The Children’s Peace Garden, our Primary level program, is based on a three-year cycle from Preschool through Kindergarten. It supports children’s development of independence, leadership, and social and emotional skills. This is also the developmental period in which they begin to directly explore and grasp “academic” concepts such as reading, writing, and math, moving gradually from concrete thinking to  abstract. The teachers are the trained guides in this process of exploration and learning.

A great benefit of the Montessori approach is that teachers are trained to “follow the children” in their interests and abilities. This means that our students’ ages, interests, or unique skills do not interfere with their academic advancement, but rather support it. 

As part of our Self-Discovery curriculum, classes in foreign language, art, yoga, physical education, and creative movement are introduced at this level. The children are able to explore, discover, and enhance their personal talents as they learn to express themselves creatively. Peer bonds and social skills are often strengthened through shared participation, as well. 

Throughout the school year, our students prepare for and participate in various special events. They practice, create displays and projects, and perform for their parents, guests, and the school community. These experiences serve to build confidence and creativity.

School-wide events in which the 3-6-year-old students perform or present work include United Nations Day celebration in October, Festival of Lights in December, and Science Fair in March. In May, the Spring Tea is an exclusive event of the CPG level. The students perform for the school, decorate their classrooms with cultural projects and art, and serve their parents tea and refreshments that they have prepared themselves. All of these events bring together art,  performance, and studies from the classroom, thus enhancing the children’s understanding of concepts and connecting the curriculum with  its manifestation in the real world.