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Elementary School

Three students writing while lying on the carpet

In our Montessori elementary school program, students learn in highly resourced, multi-age classrooms grouping students in grades 1-3 and 4-5 together. Lessons progress from concrete to abstract learning, using hands-on Montessori materials and technology to build lasting layers of increasingly complex knowledge.

Key Program Components

Our cross-curricular Montessori program combines math, science, reading, writing, expressive art, foreign languages, yoga, and athletics with social and emotional learning. In language arts and math, elementary students work in groups according to ability level, regardless of age or grade, and are assessed regularly for both academic progress and social-emotional development. Each student keeps a portfolio of the year's best work and takes part in regular self-assessments and peer assessments. All are encouraged to express their unique personalities through art, music, and movement.

In our lower and upper elementary programs there is a strong emphasis on cultivating community, finding one’s own voice, and contributing to a peaceful and sustainable world. Individualized learning, allowing students to immerse themselves in their area of interest, facilitates mastery of essential academic skills.

Assessment

Montessori was founded on the principle of observations and in addition to tracking academic skills, the teachers record social, emotional, and physical abilities to better serve the student’s needs and support their development.

Tracking is done on each individual student’s progress by grade and subject following the school’s annual subject goals and a scope and sequence developed by Dr. Montessori. Tracking is based on conversation, presentation, observation, self-assessments, and student portfolios, and progress is shared in detailed reports.

Lower Elementary Benchmarks

The Benchmarks below summarize the skills and outcomes students accomplish in our first-third grade program.
 

Upper Elementary Benchmarks

The Benchmarks below summarize the skills and outcomes students accomplish in our 4th-5th grade program.
 

Elementary Program Faculty

Karen Donovan

Karen Donovan

Head of Lower School
Robin Socol

Robin Socol

Lower Elementary Teacher (Grades 1-3)
Kelly Bristow

Kelly Bristow

Lower Elementary Teacher (Grades 1-3)
Shelby Alston

Shelby Alston

Lower Elementary Teacher (Grades 1-3), Lower Elementary Extended Care Teacher
Josh Cleveland

Josh Cleveland

Upper Elementary Teacher (Grades 4-5)
Kate Fraser

Kate Fraser

Upper Elementary Teacher (Grades 4-5)