One of the cornerstones of Montessori education is that each stage of children’s development has what Dr. Montessori called “sensitive periods”. Our programs are designed to maximize the potential of those periods with rich learning opportunities that build the foundation for the more complex skill development that follows.
In an environment created specially for toddlers, MCA’s youngest students can explore safely with all of their senses and expand their independence and confidence in a space that grows with them. Children follow their natural curiosity while learning to make choices and follow directions under the nurturing guidance of specially trained teachers. Lessons include practical life activities that build readiness for academic tasks, gross motor activities, sensory discoveries, positive social interactions and learning to be part of a community.
In MCA’s beautifully prepared, stimulating, multi-age classroom filled with child-centered materials, children navigate every area of the classroom and experience all aspects of the curriculum, including math, language arts, science and geography. Working individually, in small groups or with the entire class, children are gently guided to the level and type of materials that will advance their knowledge at a pace that is right for each child. Music and foreign language classes and educational field trips further enrich MCA’s pre-primary curriculum.
MCA’s kindergartners enjoy a year of spectacular growth as they embrace their new leadership roles in the classroom. In this culminating year of the Montessori 3 - 6 cycle, students explore special units of study and focus increasingly on academic skills in preparation for their transition to elementary. Students work with their multi-age class in the morning and exclusively with their kindergarten peers in the afternoon. In addition to music and a foreign language, MCA kindergartners participate in gym and computer classes, Field Day, special kindergarten events and field trips.
Tomorrow’s world will require that today’s children learn to be critical and independent thinkers who are excited by learning and have a deep desire to make a difference in their world. Achieving that goal depends upon education being not just about imparting knowledge, but about making it meaningful to students and then encouraging them to use what they learn in creative and unconventional ways. At MCA, our experienced, certified teachers offer children a wide range of academic, artistic and cultural experiences and challenge students to work to their fullest potential by seeing each child as a unique and capable learner.
MCA’s elementary curriculum includes concentrations in language arts, math, science and history, and children may progress beyond grade level once mastery of subject material is achieved. Art, music and foreign language are studied individually and are also reinforced throughout the curriculum. Our state of the art computer program teaches students essential technology skills and MCA’s physical education classes, led by a trained PE teacher, teach students the importance of fitness and good health. Special classroom projects, field trips and community involvement enhance the elementary experience as students grow, mature and learn to work together as a productive, peaceful community.
“The ancient saying, ‘There is nothing in the intellect which was not first in some way in the senses’, and senses being explorers of the world, opens the way to knowledge.”
—Maria Montessori
