The Arbor is our Lower Elementary classroom serving grades 1 through 3 with students ages ranging from 6 to 9 years old. The Arbor nurtures children’s developing self-expression and exploration, and is a continuation of the foundation of independence, leadership, and social/ emotional skills that begin in the Children’s Peace Garden. 

Academically, the Arbor provides a deeper look into the abstraction of Montessori and continues the use of Montessori materials on a more advanced level. The Self-Discovery program in the Arbor is a collection of programs and tools implemented throughout the year to teach students about the power of thoughtfulness and what they can do to uplift themselves and others. The class also practices Peaceful Resolutions exercises, where students meet with one another to solve conflicts and learn how to listen to and communicate with each other. 

Throughout the year, the Arbor students prepare and participate in programs and events that both embody the message of our school and emphasize the cultural focus of the curriculum for the year. Songs, artwork, and various other projects are prepared and practiced by our students, all of whom take great pride in what they can accomplish. Students excitedly share their projects at school events such as United Nations Day in October and Science Fair in March. 

Students also have an opportunity to share their hobbies and talents at our annual Arbor Performance Night. At the end of each school year, Arbor students go on an overnight camping trip to Echo Hill Outdoor School for one to two nights.