Primary Program Overview
Arbor’s Primary Program is comprised of 4 classrooms. Each environment has 23-25 students and 3 faculty members who make up their classroom communities. A mixed-age program, students range from 2.5 to 6 years old. Children must be independently toileting to join the Primary Program.
In the Primary community, children are welcomed each morning personally, allowing teachers to support each child’s emotional readiness for learning. The peaceful, carefully prepared environment includes materials for practical life, sensorial work, art, language, math, science, and geography. Within this structure, children make purposeful choices—working
independently or with peers, receiving lessons from teachers, and moving through the classroom at their own pace.
This child-directed approach fosters concentration, independence, confidence, and a deep love of learning. As children choose, repeat, and master work, they develop strong self-motivation, self-esteem, and the ability to share knowledge and collaborate with others.
During their first year in Primary, 2.5 and 3-year-olds begin their Primary journey through observation and repetition, absorbing the rhythms of the classroom and finding the confidence to select work of their own. 2-year-olds arrive with growing concentration and enthusiasm, moving fluidly through the curriculum, exploring new challenges, and strengthening their understanding through peer collaboration and teaching. When children turn five, they reach Kindergarten: their final year of Primary, ready to jump into their leadership role.
Kindergarten
Primary students eagerly wait two to three years to be one of the Kindergartners in their classroom community. The last year in Primary, which we refer to as the Year of Leadership, gives them the opportunity to grow emotionally in ways that complement their burgeoning personalities and social needs. This is the year when their earlier experiences are internalized and reinforced.
K Leaders are introduced to the concept of taking responsibility for managing their own work through written work records and work plans. They practice with language and math materials every day, along with many other activities they can choose from. Additionally, the older students spontaneously help the younger ones, providing inspiration and leading by example in the classroom.
The K Leaders participate in special programming that helps them achieve their potential and prepare for Elementary. By the end of the year, our K Leaders have developed strong academic, social, and executive function skills that stretch beyond those of students enrolled in local, traditional schools.
*Please Note- Children turning 5 by August 31st are eligible for Kindergarten. Arbor Montessori does not accept early entrance placement for Kindergarten without first testing through your home district. Contact your local district office to access more information on early entrance testing for kindergarten, including schedules, fees, and what to expect. Arbor will only honor early entrance placement with provided district test results.
