Through the Ages
Education at Montessori Co-op School is a balance of language arts, math, geography, science, computer technology, art, drama and music. Our children are also introduced to foreign languages and enjoy many field trips. The use of sensory materials and practical life skills are emphasized in the toddler and preschool programs and facilitate learning in the elementary years.
Toddler
18 mo. to 3 years
In the Toddler Room, we focus on concentration skills, sense of order, independence and coordination using Montessori methods and tools. The children also begin to develop knowledge of phonetics, which serves as a strong foundation for the reading skills developed in the primary and elementary rooms. To be consistent with Montessori philosophy, each child progresses at his or her own pace.
Primary
3 to 5 years
In the Primary Rooms, children are offered a wide variety of hands-on activities from the five basic areas of the Montessori curriculum:
- Math
- Language
- Practical Life
- Sensorial
- Cultural
The multi-age setting is designed to enhance a child’s self-confidence and acceptance of others. Everyone works at his or her own pace and set of strengths. Qualities of leadership, independence, self-motivation, love of learning, joyful social interaction, responsibility and respect for all living things are emphasized.
Special activities include field trips to an apple orchard, the Rose children’s theater and the Henry Doorly Zoo. We participate annually in the 4H incubation project which produces several live chicks each year, and we like to do cooking projects and special lunches. Each year the children participate in spring and fall musicals for parents and relatives.
Elementary at the Co-op
An elementary school experience that will forever shape your child’s relationship with learning.
6 to 12 years
In the Elementary Room, the basic components of the classroom include:
- The ability to progress through the curriculum at an individual pace by not being confined to works based solely upon grade level.
- A curriculum which covers a wide range of interests and abilities to meet the individual needs of the students.
- A teacher who knows the children well as they are together for a 6-year period.
The program has an integrated curriculum:
- Language Arts encompasses writing and composition skills while creative writing is strongly encouraged.
- Literature is an important element in the reading program and the children are introduced to high quality materials.
- The Mathematics program encompasses many disciplines. In the Montessori Method arithmetic, algebra and geometry are interrelated.
- The Cultural curriculum teaches children global ideals as well as tolerance through the study of history, geography, geology, science, arts and music..
The children also add to the social skills they have been developing throughout the Montessori program. They complete projects together and solve problems while learning conflict-resolution skills and the ability to assess moral questions and ideals.
Individual Learning Plans
Our elementary students are the agents in their own education and progress in their learning at an individual pace. Children are encouraged to explore their own interests while meeting age-appropriate standards within the boundaries of the school day.
Thoughtfully Connected Curriculum
The Co-op curriculum features strong language arts, mathematics, and cultural programs that encourage interrelated learning.
Children are exposed to high quality reading materials and creative writing. Global ideals and tolerance are taught through the study of history, geography, geology, science, art and music. Students complete projects together and solve problems while learning conflict-resolution skills and the ability to assess moral questions and ideals.
Little to No Homework
Children spend all day in the classroom learning. We believe they need their afternoons and evenings to pursue their personal interests, interact with their families, and relax.
Daily Outdoor Learning and Play
The Co-op curriculum features strong language arts, mathematics, and cultural programs that encourage interrelated learning.
Children are exposed to high quality reading materials and creative writing. Global ideals and tolerance are taught through the study of history, geography, geology, science, art and music. Students complete projects together and solve problems while learning conflict-resolution skills and the ability to assess moral questions and ideals.
A Second Home
The Co-op’s, small, multi-age, three-year classrooms foster mutual respect and relationships that grow over time. This creates an environment where elementary children feel safe and at home.
We work with teachers and and parents to promote learning environments where the students are known and valued as individuals. Children develop lasting relationship with teachers and peers and are encouraged to work collaboratively and cooperatively. Elementary students often interact with younger children at The Co-op.
Actively Involved Parents
Our school was founded on togetherness. Parents are actively involved in all aspects of school life and have the opportunity to lead and shape the operations and vision of the school. They honor diversity and value their responsibilities to the community and to the environment, as well as their children’s learning.
A high level of parental involvement also helps to keep tuition costs low.
Elementary
Summer Camp
Learn about cultures, sustainability, and peace.
Students will explore the ways groups of people live by learning about their fundamental needs, economy, art and literature, games, traditions, customs, and governing structures. Explore a different type of culture, from hunter/gatherer to industrial, each week.
Registration for current Co-op families opens Monday, February 12th in Transparent Classroom. Public registration opens Wednesday, February 14th.
Summer camps are available to children entering first grade through sixth grade.