Elementary
6 - 12 Years Old
The Elementary program offers students unparalleled opportunities to spark their imagination, engage their interests, and develop their reasoning abilities. Socially, students are grouped into Lower El (6-9 years) and Upper El (9-12 years).
Cosmic Education
The Montessori elementary curriculum is known as Cosmic Education because of its emphasis on the interconnectedness of the world. The starting points are the "Great Lessons" - stories that give students the "big picture" in subjects of astronomy, earth science, biology, history, social studies, math, and language.
Project-Based Learning
Subjects like biology, grammar, art, history, and more are all included in the dynamic environment of the Montessori elementary program. Project-based learning integrates subjects and encourages children to develop writing, critical thinking, and reading skills as they explore other topics of interest. Students experience "hands on" learning and computer use is not in play until the Upper Elementary level.
Classrooms without Walls
Dr. Montessori identified the need to expand learning beyond the classroom walls at this age level. CMS students organize "Going Outs" to deepen their understanding by seeing real world examples and experiencing what they are learning about. Camping trips are an integral part of community building in Upper Elementary.
The Herd Instinct
Social interests are so strong in the elementary years that Dr. Montessori affectionately spoke of the "herd instinct". Lessons and projects are given in small groups and students begin to define themselves as members of a social community. The Montessori elementary curriculum encourages students to challenge themselves and work through difficulties, knowing they have support from everyone in the learning community.
Prepared and Confident
At the completion of the Montessori elementary program, students are prepared, confident, and ready to move into the next phase of their development, Adolescence.
Sending our son to Community Montessori School was the best decision we've ever made. He's treated with love, respect, and kindness while learning self-reliance, independence, and responsibility. His self-confidence and self-worth have grown by leaps and bounds since we started, and we look forward to seeing him grow even more at CMS over the years to come.
— Kevin (Lower Elementary parent)
