The MCH Elementary Program strives to meet the intellectual, social and emotional needs of the elementary child, nurturing a love of learning. With one Lower Elementary class for children in First-Third Grades and one Upper Elementary class for Fourth-Sixth Grades, the small community size creates optimal opportunities for personal and academic growth, independence, ​encouraging self-respect and self-reliance. All members of the MCH Elementary faculty have Montessori teaching credentials
​awarded by the American Montessori Society. 
The MCH Elementary curriculum is precisely suited to the needs of six to 12 year olds and is extraordinarily comprehensive. The six to nine year old child is intensely curious. This child’s imaginative powers are profound, matched only by an exuberant eagerness to know where, why, how, and when. The nine to twelve year old child is developing a stronger sense of self and explores new interests. Social acceptance and feelings of achievement are becoming even more important.

Basic skills in language, math, science and the arts are the tools needed to aid the quest for knowledge. In addition to developing reading, writing, math computation and math concept skills to their highest degree, through our studies of the cultural subjects (history, fine arts, geography, botany, zoology, astronomy, geology, and the physical sciences), children discover the world for themselves.

Community of Learners

The Montessori Elementary classroom is a community of learners, friends, and guides. The low teacher-student ratio at MCH ensures that each child is welcomed, honored and respected. Both Lower and Upper Elementary students discover many opportunities for leadership and learning through collaborations and small group projects. 

Outdoor Education

MCH offers an extraordinarily rich education. Outdoor education is a vital part of student’s educational experience. Our extensive gardens, the nature trail  and our farm animals provide an extraordinary outdoor classroom for our elementary students. Life science studies have direct correlation to our botanical and zoological resources. Students have regular opportunities to experience first-hand care of animals, care of earth, and gardening. 

Hands-on Curriculum Rich in Science, Culture and Academics

MCH Elementary offers:

  • A multi-aged child-centered, responsive, adaptive learning environment
  • Small class size that ensures individual attention for each student
  • Cutting-edge process-driven, not result-based, education
  • Student ownership of education that emphasizes essential life skills such as responsibility, accountability, and time management
  • An environment that enables children to have fun and exciting learning experiences, guided by intrinsic motivation
  • Freedom of movement and choice within the structure of the class because the brain functions optimally in a state of relaxation and openness
  • Individually designed & assessed competence
  • A cohesive community of learners, friends, and guides
  • Respectful atmosphere that welcomes each child’s gifts, unique contributions, and learning style
  • Awareness of needs of people in our community and across the globe
  • Community-based self-regulation of behavior in a diverse, non-judgmental, cooperative environment

Individual Pacing and Assessment in a Multi-age Classroom

In the MCH classroom, children have the opportunity to continue to progress at their own pace in an environment that nurtures a love of learning. The program encourages children to function at the upper limits of their potential while respecting and nurturing individual abilities. Students take responsibility for their own learning and have daily opportunities to make decisions and choices in a child centered classroom. They are exposed to many complex concepts at an early age through the use of wonderful concrete learning materials.

At the Elementary level, MCH students students learn to think for themselves. They are encouraged to do their own research, analyze what they have found, and come to their own conclusions. Montessori teaches students to think, not simply to memorize, feedback, and forget. They literally learn how to learn, discovering that the process of learning can, and should, be as natural as breathing! Students become fully engaged in the learning process. Each student is assessed and guided on an individual basis, according to Montessori best practices and current research. 

Supplementary Programs

Weekly in-class programs with specialists include: Physical Education, Spanish, Music & Songwriting, Group Chorus, and Fine Art.

MCH offers Before and After School Care from 7:30—8:45 am and 3:30—6:00 pm.

Different after-school clubs occur throughout the school year, offering fun, extended time with specialists and experts.