Elementary Level (6-12): Cosmic Education
“Since it has been seen to be necessary to give so much to the child, let us give him a vision of the whole universe. The universe is an imposing reality, and an answer to all questions. We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are a part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori (To Educate the Human Potential, page 5)
What sets Montessori apart in the Elementary years—ages 6 – 12—is the individually paced curriculum that challenges children academically and safeguards their well-being and sense of self. Engaging as contributing members of a respectful community, they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning—skills that will support them in later education and in life.
As at all Montessori levels, the Elementary program is based on the belief that children learn best through movement and work with their hands, and provides cognitive, social, and emotional support to help them reach their full potential.
This includes addressing their needs as they enter a new period of development characterized by:
A transition from concrete to abstract thinking
Growing interest in socialization
Thinking and memory that is enhanced by creativity and imagination
An interest in fairness, social justice, and compassion
Academic Year 2023/2024 Information
Elementary School Hours
School Day: 8am - 3pm + Enrichment (3-3:45pm)
Arrival/Car Drop-off Line: 8AM (Arriving after 8:30am is marked as late).
Extended-Care:
Morning-care: 7-8AM
After-Care: 4PM - 5PM (available per hour and per request for an additional hourly fee. Request tuition here).
Enrollment Options for Elementary: Full-time (5-days/week) Only. 10 months OR year round (with summer camp).
Enrichment: In addition to Montessori education, we offer enrichment classes at this level:
Arabic/Islam/Quran (ages 3-6)
Additional Notes:
Elementary Admission for children joining from other school has its own process. Review Admission Process Here.
Children with no prior Montessori experience and are in 2nd - 4grade will have an interview with the Elementary guide prior to getting accepted.
Snacks are provided by the school. Lunch comes from home. All lunch items and snacks must be nut-free (Parents will be alerted if there are any additional life-threatening allergies).
Elementary’s schedule may be altered to accommodate going-outs (field-trips) that are an essential part of the Montessori Elementary experience.
Elementary Level at Aya
Ratio: 1:15 (teacher:child)
Staff: 1 Elementary guide + 1 Assistant + 1 Enrichment Instructors (Arabic/Quran/Islam)
Schedule:
7:00-8:00AM
Morning Care (Childcare) + Arrival Window
8:00-11:15AM
Morning Learning Cycle / Individual Work / Group Work + Snack
11:30-11:45AM
Community Meeting
11:45AM-12:30PM
Lunch
12:30-1:00PM
Outdoor Recess / Physical Education
1:00-3:00PM
Afternoon Learning Cycle / Arabic Small Group Lessons
3:00PM-3:45PM
Enrichment Classes: Arabic/Islam
3:45PM-4:00PM
First Dismissal (car pickup-line) /or/ Snack time for children in extended care.
4:00-5:00PM
Extended Care Option - Open Play (Childcare)
Learning at The Elementary Level
The elementary program will initially serve lower elementary students ages 6 through 9 before expanding to include 10-12-year-old students. It will be designed for both subject matter and interdisciplinary learning in math, language, biology, physical and cultural geography, history, geometry, art, and music. Scaffolded lessons will be shared in small groups throughout morning and afternoon work cycles; between these cycles of activity, students will participate in and lead a whole-group classroom meeting and engage in outdoor play and lunch. This program will continue to offer numerous opportunities for repetition and choice-making, as well as goal-setting. After receiving lessons, students will be able to repeat the lesson, explore extensions of the lessons, and develop special projects that merge their interests.
Student progress will be measured and shared through students’ independent work journals and portfolios; teacher record-keeping and reports; student-teacher conferences; and parent-teacher conferences.
The Elementary curriculum contains the following areas of learning:
Practical Life
Within the Elementary program, the Practical Life curriculum expands from the foundation laid in Early Childhood. Practical Life at the Elementary level shifts from a focus on self-care and fine motor skills, to skills that help children connect with their interests in the outside world, organize their time, and take part in their community.
While self-care and appropriate social interactions continue to be supported, lessons that teach responsibility are the focus. Use of tools, such as work plans, to support organization and time management skills, are incorporated into the daily routine.
Teachers and students often work together to post reminders about assignments, projects, and ideas. Using these, children make independent work choices, prioritize activities, and meet deadlines.
Math
The ideas of number concepts, place value, numerals, and related quantities are reinforced and expanded upon within the Elementary program. Newfound purposes for familiar math materials provide children with the means to consider number concepts, mathematical operations, and more complex functions, helping to expand advanced mathematical knowledge and understanding.
Language
Reading and writing are integral to all subjects in Montessori Elementary, as children express their interests and satisfy their curiosity. Students master conventions with thorough studies of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. They produce final copies with careful penmanship and keyboarding. They read, analyze, think critically, and compare and contrast literature to support personal opinion and perspective. Using these reading and writing skills, they present ideas through formal and informal presentations.
Cultural studies
Cultural studies are interdisciplinary and integrate zoology, botany, geography, geology, physical and life sciences, and anthropology. Through these lessons, children explore the interconnectedness of all living things. Additionally, in-depth studies of history, physical and political world geography, civics, economics, peace and justice, the arts, world language, and physical education are introduced.
Science and Social Studies
Interdisciplinary and integrated studies of geology, geography, physical and life sciences, anthropology, and history are built around “Great Lessons,” a series of dramatic stories that explore the origins of the universe, our planet, and the continuous development of human advancement. The laws of physics and chemistry reveal the interdependency of all living things. Beginning with a study of civilization, students explore the contributions of history and what it means to be a responsible citizen and to seek ways to make the world a better, more peaceful place.
If you would like to learn more about Elementary Montessori Education, click here.
Here is an overview of our Lower Elementary Curriculum:
Enrichment Programs for Elementary age (6-12)
Arabic/Islam Enrichment Program (Elective)
In addition to +5 hours of daily learning, Aya developed special enrichment classes that cater to the spiritual growth and Arabic language development of children using custom hands-on materials, songs and stories.
Arabic
Our special Arabic curriculum was designed to balance vocabulary enrichment, reading and comprehension of the Arabic language using hands-on, Montessori-inspired materials and methods. Children are also immersed in the language on a daily basis by communicating with one of our native-speaking assistants.
Our Arabic Elementary Arabic curriculum expands upon the learning fostered in our Primary program. Children will learn how to identify the different parts of speech, read and analyze sentences.
Islam
At Aya Montessori, we believe in creating a positive and peaceful atmosphere that models true Islamic values and nurture the love of the Creator through His creation. Through nasheed (songs), prayers (dua), and hands-on materials, children get to experience their faith on daily basis and grow to love their deen.
The foundational knowledge children built at the Primary level will be expanded upon by going through Islamic History and creating timelines in order to understand history more and connect the dots. Using project-based and story-based activities, Elementary children will dive deeper into the meaning of the pillars of Iman and Islam, and its practices.
Quran
Connecting the child with the Quran is important in the first years. Children will begin their journey towards memorization. A certified Quran instructor will work one-on-one with children in order to make sure children are advancing on their own pace while growing their love for Quran.
Elementary children will also explore the general themes and vocabulary behind the chapters they are learning about. While working with an instructor one-on-one on a daily basis, children will also have the time to independently memorize and learn the Quran. Memorization (Hifz) program is offered for upper elementary.