Curriculum
Our curriculum offers rich, hands-on, holistic opportunities for in-depth experiential learning that encourages exploration and collaborative work in all subject areas. Our program enhances Montessori's vision by integrating knowledge for 21st-century students through collaboration, inquiry and project-based learning, in an environment that cultivates peace, nurtures children’s spirit, and provides safety to capitalize on passions and interests of each student. A fundamental feature, and important component of the Montessori experience is the “Three-Year Cycle;” a research-based philosophy that respects children’s natural rhythm of development throughout a three-year period. Over this period children have the opportunity:
to personalize their learning journey in an exploratory and discovery-based approach
to grow and learn at their own pace; developing concentration and confidence
to learn from, observe, and collaborate with children of different ages (younger or older)
to develop special bonds with their (teacher) Guides and classmates creating a sense of comfort, safety, and identity through leadership roles which inspires empathy and responsibility
to reinforce in-depth understanding and knowledge of content through a spiral curriculum
“A child who has become master of his acts through long and repeated exercises, and who has been encouraged by the pleasant and interesting activities in which he has been engaged, is a child filled with health and joy and remarkable for his calmness and discipline.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori (The Discovery of the Child)
What is a Spiral Curriculum?
The Montessori Spiral Curriculum is learning through a contextual lens that is taught through a continuous spiral progression, spread over three-year blocks, to deepen children’s knowledge and interests. Content and ideas are presented in an interconnected way that encourages multi-disciplinary thinking, that is both purposeful and meaningful.
The Montessori Spiral Curriculum is based on the following concepts:
Everything is interrelated. One lesson leads to many others.
The child moves from the concrete toward abstract understanding.
We always work from the big picture to increasing detail.
Every three years, major themes in the curriculum are studied again in greater depth and abstraction.
