Elementary Programl
Lower Elementary: Grades 1-3, Ages 6-9
Upper Elementary: Grades 4-6, Ages 9-12
Our classrooms are communities where children learn the skills of cooperation and negotiation as they work together in a multicultural environment.
At the elementary level, children progress to a new developmental plane and enter a rich world of learning. Elementary students grow into independent learners. With the guidance of the teachers, they structure their time and set their own learning goals.
At the lower elementary level, a target language teacher and an English teacher co-teach, delivering the curriculum in both languages. At the upper elementary level, students receive intensive target language instruction in small break-out groups with native-speaking target language teachers. The English and target language teachers collaborate in lesson planning and align the content of their instruction.
Elementary Curriculum
The Elementary Curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards but is delivered using the Montessori method. The curriculum includes mathematics, science, technology, art, culture, and dual language learning. Our teachers, administration, and parents partner to ensure students are working at or above grade level in each part of the composite academic program.
The parts of speech and sentence analysis are central to the elementary literacy curriculum. Through work with grammatical materials and in-depth word study, students develop an understanding of word patterns and a robust vocabulary.
Elementary students become fluent and expressive readers through participation in a literature-rich environment. Our upper elementary students learn to appreciate literature through the critical study of literary elements. They expand their language skills through different styles of writing and oral presentations.
The Elementary math curriculum introduces students to the fundamentals of algebra, geometry, logic, and statistics, along with the principles of arithmetic. Supported with tangible learning materials, students master all four mathematical operations using multi-digit numbers, fractions, and decimals. Upper Elementary students work abstractly and apply math skills to science, social science, and geography work.
Our Montessori Elementary Science Curriculum (Cosmic Education) is based on an interdisciplinary approach which incorporates studies in geology, astronomy, biology, zoology, and botany. Students are introduced to experiments and fieldwork which give real meaning to this area of study.
The Montessori cultural subjects include geography and history. Through the in-depth study of countries and cultures, students develop curiosity about the world while learning valuable research skills. For our students, learning another language is a bridge to connect with other countries and cultures in deep, meaningful, personal ways. Visual art, music, and drama are woven into lessons and student projects, enhancing cultural studies.
The history curriculum incorporates Montessori’s Five Great Lessons which tell the story of how our planet originated and the development of life and human society through modern times. Through these lessons, students understand their own place in time and find personal connections to history. The cultural subjects are brought to life by field trips to the many museums and diverse neighborhoods in the Chicago area.
The Elementary school day is from 8am – 3:15pm with extended day available until 5:30pm.
Learn about our Elementary Classroom Communities and the talented teaching teams that lead them.
