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Primary

Our Primary program is for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years. During the Primary years, a love of learning is nurtured, foundational academic skills are formed, and confidence blooms.

Children need to be potty-trained to join the Primary Program.

Four Primary children walk along the logs on the playscape

 

Two beautiful Primary classrooms with large open air doors

Primary Program at a Glance:

  • Ages 3-6 years

  • Three classrooms of 24 students each

  • Head Teacher and Assistant Teacher

  • Five Day Program

  • Half Days until noon or Full Days until 3:00PM (Full days required for 3rd Year Primary/Kindergarten)

  • Early care available at 7:30AM

  • Aftercare available until 5:00PM


 

Two boys sit side by side, smiling during circle time

A Community of Children

Children develop friendships across age levels and genuinely care for each other. Children crave knowledge about social behavior and will notice, absorb, and practice how to build gracious and harmonious relationships. Each community member is respected as a unique individual with strengths and interests.


 

A child ties the apron of a younger child

Social Grace and Courtesy and Self Care

Grace and Courtesy lessons happen daily at MdTL and encompass basic manners as well as communication skills. Children learn — through role play and practice — everything from politely interrupting to resolving a social conflict. Social skills are emphasized just as much as the child’s inner development. These lessons help the child meet his own needs while learning to consider the needs of others. 


 

A five year old reads to a three year old

Mixed Age Classrooms

Children remain in the same classroom for a three-year cycle, which allows them to form a deep bond with their teacher. They have the opportunity to experience three different roles: the youngest, middle, and the oldest. This three-year journey fosters their empathy, communication skills, and self-confidence. 

"The connection that you develop over a three year cycle with the families is something that is very unique."

-Jessica Harvey, Primary Head Teacher


 

A five year old girls plays the Montessori bells

Freedom to Make Choices

Internalizing any new skill requires practice. Students are given the freedom of time to set their own learning pace, promoting self-discipline and allowing them to connect with their current needs. Rather than imitating or following a teacher, children make independent work choices and practice until they are ready to clean up.


 

A group of children works on addition with the golden beads with the teacher while others work independently

Child Centered

Our teachers are keen observers and get to know each child as an individual with unique interests and areas for growth. With primarily individual instruction, you’ll find our teachers down at the children’s level, engaged with a small group or one-on-one. They have also optimized the learning opportunities in their environments for children who are motivated to explore and master their world.  
 


 

A three year old carefully builds the pink tower

Hands On

Montessori materials are beautiful, engaging, and scientifically accurate. In all areas of the classroom, children are introduced to new concepts incrementally through hands-on experiences. Brain development is dependent on activity, and the work of the hands is paramount. 


 

A five year old practices stitching Xs on checkered fabric

Independence is Valued

Practical Life is the cornerstone of the Primary classroom. Through real, purposeful activity, children gain functional independence, have opportunities for deep concentration, learn to sequence a series of steps, and develop pride in their work. Children grow more attuned to their personal feelings of progress, boosting their innate ability of self evaluation.
 


 

Kindergarten - A Year of Exceptional Growth

The third year, or Kindergarten, is the crowning year in the Primary journey. Foundational academic skills come together and students are given countless opportunities to mentor their younger peers by modeling social skills, helping with a variety of tasks, and giving lessons. Experiencing the leadership role during this final year reinforces concepts they have learned and builds their confidence in an unparalleled way. 
 


 

Integrated Curriculum

Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, and Math are the four main areas of the Primary classroom. Within these, lessons in science, geography, cultural studies, art, and music proliferate. For example, what is presented as a geography lesson may have elements of language, art, and cultural studies. Children naturally begin to make meaningful connections between multiple subject areas, a strong preparation for Elementary. 


 

Two five year olds collaborate on the Multiplication Bead Bars

Collaboration and Divergent Thinking

We engage the children in divergent thinking. Teachers encourage collaboration and foster an environment in which students can generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Children work together to research a topic of interest or prepare independent explorations and present them to their class. This starts at the youngest level and builds on itself throughout the Elementary program.


 

“I did not invent a method of education, I simply gave some little children a chance to live.”

-Maria Montessori

 

inquire

Start here. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our school


 

tour

Tours for the 2025-2026 school year run from Oct-Jan, open for scheduling now


 

apply

The Priority Application Deadline for the 2025-2026 school year at MdTL is January 31, 2025