The Montessori Elementary Program continues the individualized instruction that begun in the Kindergarten class, while recognizing the social nature of children at this age. As children continue to work with the familiar, concrete materials of the Kindergarten classroom, they are able to work at their own pace towards abstraction. Group projects and exciting research spark imagination and engage the intellects of the primary children. Vivid stories of the earth’s history as well as stories of human discovery and culture encourage an appreciation of the beauty and wonder all around.

The elementary curriculum aims to orient the children to the universe and helps them to recognize and understand their place in it. Montessori’s vision for the primary child is cosmic in its truest sense. The seeds of all the sciences are sown in the primary classroom. Primary studies include geography, biology, history, language, mathematics, science, music and art. Exploration of each area is supported through trips outside the classroom, helping the children to deepen their awareness of the world and to recognize their interdependence and connectedness to all that is in it.

Lower Elementary (Grades 1 - 3)

Lower Elementary builds on the foundations of skills and knowledge gained in our Preschool program. The Lower Elementary program is grounded deeply in the Montessori materials, with students using their hands and senses to explore curriculum areas. In Elementary, students begin to develop independence in their learning and work with the teachers to design their own weekly learning plan. As curiosity awakens the senses, attention and focus grow stronger during this age cycle. At Doves, students learn in a mixed grade level class which includes children in grades 1 - 3. This helps students learn from their older peers and develop leadership skills as they model learning and behavior for their younger peers.

Upper Elementary (Grades 4 - 5)

In Upper Elementary, students begin to enter late childhood and early adolescence. Children blossom as social beings and begin to demand further independence. Our learning program meets this need as learners begin to move away from the concrete world of the Montessori materials and delve deeper into complex subjects and abstract processes. Students turn to the world around them to make sense of what they learn, and our teachers strive to connect the learning at school to an authentic understanding of global issues. NEW! Upper El will be located on our new campus in August 2021. Learn more now!

Field trips and community outings are an integral part of our primary program. Children are encouraged to interact with the local community through excursions such as nature walks, neighborhood clean-ups, as well as trips to the library, and even the local supermarket. Organized field trips to museums, outdoor gardens, and theater performances also occur on a regular basis. In addition, the primary children select several worthy charities on an annual basis to support with their own fundraising efforts. This inclusive approach to education encourages the natural desire of the children to make contributions to the world around them as well as fostering a sense of connectedness to the world around them.