Primary Program
Ages 3–6
Our Primary program is for children ages 3-6.
Program Schedule:
For children ages 3-4. (Half Day)/5 Days per week. 8:15am-11:45am
For children ages 4-6. (Full Day)/5 Days per week. 8:15am-3:00pm
Early drop off is available beginning at 8am. Our Aftercare program will be offered from 3pm-4pm.
Primary program or early childhood classrooms are at the heart of the Montessori philosophy. Being in an environment with children across a three-year age span allows each child to learn from and work with peers in a range of social, emotional, physical, and cognitive developmental stages. This arrangement mirrors the real world, in which individuals work and socialize with people of various ages, abilities, and dispositions.
Our classrooms are designed to support this style of learning within a low child-to-teacher ratio. Younger children observe what slightly older children are doing, piquing their curiosity. Older children model how activities are done, reinforcing their self-esteem and sense of mastery.
Montessori principles that guide us at Foundry Montessori
Mixed age group: Children from 3 to 5 years old, all in the same classroom. Children stay with the same teachers and two thirds of their friends for 3 years. This provides a consistent environment where children can feel safe, grow confident, and thrive.
This enables teachers to take each child at their own pace regardless of age, which benefits gifted children as well as slow learners. It also enables peer teaching which has proven to be the most effective form of learning.
Sensorial Learning: We provide the full spectrum of Montessori materials which were designed to appeal to the child’s senses. Materials offer tactile, stereognostic, visual and auditory stimulation.
Individualized lessons: Every child is offered individual lessons in each area.
Free choice/ open floor plan: Materials are available to children whenever they choose on open shelfs. Children are free to move about the classroom and interact with others as they desire.
Hands on learning: Maria Montessori believed, “Do not give to the child’s mind what you cannot give to his hands.” So every lesson is combined with a hands on activity to help the child consolidate the concept.
Sensitive periods of children: Teachers are trained to follow the sensitive periods of the child as corresponds to his development. (eg. Sensitive periods for order, repetition, language, etc)
Absorbent mind: A child’s mind is like a sponge from birth to age 6. We strive to capitalize on this intense period of learning by exposing children to as much as possible, while being very mindful of all they absorb,
Respect for the child: The Montessori method is based on a core principle of respect for the child: his desires, his choices. Everything is designed to make the child successful and aid independence. When a child asks for assistance, what they are really saying is “Help me to do it by myself.”
Creative learning through making and moving
One of the first things you notice when entering a Montessori classroom is the abundance of beautifully made learning materials, neatly arranged on spacious shelves. The Montessori materials introduce children to abstract concepts and critical thinking skills using concrete materials.