The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori built her vision and philosophy of education on the theory that human development from birth until maturity at age 24 encompasses four planes of development. Between the ages of 6 and 12, according to Dr. Montessori, children are in the second developmental plane, which she labeled as Childhood. During this time, children create their intelligence, and more importantly, a conscience, searching for moral order, and a sense of right and wrong.
Children in the second plane of development need strong moral role models because they learn best by observing the adults in their lives. The moral conscience children build now will help see them through those tricky teenage years in the next plane.
Our Montessori Upper Elementary program continues to provide collaborative communities that recognize and support the children’s growth toward adolescence. Students remain in the same classroom for three years, building a close working relationship with their teachers and peers. In an environment of continuity, this unique feature of the Montessori curriculum promotes creativity, builds self-esteem, and allows the development of leadership skills. Older children naturally become mentors for their younger classmates and children in Lower Elementary and the Children’s Houses.
The overall goal of work at the upper elementary level is to support, guide and challenge children in the years from 9-12. Students in the Upper Elementary program follow a comprehensive curriculum structured around a three-year continuum. Montessori materials are used at the upper elementary level to introduce new concepts, and children at this age often move to paper and pencil practice more rapidly than when they were younger. Textbooks are introduced at this level and teachers continue to prepare hands-on learning experiences.
Emphasis is placed on reading to find out new information and writing to share with others what has been learned. Choice is still available and there are many more assigned activities. Students are guided to organize their time to complete multiple assignments over different time periods.
Each subject is supported by integrated research activities and independent study designed to promote curiosity and self-motivation. At the culmination of the program students design and present a project that showcases both the skills and content encompassed by the Upper Elementary curriculum.
Because we want to make sure that children are prepared for the next stage of their education when they leave Montessori Academy, our English Language Arts and Math curriculum areas are aligned to Pennsylvania State Standards. We do not participate in state testing but administer the nationally normed Terra Nova each spring to monitor student progress and the effectiveness of our curriculum.
The school day is from 8:30 – 3:00.
Bus transportation is provided by the school district of residence for Pennsylvania students whose home school district is within 10 miles of Montessori Academy.
Before and After School Care
Montessori Academy offers before school childcare from 7:00 AM and after school childcare until 5:30 PM for an additional charge.