Our Lower Elementary curriculum encourages the use of independent, critical thinking skills, time management and problem solving. We have a strong curriculum in math, science and language studies.

The Day
The lower elementary program is based on a 3 hour work cycle for the children each day. Preventing interruptions is a priority. Presentations are given to the whole class or on a one-to-one basis as needed. Children are grouped in mixed ages (6 to 9 years old) and abilities in each classroom. There is constant interaction, problem solving, child to child teaching, and socialization. Children are challenged on their work-plan according to their ability. Students progress at their own pace and are not limited in their activities/studies by grade level.

Classroom Environment
Each classroom is arranged according to subject and the children are free to move around instead of sitting at desks. There is a requirement of 2-3 works done every morning unless the child is totally absorbed in his material and is going deeper into the subject. At any time of day, you will find the child learning a variety of subjects including math, language, science, history, geography, art, music, Bible and Spanish.
Teacher Responsibilities: Extensive observation and record-keeping are part of each teacher's duties in order to plan individual projects tailored to each child's needs. We also present and teach the child subjects more commonly found in junior high or high school. Even if there is no mastery of the subject, the child's natural curiosity of the subject is addressed.

Areas of Study
All subjects are interwoven. A child can work on any material he or she understands at any time. Each child is strongly encouraged to work in the math and language area every day, followed by a cultural study, which leads to a more in depth study. The children learn to study maps, planets, animal and plant studies, histories of people in various time periods, how the Earth was formed and its geographic shapes. The children learn of artists and composers, Biblical stories, both Old and New Testament and important times and people of history. While many children are satisfied just to complete a page of an assignment, the Montessori child is encouraged to explore the "why" and "how" and to develop an intellectual curiosity which prepares the child for life.

Math and Science
During the Elkhart Science Fair, our school has repeatedly received awards for ingenuity and knowledge of subjects. Students in grade one are factoring algebraic equations and exploring geometry. Grades two and three are adding and dividing fractions, learning decimals, dividing and multiplying by 2, 3,and 4 digit numbers into the millions!

Physical science, zoology, biology class work and numerous field trips are only a few of the many opportunities to discover the world of science. Our geography program allows children to learn not only the location of countries, but to get to know that country's people and how they live.

Social Development
The curriculum for the child from 6-12 years is group oriented and is extremely sociable. Montessori Elementary is a school where everyone gets to know everyone else. The classrooms are multi-aged. When children are with the same group of classmates for more than one year, the children learn to appreciate one another. The staff of our elementary classrooms are trained to observe and encourage social interaction. Students are free to speak with each other and move about their classroom at will. There are no assigned seats. Work may be shared between students and "ground rules" for each classroom are established through discussion with the entire class, not arbitrarily by the adults.