Primary

Everything is intentional.

Known as the “Children’s House,” the Primary classroom and garden are meticulously arranged to be accessible to children right at their level. This harnesses children’s innate desire for independence.

In the Children’s House, Primary children can do much for themselves. From the child-size wheelbarrows to the working children’s kitchen, they learn that they are capable, which builds their confidence every day. 

Primary children learn to be responsible when they  hang up their coats, wash their dishes after snack, put away books and learning materials after using them, and sweep up the cuttings of paper left on the table after projects. The results: strong skills for independence, the ability to work responsibly in community, and enduring satisfaction and self-confidence.

Choice within limits is foundational to all Montessori teaching and learning.

We know children are born curious and capable. By honoring their interests and empowering them with age-appropriate levels of independence, we help ensure that their passion for learning remains bright. 

Your child’s teacher gives them sequenced lessons designed to develop strategically their skills and knowledge. After the lessons, children choose the follow-up work that is personally effective and engaging. Through this, the learning deepens. Honoring even the youngest child’s agency and interests empowers them as motivated, joyful learners.

What draws your child’s interest and attention? Where do they struggle or shy away?

A key benefit of an MMS education is that teachers work with their students for multiple years. As a result, they develop a rich understanding of each child, what interests them, and how they learn. At MMS, their ideal developmental pace is honored, challenged, and supported. Their interests and passions are seen. Deep learning is the goal. Here, learning has no ceiling.

Why does research show that Montessori students develop stronger concentration?

It’s easy to understand why once you consider the uninterrupted three-hour work periods, our harmonious and organized environments, and the intentional use of hands-on, challenging activities. Nature-rich, beautiful outdoor environments also enliven children’s imagination and calm their nervous systems. 

The Montessori approach develops what is becoming, in today’s highly distracted world invaluable skills: concentration and focus. 

Development of emotional intelligence matters.

Empathy, compassion, friendship, and conflict resolution are all skills and qualities that make our lives better and more effective. At MMS, a child’s classroom is their community and their second home.

Social and emotional learning is integrated throughout the curriculum. Faculty guide children toward greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy relational skills. All of this guidance is enriched by the multi-aged class composition in which older children act as supportive leaders and younger children thrive in a safe and loving environment.

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