well as the needs of the child. Children, then choose their work in the manner they learned in the Primary classroom.

While every child is required to meet the minimum standards set by the State of California, no boundaries are set on the depth of their study.

The Elementary classroom is arranged to allow for group discussion as well as individual work, and incorporate interest centers filled with intriguing learning materials, fascinating mathematical models, maps, charts, historical artifacts, computers, scientific specimens, and apparatus.

The prepared Montessori environment is designed to develop basic skills as well as spark the child’s imagination, creativity and reasoning skills. The unique curriculum presented in the classroom challenges the child to look for answers to the questions that formulate in the elementary child’s mind.

At least as important as the facts about the world that are learned, is the development of a rigorous questioning and investigative process within the child.
Students learn what questions must be asked, how to think through problems, how to analyze situations and find answers for themselves. Students in the elementary classroom are expected to become increasingly responsible for their own education. Continued joy in learning, self-discipline in one’s work, organization of one’s time, respect for classmates and participation in the community of the classroom, the wider school ,as well as the larger community are hallmarks of success in the Montessori elementary age.