Elementary Program
1st - 5th Grade
About the Elementary Program
The Elementary years represent what Dr. Maria Montessori referred to as the Age of Reason - a developmental stage marked by rapid growth in imagination, logic, moral awareness, and complex thinking. During this time, children move beyond purely concrete learning and begin to explore ideas abstractly, questioning not only what things are, but how and why they work.
In the Montessori Elementary classroom, learning is driven by imaginative intelligence and curiosity. Subjects are deeply interconnected, allowing children to see relationships across disciplines such as mathematics, science, history, geography, language arts, literature, and technology. As students understand the purpose behind their work, learning becomes meaningful, engaging, and enduring.
Extended, uninterrupted work periods support sustained concentration and deeper thinking. Students are encouraged to plan their work, manage their time, and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Teachers guide and challenge students through individualized lessons, small group instruction, and ongoing observation.
Beyond academics, the Elementary program emphasizes character development and social responsibility. Children learn essential life skills such as conflict resolution, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving. Opportunities for enrichment - including field trips, community service, and physical education - help students connect their learning to the world around them and develop a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.
Academic Rigor and Thoughtful Guidance
Our Elementary curriculum follows Montessori Lower and Upper Elementary standards while also aligning with the California Department of Education / CORE Standards. This ensures a rigorous, well-rounded academic experience that prepares students for future success while honoring the Montessori philosophy.
Independence, Community, and Moral Development
At this stage, children develop a strong sense of right and wrong shaped by their relationships, work, and understanding of the world. Within the classroom community, students learn to respect differing perspectives, advocate for themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their group - building confidence, integrity, and empathy.
Community, Responsibility, and Independence
The mixed-age Primary classroom encourages cooperation rather than competition. Children learn to care for their environment, respect one another, and take responsibility for their choices. These daily experiences help children develop independence, self-confidence, and a strong sense of accountability.
A Typical Day in the Elementary Classroom
7 - 9 a.m.
Before School Care
9 - 9:10 a.m.
Greeting / National Anthem / Pledge of Allegiance
9:10 - 10 a.m.
Presentation of Lessons / Work Time
10 - 10:20 a.m.
Snack
10:20 - 12 p.m.
Work Time
12 - 12:30 p.m.
Lunch Time
12:30 - 1:15 p.m.
Physical Education
Mondays - Thursdays
PE with Coach Shannon
Fridays
Playground Time
Music Education
Mondays 1:30 - 2 p.m.
Beginner
Mondays 2 - 2:30 p.m.
Advanced
Tuesdays: Music Science
1:30 - 3 p.m.
Work Time
Art
Open Lab
3 - 5 p.m.
After School Care
MCDC, enrichment activities in Art, Music, Dance, Sports, and Career Exploration are thoughtfully integrated into the Montessori curriculum to nurture creativity, physical development, and a lifelong love of learning. These programs support the whole child - encouraging self-expression, coordination, and confidence in a joyful and inclusive environment.
Enrichment & Extracurricular
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Children explore major art periods and styles, creating inspired artwork using a variety of mediums such as clay, acrylics, watercolor, and chalk. Studies include influential artists from the Renaissance (Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo), Impressionism (Claude Monet, Edgar Degas), and Modernism (Wassily Kandinsky, Amedeo Modigliani). Individual creativity is encouraged through child-led projects that foster imagination and artistic growth.
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Students discover musical notation, world music, and rhythm through engaging activities. They study renowned composers from Baroque (Bach, Vivaldi) and Classical (Mozart, Beethoven) eras, as well as Romantic and Modern masters like Brahms and Stravinsky. Weekly Music and Movement classes, along with ukulele lessons for Elementary students, are included in the regular schedule at no additional cost.
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Our students enjoy opportunities to sing a wide variety of songs and explore the fundamentals of theater and stage performance. Through creative movement, dance, gymnastics, cheer, and yoga, children build self-confidence, creativity, and coordination. MCDC proudly presents an annual performance that celebrate student achievement and community.
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Each month, guest speakers - often parents and local professionals - visit to share kid-friendly presentations about their careers. These sessions inspire curiosity and help students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, broadening their understanding of potential futures.
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On-site professional instructors lead weekly classes (~30 minutes each), with fees, dates, and times varying by program.
Little Star Sports, led by our Elementary PE teacher, focuses on developing gross motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness through fun obstacle courses, cone drills, tunnels, and other age-appropriate exercises.
Webby Dance Company® offers creative movement and dance classes that build confidence and coordination.
Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele Lessons provide individualized music instruction focused on fundamentals and performance skills.
Soccer Shots introduces basic soccer skills alongside character development in a fun, age-appropriate format.
Field Trips & Going Out
An integral part of Montessori education is that learning extends beyond the classroom walls. This practice, known as Going Out, allows children to take their classroom learning into the real world, making education meaningful, relevant, and alive.
Through Going Out experiences, students learn that answers are not found only in books or from teachers, but through exploration, observation, and connection with their community. Children meet experts in various fields, ask thoughtful questions, conduct investigations, and draw conclusions based on firsthand experiences.
Whether visiting a wildlife preserve, exploring local businesses, or engaging in community spaces, students connect their studies to real-life applications. For example, a trip to a wildlife preserve may include meeting an ornithologist and learning about bird research - bringing science, curiosity, and discovery together in a powerful way.
These experiences foster independence, confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world beyond the classroom.