The Primary Class (2.5 – 6 years)
The Windsor Street Montessori School Primary Class is an early learning center offering a Montessori program in which each child, respected as an individual, is encouraged to develop his/her total personality at an individualized pace and within an individual growth style. Windsor Street Montessori School is committed to principles of respect for each child, concern for the worth of the individual and the ideal of human brotherhood.
In the “prepared environment” of the Windsor Street Montessori Primary the child may chose activities in the areas of daily living, sensorial education, language arts, music, foreign language, science, small and gross motor play, fantasy play, etc. The child’s independent effort is fostered and individuality is honored. The out of doors classroom is available to the child as an extension of the indoor environment.
The Primary, Pre-K, classroom serves children ages 2.5-6 in a mixed-age classroom. All children attend classes for five days a week. If it is necessary for your child to arrive before 8:30, early arrival is available. Children may also stay through lunch, with pick up by 12:30. Extended childcare is available until 5:30. Children under age 4 are expected to nap in the afternoon.
The Extended Day Montessori class is available for non-napping children to age six. This session is 8:30-3:30. Children who are enrolled in this program are expected to attend school for these hours daily for the academic year. Early arrival and after-care are available in conjunction with the Montessori classes.
A certified Montessori teacher and one or more assistant teachers staff each class.
“To consider the school as a place where instruction is given is one point of view. But, to consider the school as a preparation for life is another. In the latter case, the school must satisfy all the needs of life.”
-Maria Montessori
The young child explores the world and understands it with her senses, but the elementary child explores the world and seeks to understand it by using her mind, using memory, imagination and reason. Children this age are entering what Montessori recognized as the second plane of development. This age is characterized by three emerging traits: the transition to abstract reasoning, a strong urge for justice and morality, and the drive to explore the natural and social environments. They love to research and explore, to socialize and to use their imaginations.
The Elementary Class (6 – 12 years)
With an individualized work plan and the abundant elementary Montessori materials each student can develop his own interests as well as master of basic skills and knowledge, including: math facts, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, sentence analysis, creative and expository writing, and library research. In addition, the WSMS elementary learning environment provides deeper education experiences in the areas of mathematics (including algebra and geometry), language, science and technology, the world of myth, great literature, history, geography, biology, art, music, and physical education. Students have opportunities to plan, monitor and assess their own work, thereby further developing their independence, and responsibility for their own actions.
Social development and deep learning occur as the older children model and teach the younger children in collaborative projects. Lessons are presented in all areas individually and in groups. Problem solving and reasoning skills grow along with personal responsibility and self-respect.