At this level, fundamental skills have been solidified and children become independent and motivated learners. Hands-on project based learning is a critical part of the 9 – 12 classroom. The teacher gives small group lessons across the elementary curriculum.
Children keep detailed work journals to set personal goals and record activities. Student-teacher conferences are a constant dialogue about the individual goals and progress of the student. Throughout the year, students work on many long-term projects to refine research and writing skills. These projects demand strong organizational abilities and build executive functioning.
Technology plays an important role in the classroom and students have access to a fully equipped computer lab as well as weekly computer instruction. Classrooms have computer stations and additional laptops can be checked out from the library and computer lab.
Creativity is woven throughout the children’s work evidenced in everything from a beautifully calligraphied letter to a flash animation project depicting a famous battle scene. Children’s interests frequently take them out of the classroom for a small group field trip to further research, such as a work afternoon at the Farmessori, the school’s garden.
In May, students head to Wisconsin to stay for five days at the Nature’s Classroom Institute where they participate in team building, environmental studies and historical simulations. Spanish lessons are given twice a week to expose students to the culture of Spanish speaking countries as well as build vocabulary, grammar, speaking, reading and writing in a foreign language. Music is provided through a variety of options; a weekly music class, participation in our band program or private music instruction.
Opportunities for parents to learn about Montessori philosophy and curriculum and your child’s progress abound:
- In the fall each class holds a dinner meeting for the parents to get to know each other and the teacher distributes important information.
- Presentation and Academic Nights are evenings where the student is the teacher and parents watch children demonstrate what they have learned.
- Formal and informal parent teacher conferences. Parent education evenings to familiarize parents with the curriculum and how it can be supported at home. Guest speakers visit to lend outside expertise and focus on topics of specific interest.
- Performances are part of the elementary level and are opportunities to see learning in a non-traditional format.