ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM

In the Montessori elementary curriculum, learning is centered around five foundational "Great Lessons" or "Great Stories." These stories provide a framework for much of the curriculum:

  • The Story of the Universe

  • The Story of Life

  • The Story of Humans

  • The Story of Mathematics

  • The Story of Language

The first three stories tell the "Epic of Evolution," describing our origins and development, while the last two focus on human cultural achievements and the evolution of ideas.

The Story of the Universe, the Stars, the Solar System, and the Earth

  • Creation of the Universe

  • Nature of Elements & Stellar Nucleosynthesis

  • Earth's Formation & Geological Eras

  • Astronomy: solar system, stars, galaxies, constellations

  • Meteorology: weather, wind, water cycle, erosion

  • Chemistry: matter, elements, compounds, reactions, lab experiments

  • Physics: magnetism, electricity, gravity, energy, motion

  • Geology & Geography: rocks, minerals, maps, climates, continents

The Story of Life

  • Biology: cells, kingdoms, plant and animal classification

  • Habitats and ecosystems, food chains, adaptation, conservation

  • Evolution, fossil records, ancient life

  • Human biology and health

  • Study of Monera, Protista, and Fungi kingdoms

  • Timeline of early and modern humans

The Story of Humans (Civilizations)

  • Archaeology and human history timelines

  • Ancient civilizations: China, India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome, Maya, Inca

  • History, art, music, dance, philosophy, religion, and social studies

  • Discovery & invention: scientists, inventors, scientific method, machines

  • Social responsibility: government, economics, volunteering, charity

The Story of a Nation (American History)

  • Indigenous peoples, European colonies, revolution, expansion

  • Civil War, 20th-century history

  • Study of major rivers

The Story of Mathematics

  • History and origins of numbers and systems

  • Arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios

  • Geometry: shapes, lines, angles, solids, theorems

  • Applications: problem-solving, measurement, graphs, money concepts

The Story of Language

  • History and origins of language

  • Reading: literature, poetry, myths, comprehension, analysis

  • Writing: composition, style, research, study skills

  • Language structure: alphabets, grammar, punctuation, figures of speech

  • Foreign languages and speech


Elementary Practical Life

  • Care of the classroom environment

  • Planning events and field trips

  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving

  • Computer skills

Arts, Music, and Movement

  • Art: Artistic perception, appreciation, creative expression, art history, masters and contemporary artists, perspective, color, design, cultural connections

  • Music: Rhythmic patterns, notation, music history, composer studies, performances

  • Music Enrichment: Weekly ukulele lessons and Music Science classes enhance students’ musical skills and understanding.

  • Physical Education: PE classes are held Monday through Thursday, focusing on cooperative games and basic sports skills to promote physical fitness and teamwork.