Curriculum

The Montessori Curriculum

Montessori education is student-led and self-paced but guided, assessed, and enriched by knowledgeable and caring teachers, the leadership of their peers, and a nurturing environment.

Within the community of a multi-age classroom—designed to create natural opportunities for independence, citizenship, and accountability—children embrace multi-sensory learning and passionate inquiry. Individual students follow their own curiosity at their own pace, taking the time they need to fully understand each concept and meet individualized learning goals.

Given the freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections, Montessori students grow up to be confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners and citizens, accountable to both themselves and their community. They think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly and with integrity.

-American Montessori Society (n.d.)

Primary (ages 3-6)

The Montessori primary curriculum, designed for children aged 3-6, emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning. It’s built around the philosophy that children learn best through exploration and discovery in a prepared environment tailored to their developmental needs. Key areas include practical life skills, sensorial experiences, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. 

Practical life activities develop coordination, concentration, and independence through everyday tasks. Sensorial materials help children refine their senses and understand complex concepts like size, color, and texture. Language and math are introduced through concrete materials that allow children to internalize ideas at their own pace. Cultural studies provide a foundation in science, geography, art, and music, fostering curiosity about the world.

Montessori philosophy encourages respect for each child’s individuality, fostering confidence, concentration, and a lifelong love of learning. Through freedom within limits, children build autonomy, discipline, and social skills, with the teacher acting as a guide rather than a traditional instructor. This approach promotes holistic development—intellectual, emotional, physical, and social.

Lower Elementary (ages 6-9)

The Montessori lower elementary curriculum (ages 6-9) is designed to support students’ natural curiosity and drive for independence. It encourages hands-on, self-directed learning in a collaborative environment. Rooted in Maria Montessori’s philosophy, this curriculum emphasizes the holistic development of children—academically, socially, and emotionally. Key components include practical life skills, language, math, science, cultural studies, and the arts, all interconnected through experiential, real-world activities. Lessons often involve Montessori materials that encourage exploration and discovery. The curriculum fosters respect, concentration, responsibility, and problem-solving skills, aiming to cultivate self-motivated, lifelong learners who care about the world and their place within it.

Upper Elementary (ages 9-12)

The Montessori upper elementary curriculum builds on the foundational Montessori principles of independence, hands-on learning, and respect for the child’s individual growth. It emphasizes interdisciplinary, experiential learning with a curriculum that integrates subjects like language arts, mathematics, sciences, history, and geography. Key to this level is the concept of the "cosmic curriculum," which encourages students to understand their roles and responsibilities within the larger world and instills a sense of interconnectedness.

Students in upper elementary work with materials that support abstract thinking and move gradually toward self-directed study and research. Montessori educators guide students through lessons that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical awareness. The philosophy also includes an emphasis on social development and practical life skills, helping students grow in confidence and independence while fostering a deep curiosity about their environment.

Middle School

The Montessori secondary curriculum, designed for middle and high school students, emphasizes self-directed learning, community engagement, and holistic development. Guided by Montessori’s philosophy of “education for life,” this curriculum blends academic studies with practical life skills, encouraging students to develop independence, responsibility, and a deep connection to the world around them. Core subjects like math, science, language, and social studies are integrated and presented in ways that emphasize their real-world applications, often through interdisciplinary projects. The curriculum supports personalized learning, allowing students to pursue individual interests, engage in hands-on work, and participate in internships or community service. Montessori educators guide rather than direct, fostering a respectful, collaborative environment where students develop critical thinking, self-motivation, and social awareness. The goal is to prepare adolescents for adulthood with a sense of purpose and a commitment to lifelong learning.