Elementary

Ages 6 – 12

About Elementary

The Elementary curriculum continues to focus on establishing a firm foundation for fundamental math and language skills, while utilizing the spiral approach to circle back and expand upon culture studies introduced in Casa. Similar to Casa, you will find concrete materials in all areas of study. By manipulating materials with built in control of errors, students may independently engage with the Botany, Zoology, History, Geography and Geometry curriculum. After initial lessons, students expand their knowledge with independent projects. In Math and Language, students manipulate materials as a way of concretely exploring new concepts. As they begin to internalize and abstract their understanding, their work moves towards more traditional paper and pencil variations. Students are provided with a framework for work expectations and use tools such as weekly agenda plans to organize and track their assignments.

A Typical Day

Our morning is dedicated to a 3-hour work period. This is one of two work periods offered throughout the day. Maria Montessori advocated that given three hours of time, students would ebb and flow in and out of work, having the maximum amount of productivity possible. Students spend their mornings working on individual activities at a table or on a rug on the floor. Their teacher observes their progress and selects appropriate times to invite them to one-on-one or small group lessons throughout this 3-hour work period. Students are given the opportunity to develop their concentration, order, cooperation, independence and a love of exploration. They are welcome to have a snack, work with peers, observe others or complete ongoing work throughout the morning. During the morning work cycle, students are also pulled into small-group French lessons, 3 days a week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, our students also participate in our physical education and health program. 

Lunch and Recess

After the morning work period students have lunch. We work together as a team to prepare our classroom by setting the tables and enjoying a catered hot meal.  After lunch we get dressed and head outside for recess. Elementary students enjoy our expansive grounds for an hour-long recess. Our students organize themselves for team games like soccer, hockey, football, and baseball or engage in imaginative games with their peers. In the winter they work on building giant snowmen and building forts.

Afternoon Work Period

After recess, students return to their classroom and start their reading program – either reading to a teacher or silently to themselves for 30 minutes. In the afternoons, students are free to finish their agenda plans and continue taking out classroom materials, or focus on their projects. During this time they are also welcome to enjoy an afternoon snack. At 3 pm students tidy the classroom and complete their end of day jobs before heading outside for some outdoor time and later dismissal. On Friday afternoons our students participate in art lessons after silent reading. 

Our Outdoor Classroom

Our Elementary classroom doors open onto our outdoor classroom environment. Students are free to move in and out of the indoor and outdoor classrooms and complete their work in their preferred space. Lessons occur both inside and outside and we roam the property to seek out examples of our studies. Students enjoy reading quietly in the shade of a tree during silent reading time and snack and eat in our outdoor environment when the weather permits.

Our Curriculum

The Montessori Elementary Classroom is divided into 6 different areas: Math, Geometry, Language, History, Geography, and Biology.  Within these areas, the materials are logically organized in sequential order; either from concrete to abstract, broad concept to detailed study or simply by sequence of study. Each area includes hands-on materials which are displayed in aesthetically pleasing ways designed to inspire interest. Materials include controls which allow for self-correction and are the launching off point for studying a vast range of ideas. We also make use of our beautiful property to seek out examples and real life applications of concepts learned during lessons.

Math

The Montessori Math curriculum provides a deep and hands-on exploration of mathematical concepts, beginning with the story of our numbers and progressing to more advanced topics. Early lessons cover basic operations, long division with racks and tubes, multiplication with the bead frames and chequerboards, and an understanding of multiples, factors, divisibility, and the squares and cubes of numbers. Children also explore fractions and decimal fractions. As students advance, they dive deeper into squaring and cubing and  measurement and graphing. Later years include studies of signed numbers, powers of 2, ratio and proportion, and an introduction to algebra. Through concrete materials and active problem-solving, children develop a strong mathematical foundation that encourages logical thinking and a lifelong appreciation for mathematics.

Geometry

The Montessori Geometry curriculum offers a hands-on exploration of the world of shapes and spatial relationships. Children begin with the story of geometry, learning its historical roots and real-world applications. Through engaging materials, they study key concepts such as congruence, similarity, and equivalence, as well as the properties of polygons, angles, and lines. They explore the area and circumference of circles, develop an understanding of volume in solid geometry, and practice geometric constructions. In their later years, students explore Pythagoras’ and Euclid’s theorems sensorially before moving onto the more abstract paper and pencil. This approach fosters a deep, intuitive understanding of geometry, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and a strong sense of spatial awareness.

