The Integrated Montessori Curriculum
Our curriculum is one of integrated studies rather than a traditional model in which the course of study is compartmentalized into separate subjects, with given topics considered at specific grade levels.
Lessons are introduced simply and concretely in the early years, then re-explored in greater depth several times during the following years at increasing degrees of abstraction and complexity.
Our course of study is an integrated thematic approach that ties the separate disciplines of the curriculum together into studies of the physical universe, the world of nature, and the human experience.
This integrated approach is one of our school’s great strengths at every age level.
As an example, when our students study the ancient Greeks in world history, they also study mythology. Literature, the arts, history, social issues, government, economics, architecture, medicine, science, and the study of technology all complement one another in our curriculum.
Within a warm, supportive academic atmosphere, we set a high level of expectation for the quality of thought, work, and mastery of content and skills.
As students reach the upper elementary years, they are challenged to pursue a considerable amount of library and field research both in and outside of school. We consciously teach students how to develop effective work habits, writing skills, and test-taking strategies. However, most of our own evaluation will involve portfolio preparation, student self-evaluation, oral explanation, and essay examination.
The following links lead to a brief overview of our core curriculum in the areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, sensory training, and practical life for our students aged 3 through the upper elementary level. Please keep in mind that this only represents an overview of the course of study and is not meant to be complete.
Since our students progress at their own pace, it is not possible to divide up the curriculum by specific grade levels.
A Sample Unit of Study
(Ancient Greece)
The Land • The Flora and Fauna at that TIme • The Climate • Where Were Their Important Communities Located? Why There? • Agriculture and Animal Husbandry or Herding • Obstacles to easy transportation • Diet & Cuisine • Housing • Dress • Social Classes • Tools, Technology, and Industry • The Local Economy • Trade With Others Peoples? • Public Buildings • Religion & Myth • Entertainment • Surviving Artifacts • Surviving Literature • Decoration • Conflict With Others? • Government • Medicine • Lives of Woman & Children • Poverty and/or Servitude? • Handcrafts • Surviving Art • Surviving Music • Dance • Important Festivals and Celebrations • What else was happening in the world during this time period? • How Do We Know About These People Today?
a different approach
Montessori School Curriculum
Our curriculum is one of integrated studies rather than a traditional model in which the course of study is compartmentalized into separate subjects, with given topics considered at specific grade levels..
Sensorial Education
These are exercises in perception, observation, fine discrimination, and classification that play a major role in helping our children to develop their sense of logic and concentration.
Practical Life Skills
One of our first goals is to develop in the very young child a strong and realistic sense of independence and self-reliance. Along with love and a stable environment, this is the child’s greatest need.
Language Arts
From early childhood, our students develop a love of the written word, learn to read and write with fluency, and become astute at comprehending what they read.
Mathematics & Geometry
Often, students learn math by memorizing facts and solutions, with little true understanding or ability to use mathematics in everyday life.
Geography
We are all members of the human family. Our goal is to develop a global perspective. We study world cultures, physical geography, and Earth Science.
Science
Dr. Montessori passed a deep love for the world of nature on to thousands of students through a program of outdoor education, gardening, and camping experiences. We see this as the foundation of a lifelong interest in the sciences.
History
We are all members of the human family. Our roots lie in the distant past, and history is the story of our common heritage. Our students develop a strong sense of history.