_Our curriculum is divided into seven main areas of study:
  1. Foundational: reading, writing, and math                               
  2. Cultural: geography, history, multi-cultural studies
  3. Science: zoology, botany, earth science, physics, and      basic chemistry
  4. Fine Arts: music and art
  5. Practical life: social etiquette along with small motor tasks involving real life goals
  6. Spiritual: basic Christian principles interwoven among the disciplines - i.e. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
  7. Community service: the preservation of natural resources and the service of others
Daily hands on projects, weekly show and tell, lunch buddy programs and monthly field trips are an essential part of our curriculum, in addition to the traditional Montessori classroom materials. 
"Education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.”  Maria Montessori

Our Classroom Policies modeled by the teachers and practiced daily:

Respect for the rules creates an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility which minimizes conflict and maximizes enjoyment.

  1. A student may work on an activity as long as he/she wants; he will not be arbitrarily interrupted or forced to share.
  2. Only one activity may be taken out at a time by the student.
  3. Student is free to work alone, with a friend, or in a small group depending upon what he/she decides. 
  4. All materials are returned to their proper place in original condition.
  5. Materials must be handled carefully and worked with in such a way that they do not disturb others.
  6. Running and shouting is not allowed. However spontaneous shouts of joy and discovery are expected and appreciated!
  7. Materials are to be used on tables or floor mats and not on the bare floor.
  8. Hitting and other forms of physical aggression are unacceptable forms of behavior. The articulation of feelings and alternative behavior will be discussed.

The Long Range Goal of Self-Discipline:

As Montessori educators and Christians we seek to help each child develop self-discipline through opportunities of concentration, purposeful movement and choice. SELF DISCIPLINE is the LONG-RANGE GOAL. Consistency and patience are necessary.  We believe that students want to  and can be well-behaved.  Therefore we will do the following:
  • Model appropriate behavior with children and adults alike.
  • Emphasize the positive.
  • Introduce acceptable forms of behavior before a problem arises.
  • Allow choice whenever appropriate.
  • Maintain an organized environment and routine that is conducive to constructive behavior.
  • Redirect a misbehaving child into meaningful constructive activities.
_If reprimand is necessary we will do the following:
  1. Be brief with, speak privately face to face, and in a normal tone to the student.
  2. Assume the best and give fresh chances.
  3. Stress that we care for the student but not for what the student did.
  4. Use limits that are fair, consistent, and appropriate for the individual student's level. 
  5. Give positively worded directions.
  6. Arrange equipment, materials, activities, and schedules in a way that promotes desirable behavior.