Language

The Montessori Language curriculum is a comprehensive program that nurtures a child’s natural love for language, focusing on both spoken and written communication. It begins with the history and evolution of language, helping children understand its cultural significance. The curriculum emphasizes grammar and syntax, building a strong foundation for clear and effective expression with grammar boxes that explore the parts of speech (articles, nouns, adjectives, verbs, prepositions, adverbs, conjunctions and interjections). Students engage in activities that develop their written expression, from creative storytelling to structured writing, while also refining their spoken language skills through conversation and presentations. They decompose sentences utilizing sentence analysis and discover how to compose formal paragraphs by applying their skills to their culture studies. Exposure to a rich variety of literature enhances comprehension, vocabulary, and literary appreciation, while an exploration of style encourages students to develop their unique voice as writers and speakers. This holistic approach fosters a deep, lifelong connection to language, creativity, and communication.

History

The Montessori History curriculum offers a captivating journey through time, beginning with the origins of human beings and the story of their development. Students explore the “black strip” and “clock of eras,” visual timelines that help illustrate the vastness of human history. They investigate fundamental human needs, migration patterns, and the key phases of history, including the rise of ancient river civilizations and the civilizations of the Americas. By studying history timelines and learning to track time through clocks and calendars, children gain a deeper understanding of the past and its influence on the present. This approach fosters a sense of connection to humanity’s shared story and encourages critical thinking about how history shapes our world today.

Geography

The Montessori Geography curriculum invites children to explore the Earth’s natural elements and their interconnectedness. Students study the sun and Earth, learning about the Earth’s rotation, time zones, and its spherical shape, as well as the effects of solstices, equinoxes, and seasonal changes. They explore temperature zones and understand how the work of air and water shape the environment. The curriculum also delves into human geography, examining economic geography and the interdependencies between regions, fostering a global perspective. Through hands-on activities and inquiry, students develop a deeper understanding of both the physical world and human society’s relationship to it.

Biology

The Montessori Biology curriculum begins with the captivating story of the coming of life, introducing children to the natural world. In Botany, students explore the essential parts of plants—leaf, root, stem, flower, fruit, and seed—learning about their roles in plant growth and reproduction. In Zoology, they begin with animal stories and study the internal and external characteristics of vertebrates and invertebrates. As they progress, students delve into the scientific classification of plants and animals, explore ecosystems and interdependence in nature, and discover the body systems through the story of the Great River. This comprehensive approach fosters a deep understanding of life, its interconnectedness, and the natural world.

French

The students have French class 3 times a week. They are divided into small groups and each group gets around 40 minutes of instruction. The primary focus is on exposure to the language and developing listening and responding skills. Students are encouraged to understand and interact through repetition, gradually building confidence to contribute independently as their comfort with the language grows. A variety of engaging instructional methods, such as games, nomenclature and three-part card lessons, pairing actions with words, stories, songs, and poems, are used to reinforce learning.

Phys-Ed & Health

The students are fortunate to have such an expansive property for their physical education! Our phys-ed and health program runs Tuesday and Thursday mornings for 45 minutes. In the fall we train for cross country in preparation for the meet with other Montessori schools, enjoy fall hikes on the Bruce Trail, play cooperative games in the fields, enjoy the peace in nature with some yoga, practice for our winter concert with our dance unit, and also enjoy the use of off-site facilities. The students participate in 6 weeks of gymnastics and skating, and 4 weeks of basketball and flag football. All of the off-site activities take place on Thursday mornings for 1 hour. In the winter, our students explore the grounds with snowshoes while searching for wildlife tracks to identify! Tuesdays are dedicated to our health component when these programs run.

Art

Our art curriculum is designed to ignite creativity, develop fine motor skills, and foster an appreciation for artistic expression. Aligned with Montessori principles, the program encourages exploration, independence, and the joy of creating. Students engage with a variety of media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, to build foundational skills and explore their artistic interests. The curriculum emphasizes process over product, encouraging students to experiment, problem-solve, and express their unique perspectives. Through guided projects and open-ended activities, children grow in their ability to observe, create, and share their ideas.

By nurturing both skill development and creative confidence, the program aims to instill a lifelong appreciation for art and the ability to see beauty in the world around them. The students enjoy dedicated time for art on Friday afternoons but it is also incorporated in the various projects they create and their cultural studies work.

Music

Our music curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, develop musical understanding, and nurture a love for music. Grounded in Montessori principles, it encourages exploration, self-expression, and hands-on engagement with musical concepts. 

Students build foundational skills such as rhythm, pitch, and melody through singing, movement, and the use of instruments. They also explore music notation, composition, and cultural music traditions to develop a deeper appreciation for music’s diversity and its role in human expression.

