Our Elementary Program

Elementary-aged children want to know everything about everything. Their imagination provides the mental impetus to explore the universe.

Montessori elementary education speaks to a child’s imagination to begin a life-long voyage of learning and discovery, and balances the imagination with down-to-earth, concrete, hands-on materials that help the child understand the abstract. The children are in the same class for three years permitting the teacher to become very familiar with each child's development and follow her or his progress through three years, allowing each child to progress at his or her own pace. The three-year multi-age class encourages younger children to learn from and emulate the older students, while older students can teach and be role models for younger ones.

Over each three-year segment (equivalent to Grades 1, 2 and 3 in the Junior Class and Grades 4, 5 and 6 in the Senior Class) the child completes a core curriculum that exceeds the standards of the Ontario Ministry of Education. The core program includes language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, French and art. Music and physical education are also integrated into the program as important elements of the whole person.

Physical education develops co-ordination, balance, endurance, co-operation, listening skills and the attitude of a team player. This is accomplished through co-operative games and team sports. The school is a member of the Ottawa Independent Schools Athletic Association (OIFAA) and participates in inter-school cross-country runs, soccer and baseball tournaments, and track and field events.

Each of the three elementary classes is ideally limited to 24 children. Each class has an AMI-trained Montessori teacher.

Children in the Elementary program must have completed the requirement of the Montessori Casa program or have an appropriate background prior to enrolling.