Elementary

Ages 6 - 12 years

Our Elementary Program

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 2:30pm

The Pioneer Montessori Elementary program is a continuum built on the Primary School environment. The continuation of the materials allows for the children to continue down their own self-paced path. These materials offer the children keys to greater understanding of the concepts. They call to imagination, aid in abstraction and help build confidence in the children. Elementary students begin to look at the world in new and profound ways. They begin to wonder about the origins of the universe, human nature and the way society works. Interdisciplinary lessons combine geological, biological, and anthropological science in the study of natural history and ecology.

Elementary Programs

Learning without limits

In the Elementary classrooms, children are granted the extraordinary gift of learning without limits. This innovative educational environment extends the principles of personalized learning and self-directed exploration from the primary years into the elementary stage. Here, young learners are encouraged to delve into a wide array of subjects and concepts at their own pace and according to their individual interests.

The Montessori approach recognizes that children possess an innate curiosity and an insatiable appetite for knowledge. In this nurturing and dynamic setting, students have the freedom to choose their educational pathways, whether it's diving into science, mathematics, language, or the humanities. This flexibility not only accommodates various learning styles but also fosters a deep sense of independence and self-motivation.

Engagement is essential

Montessori educators understand that engaged and curious learners are more likely to retain information, develop critical thinking skills, and find joy in learning. By nurturing these qualities, the elementary classroom becomes a dynamic environment where children take ownership of their education and develop a lifelong love for exploring the world around them. Curiosity is the spark, and engagement is the fuel that propels students toward a future filled with endless possibilities.

The format mirrors your child’s developmental needs

This child-centered approach recognizes that children progress through various stages of growth and learning at their own pace. As a result, the curriculum and classroom environment adapt to meet these evolving needs. This flexible, personalized approach not only maximizes academic growth but also nurtures independence, self-confidence, and a love for learning. In the Montessori elementary classroom, activities follow structured lessons given by the guides. This allows for work choice that appeals to a wide variety of learning styles and interests.

Developing flexibility, resilience and grit

We believe children learn to be adaptable by supporting them to solve their own problems, rather than solving problems for them. With the help of a supportive adult, your child can, most often, find the solution that is best for him.

Learning as its own reward

We have high expectations for your child, and believe that rewards and punishments appeal to the lowest levels of his intellect. Given a sticker, he will do his best for a few minutes. Given experiences that help him to believe in himself and his abilities, he will do his very best for a lifetime.

The teacher is an “enlightened generalist”

The Montessori elementary guide is often referred to as an "enlightened generalist." This title encapsulates their unique role as educators who possess a deep understanding of various subjects while fostering interdisciplinary connections. They guide students in exploring diverse topics and encourage independent inquiry, helping children develop a holistic perspective on knowledge. The enlightened generalist teacher serves as a mentor, facilitator, and source of inspiration, nurturing a lifelong love for learning and empowering students to become well-rounded, critical thinkers ready to navigate the complexities of the world. They are, also, ready and pleased to admit when they do not have an answer to a question, as students then call on and hone their resourcefulness in seeking information.

Beyond the classroom

Because no classroom can contain answers to all of the child’s questions, “going out” is a response to the need to explore beyond the classroom walls. In contrast with the traditional field trip, where the adult usually plans the activity for the whole class, the Montessori elementary children’s “going out” experiences are always driven by the individual or small-group’s interest and is an extension of classroom study. Students plan their own excursions, call the institution to be visited, and work out their transportation needs. They learn from new resources and interact with the community in a profound way that builds social purpose, moral responsibility, and executive function skills.

Whether it's a visit to the ceramics studio, an interview and learning experience with the bakers at Atkinson’s, or a service project like a highway cleanup or a food drive, going out encourages hands-on, experiential learning. It ignites curiosity, deepens understanding, and reinforces the notion that education extends far beyond textbooks. Going out isn't just an excursion; it's an essential part of nurturing well-rounded, socially aware, and curious individuals ready to engage with the world in meaningful ways.

Learning in context for deeper understanding

Unlike in a conventional program with a separate time of the day for each subject, your child will gain a much deeper understanding of concepts by learning in context. The starting point for all courses of study is the “Great Lessons;” these impressionistic and scientific stories give your child the “big picture” of astronomy, earth science, geography, physics, biology, history, anthropology, cultural and social studies, language, math, music and art. Meaningful learning happens when children understand the “why” as much as the “what” – and are inspired to learn even more on their own.

Prepared and confident

The ultimate goal of the elementary program is to develop the students’ abilities and self-confidence so that they are able to take charge of their own learning. Students who have gained an appreciation for the enormous scale and resources of the world through the elementary curriculum are ready to explore their place within that world into Middle School and beyond.