primary community

Our Primary Community is the educational home to children ages 3-6, including our Kindergarteners. This mixed-age classroom provides the opportunity for younger children to learn from their older peers who have already mastered certain concepts, and for older children to share their knowledge with their younger friends. It also mimics the natural collaboration that occurs in households with multiple children.


In the Montessori Primary community, everything is designed with the child in mind. Peaceful, neutral colors create a sense of calm and support focus by eliminating distracting stimuli. Tables and chairs, dishes and glasses, shelving, and materials are all appropriately sized and accessible to the child. Here, children are encouraged to do their work on floor tables or work mats, which allow for freedom of movement and define the student’s workspace while reinforcing Montessori's principle of "freedom within limits".

our classroom

In the Primary classroom, children master abstract concepts by handling concrete materials that are designed to help them learn through visual, auditory, and tactile presentations. The Montessori-trained teacher guides each child individually through self-directed learning and development. Children choose their work from among self-correcting materials displayed on open shelves in the classroom, which is divided into six areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, Cultural and The Atrium (this is the center for the teaching of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd). Within this carefully prepared environment, children are allowed to master concepts at their own pace and develop a joy for learning.


One of the most important lessons that our young friends learn and implement immediately is that of giving respect and showing courtesy to others. These basic ideas shape the culture of the classroom and contribute to the peaceful environment that is so noticeable as the children work together.