Montessori Young Children’s Community

Stepping Stones I and Stepping Stones II
Two, Three, and Four Years of Age

Two, Three and Five-Day Programs
Lunch Bunch

At about two years of age most children demonstrate an eagerness to engage in activities in a community of others. The Young Children’s Community is designed to meet the developmental needs of the young child on his or her quest for independent action and decision- making.

Our teachers are trained Montessori Directresses who recognize children’s special developmental needs. They have created environments to foster incredible intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth occurring during this developmental phase in the child’s life. The environments offer the beauty, order and predictability necessary for the young child to feel comfortable to spontaneously explore.

The Stepping Stones rooms become an extension of the homes to our students with activities that address their quest for independence within a safe and secure environment. We invite their participation in activities ranging from cooking projects to stories and songs to the development of self-help skills.

As the children explore their surroundings in the Young Children’s Community, they absorb every aspect of the environment, language, and culture. The Directresses give the children their first experience of a Children’s Community where each member is respected and loved, and where the child’s natural curiosity leads to real learning. The ratio of students to teachers in our Young Children’s Community classes is 7:1.

Families are encouraged to apply for children four and under who would benefit from a morning program for two, three or five days of each week.

Montessori Children’s House

Primary East, Primary West, and Primary South
5 day per week, half-day program
5 days per week, full-day program

The Primary programs are five days per week programs with a three year duration. This prepares the child to enter elementary school. The child’s classroom is a prepared environment using unique Montessori materials designed to stimulate interest and exploration. Children learn by associating abstract concepts with a myriad of sensorial experiences. Hands and minds with together; doing and manipulating, rather than simply observing. The Montessori method is a structure of both academic and practical exercises that lead to a development of both the mind and the child’s individual motor skills to assist in learning.

The children build concentration, attention to detail and self-discipline while working towards completion of tasks. Courtesies, as well as respect for others and the environment are important aspects of daily classroom life.

Apart from the work in Language, Mathematics, Sensorial, Practical Life and Cultural Subjects, the program provides students with the opportunity to develop good socialization skills and a strong sense of self-worth.

Montessori Elementary School

Grades 1 through 6
Junior and Senior Elementary
900 Gum Branch Road

Our school offers a full Elementary program from level one through six.  While many of our students come from the Montessori Primary classes, it is not a pre-requisite for enrollment in the Elementary program.  Children not familiar with the Montessori materials will be required to register for a basic training session.

The Elementary program continues to build on the foundation established in the Primary program, and centers on the Montessori concept of a Cosmic Curriculum. The core subjects of Language, Math and Geometry are continued using step-by-step presentations with Montessori materials and the contract and testing materials from Albanesi Montessori Education. Cultural studies expand into Social Studies and Science. Health and Physical Well Being, Foreign Language, Dance, Art, Gardening and Music will be taught by specialized teachers to ensure that our students receive quality instruction that prepares them to progress to secondary educational standards demanded anywhere.

The Montessori approach allows students to progress at their individual pace. Students are given the opportunity to work independently, demonstrating individual ability and creativity. Students also work in groups, where they develop leadership and communication skills and etiquette.

We at Montessori School believe that the best way to equip children to face the challenge of adult living in the future is to create balanced, self-reliant individuals. It is a priority to monitor each child’s progress through the year to make sure they are given the support needed to reach their full potential. This will take place using a host of different tools. Some include contracts, tests, lesson plans, journaling, term and mid term report cards, parent/teacher conferences, narratives, Iowa test  and a permanent progress record of all lessons mastered. The North Carolina state standards are incorporated into our curriculum.

The core idea is to create a love of learning and to help every child understand that they will be inherently successful in whatever they choose to pursue in life.