The program emphasizes collaboration and active participation, offering opportunities for group performances and creative projects. Our goal is to help students gain confidence, enrich their understanding of music, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Going Out

“Going Out” is a unique feature of the Montessori Upper Elementary program because it provides students with real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom. Unlike traditional field trips, “Going Out” is a student-driven activity where children take the initiative to plan, research, and execute the outing. This experience fosters independence, responsibility, and critical thinking as students take ownership of their learning by exploring topics of personal interest in real-life settings.

During a “Going Out,” students may visit museums, local businesses, community centers, or even participate in service projects. This hands-on learning extends the classroom beyond its walls, encouraging students to engage with their community and deepen their understanding of the world. It also strengthens social skills, teamwork, and the ability to communicate effectively as students collaborate to organize their trips. By giving students the opportunity to navigate these experiences themselves, “Going Out” helps cultivate a sense of confidence and a love for lifelong learning.

Goals of Montessori Education

Independence

Students are provided with opportunities to choose their own work, become engaged, construct their personal knowledge and are given the freedom to expand upon their studies. Guidance is given and children seek help when necessary. Each child is supported on their individual path to reaching their full potential, while learning in a richly equipped indoor learning environment and natural outdoor environment.

Self-Confidence

Students are able to take risks without fear of failure or punishment. They may correct their own work and repeat activities until they are comfortable enough to move on. Making mistakes is a normalized step in learning.

Intrinsic Motivation

Children are able to work for the pleasure of doing so. Children routinely demonstrate newly achieved competencies to one another.

Global Awareness

Students are encouraged to develop qualities of citizenship and stewardship through an understanding and respect for cultural diversity and environmental awareness.

Social Responsibility & Leadership

Students demonstrate social responsibility and leadership skills, such as empathy, communication, initiative and resiliency.

Spontaneity & Joy

Teachers follow spontaneous interests and make room for independent projects. Students share their joy through presentations and community meetings.

Academic Preparation

Students learn to use a variety of tools, such as agenda plans and tracking binders, to independently select and complete work.  They are guided in tracking assignments and given increasing freedom to manage their studies as their responsibility levels increase.

Respect

There are opportunities to develop and practice the qualities of peace and conflict resolution in their interactions with others. Students are given a framework to resolve disputes and have a deep sense of ownership and belonging to the classroom which inspires respect for their peers and environment.

Approachability

Students approach the teacher with ease and confidence, reflecting a personal connection and a sense of security.

Record Keeping

The teacher shows an understanding of students’ progress and keeps clear records, as a continuous form of assessment. Students utilize their agenda plans and classroom records to track their own progress and work.

Role Modeling

The teacher reflects the essential qualities of respect, order, enjoyment and engagement. As students mature, they take on the role of role model for their peers.

Sense of Ownership

Students are involved in the decision making of the classroom through community meetings. They participate in the upkeep of the classroom and work together to build a comfortable environment. Students take ownership of their education and seek out learning opportunities.

School Tour
Observation
Registration

School Tour

Coming into the School for a visit and an optional observation is the first step in our admission process.  Please contact the front office at 905-689-2171 to schedule your personal tour. This serves as a great opportunity to visit our campus, observe in our classrooms, meet the teachers, and learn more about our programs and the enrollment process.

Observation

As part of your visit, you have the option to observe for 20-minutes in one of our classrooms. It is recommended that your child(ren) do not accompany you for your observation.

During your observation, you will experience first hand what a Montessori environment feels like and you will notice:

  • how calm the environment is…
  • deep levels of engagement and concentration…
  • children initiating work on their own…
  • the role of the teacher as a guide and how s/he interacts with the teacher…
  • a sense of community in the classroom…

Following your observation, an opportunity to discuss your own observations and questions will take place.

Registration

After your visit and observation, we welcome you to submit a completed application together with the non-refundable application fee. Kindly note that application submission does not guarantee enrollment as we receive more applications than spots available.

A Montessori education is most effective as a three-year cycle and in a classroom community with a balanced ratio of ages and gender. Our admission process, therefore, takes into consideration the long-term educational goals of the parents as well as the balance required in the classroom.

Final placement decisions will be made by the Head of School with input from parents, teachers, and records. Interviews and classroom visits by the student and parents may be required before a final enrollment decision is made. The Head of School’s decision will be based on the needs of the child individually and as part of the classroom community.

Contact Us!

We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and show you our classrooms of actively engaged learners.