Hands-on Curriculum Rich in Science, Culture and Academics

The MCH Elementary Program strives to meet the intellectual, social and emotional needs of the elementary child, nurturing a love of learning. With two 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.
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
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
Dr. Montessori called on Elementary teachers to give the child an understanding of the vast universe, and to help each child find their own unique sense of belonging in the world. 
 
The magnificent natural terrain and structures of playground at MCH have made the great outdoors a second home for students. Students often extend their lessons in our outdoor spaces, exploring learned concepts independent of their teacher and creating their own understanding while relying on each other as guides and collaborators. They close the circle of their learning by sharing it with their classmates or a teacher. This assessment phase allows them to articulate their understanding and demonstrate their mastery. This work is supportive, collaborative and helps them understand themselves more deeply.
In the video, you will see some of our second-grade students building a timeline of life on Earth. This work is helping them to create an understanding of the vastness of time, the diversity of life, and the wonder that science reveals. They are working together, independent of the teacher, and inspiring and motivating each other’s discoveries. Leadership and connection are essential in a child’s journey of self-development. 
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. 

The video below shows an example of how an MCH teacher personalizes geometric concepts for one of our students. She trusts that other students will stay engaged and focused on their independent and group work because in this multi-age, diverse community the students know how to rely on and support each other.

Supplementary Programs

Weekly in-class programs with specialists include: Physical Education Art, and Music.

MCH offers Before and After School Care (see schedules for specific times)

Upper School Extended Day Schedule

We believe that consistency is imperative to a child’s well-being.  Nowhere is that more valuable than in our Extended Day program.  Run by our knowledgeable Assistant Teachers, our Extended Day program is designed for all students to have access to a highly trained staff member that knows and works with your child everyday.
 
During before/after care, our Montessori Curriculum continues to be available.  We also bring in age appropriate enriched materials such as manipulatives and art extensions, allowing for more imagination and dramatic play.  All programs spend a great deal of their extended day schedule outside, where they are encouraged to explore and discover the natural world around them.  This also presents a great opportunity for practicing gross motor and social thinking skills.  After spending time outdoors after school, all extended day students come back to their program’s extended day classroom. 

8-9 - Outside Time 
9-3:45 - Regular School Hours
3:30-4:30 - Outside Time 
4:30-5:00 - Snack/Work Time
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