Programs
ACADEMICS
Primary Program: Ages 3-6, Preschool and Kindergarten
There are two different program options for Montessori Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten students: mornings only from 8:30 to 11:30 am or All Day Pre-Kindergarten from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm five days per week. Students must be three by Sep. 15 to join the Pre-Kindergarten or All Day Pre-Kindergarten Program for the current school year.
Our Montessori Preschool and All Day Pre-Kindergarten Program differs from traditional early-childhood education in that each classroom is a carefully prepared learning environment designed specifically to capitalize on the student’s natural curiosity and love of learning. The classrooms are well organized to allow children the freedom to select from a wide variety of learning materials designed to match their developmental needs and personal interests. The program focuses on helping students to make thoughtful choices, focus and concentrate, and engage in caring and purposeful interaction with the environment, lessons, and with others.
Preschool: Ages 3-4
- Manipulative, concrete materials in the classroom enable each child to work at tasks that are naturally engaging, developmentally appropriate, and provide opportunities for a child to develop concentration, coordination, independence, order, and the five senses as well as enriched language and math skills.
- Children have a long, uninterrupted work cycle to develop concentration and mastery of work.
- Under the teacher’s guidance, each child is able to select his or her own work according to personal interests and curiosity.
- In addition to the formal curriculum, children are taught the skills necessary to engage in positive relationships with others and be a part of a group. Children are empowered to solve difficulties through lessons on reflective listening, empathy, and personal responsibility as well as engaging in meaningful service learning projects throughout the school year.
Kindergarten: Ages 4-6
Kindergarten students attend school from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm five days per week. Students must be five by September 15 of the current school year to be in the Kindergarten program.
The Kindergarten program is structured to meet the developmental needs of students consisting of a longer and more academically challenging agenda with a smaller peer group in the afternoon. Learning in Kindergarten becomes contagious and collaboration begins to take place as the child’s social skills and self-confidence are solidified. Children at this age are emergent readers who also need one-on-one time with a teacher to strengthen decoding skills and increase reading fluency.
- Our teachers use strategies that support and facilitate the unique and total growth of each individual.
- Kindergarten students have longer and more in-depth lessons in the afternoon.
- These students often have special studies of the various cultural subjects like science, geography, zoology, and biology.
- Here, students are encouraged to learn respectful, caring attitudes for oneself, others, and the environment.
- These students have the opportunity to integrate conceptual skills and to pursue academic and cultural subjects in depth, thereby becoming independent learners, well prepared for the rigorous Montessori Elementary experience.
When you’re ready to speak to someone in Admission and schedule a tour, fill out an Inquiry Form. We can’t wait to meet you!
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MSD Programs
Click on the images below to learn more about MSD’s academic programs.
Toddler
Ages 2-3
Our toddler village early learning environment is built for exploration and practical life skills; with a playground just their size, a garden area, and dedicated outdoor workspaces for each classroom. Learn more here.
Primary and Kindergarten
Ages 3-6
MSD Preschool and Kindergarten programs focus on helping students to make thoughtful choices, develop concentration, and engage in caring and purposeful interaction with their environment. Learn more here.
Lower Elementary
Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3
The MSD Lower Elementary program offers students a rich curriculum based on individual understanding that is challenging, collaborative, and interwoven with real world application. Learn more here.
Upper Elementary
Ages 9-11, Grades 4-5
MSD’s Upper Elementary program expands the rich curriculum to focus on confidence and achievement, reinforcing the importance of responsibility, service, ownership of knowledge, and integrity. Learn more here.
Middle School
Ages 11-14, Grades 6-8
We have designed every facet of our Middle School curriculum with smart, compassionate emphasis on social-emotional growth; strong, core academics; and a global education at the forefront. Learn more here.
Specials
MSD’s Specials program enriches the already robust Montessori curriculum and school culture, providing students a more rounded education. Specials classes are in addition to regular classroom studies and include physical education, music and theater, art, Spanish, library sciences, and handcraft. Our Urban Farm program is also part of our Specials program. Learn more here.