Montessori Lower
Elementary Programs
Grades 1 – 3
Full Day: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.All Year Full Day: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Program Detail Lower Elementary
Our lower elementary program serves students ages 6-9 — from first to third grades. Lessons in the elementary classes are always given in small groups giving each student ample opportunity to express interests, ask questions, and make meaningful contributions. The student-teacher relationships that develop over the three years they spend together allow for the unique role of teacher as mentor to impact students in unparalleled ways. The teachers are continuously assessing whether a student understands a concept or needs further instruction. They also help students realize their individual interests, recognize and apply their strengths, and overcome more challenging content or tasks.
The mixed-age classrooms allow students opportunities to “practice life.” They start out as the youngest, and work their way to become the oldest, the role models and mentors admired by their younger peers. The teacher is not the only one giving lessons or the only one managing the class. The classroom is filled with little teachers, each student realizing over time what he or she will contribute to the success of the classroom.
It is this unique experience that helps CDS students develop into remarkable students, citizens and leaders. Whether it is teaching a friend how to find the square root of 64, organizing and planning a field trip on their own, or mediating a disagreement between friends, CDS students thrive.
