Elementary

(6 - 12 years)

Elementary  (Grades 1-6)


The Elementary Child is characterized by their reasoning mind, their ability to abstract and imagine, and their passion for research and exploration. This is an age when deep learning, creativity, cooperation, imagination, and responsibility all grow and thrive.

The elementary program at North Shore Montessori School is built on the foundations of the Children’s House and fosters the ongoing development of the child through social interactions with the community. Here the child begins to make in-depth discoveries in language, math, art, and science. Learn more about the sequence of lessons and curriculum that the Elementary child experiences.


Ongoing presentations, independent study and practice, and regular conferencing with an adult guide are supplemented by “going out” into the wider Milwaukee community where curiosity and the love of learning are fed. As children acquire knowledge and build skills, they also acquire confidence and excitement for the bright future that lies ahead of them. 


Most lessons are in small group format and assume a collaborative spirit and a social interest in learning alongside and from one's peers. Decision-making, problem-solving and social awareness are key components of the elementary experience. The adults who guide it are observant, respectful and passionate about guiding each child to full engagement in every area of curriculum.


Full Day Program (ages 6-12)

8:15 am - 3:00 pm, M-F



Elementary Routine

  • 8:15 Arrival

    From 8:15 to 8:30 children  are dropped off at their classroom door. Children begin their day by logging their individualized work plan in their classroom journals and preparing their classroom for the day.

  • 8: 30 Morning Work Period

    Elementary aged children engage in a three hour work period where they are free to make independent and small group work choices based on what lessons they have been given. Students have ample time to practice lessons to mastery and build concentration skills. Guide and assistant aid children in advanced lessons in practical life, science, reading, writing, grammar, zoology, botany, geometry, mathematics, geogrpahy, culture, and spanish for example. 

  • 11:30 Lunch

    Children enjoy lunch in their classrooms with real plates, utensils, and a cloth napkin as a community. 

  • 12:10 Outdoor Time

    Children engage in outdoor free time and group activities in the Play Scape Area.

  • 1:00 Afternoon Work Period

    Children engage in silent reading, formal music lessons, spanish language, physical education, and an extension of the morning work period lessons. 

  • 2:45 Environment Care

    Children are assigned weekly chores that teach them how to collecitvely care for their classroom.

  • 3:00 Afternoon Dismissal

    Children are dismissed to caretaker at their classroom door.

Empowering

Engaging students means getting them excited about our content, interests, and curriculum. Empowering students means giving them the knowledge and skills to pursue THEIR passions, interests and future. "Kids need to be EMPOWERED not engaged." -George Couros, The Innovator's Mindset

Going Out

We want the children to be comfortable navigating the world, not just our classroom. "Going Out" is a planned undertaking by a small group of children. They find a resource in the community, schedule the outing, and arrange for their  transportation and supervision by staff or parent volunteers.

Great Lessons

The starting point in Montessori Elementary study are the “Great Lessons." These scientific stories give your child the “big picture” of astronomy, earth science, geography, physics, biology, history, anthropology, cultural and social studies, language, math, music and art. Meaningful learning happens when children understand the “why” as much as the “what” – and are inspired to learn even more on their own.

Preparation

Years of seeing Montessori students matriculate to high school, college and beyond confirms that an authentic Montessori elementary education is the gold standard for preparation for life. Montessori elementary alumni excel in school and careers of choice but, more importantly, emerge as confident, well adjusted, happy adults.