Primary Curriculum ››

The Montessori Learning Center curriculum is based on the philosophy and methods developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. It is designed to engage students in thoughtful pursuits and encourage a lifelong love of learning. Students at MLC experience concepts and develop skills at each level of understanding that prepare them for more complex lessons at the next level. At the same time, our expectations are high, challenging each student to reach his or her potential, and establishing clear standards for achievement and quality of thought and work.

At both the Primary--often called the "Children's House"--and Elementary levels, the classrooms are organized into multi-aged groups that reflect Dr. Montessori's different stages of development and principles of education. The Primary classrooms have students ranging in age from two-and-a-half through age six; the Lower Elementary encompasses grades one through three, while the Upper Elementary includes grades four, five, and six. These multi-age groupings allow students to be inspired and aided by older students in the classroom. The older students act as role models, while also developing leadership skills and a sense of social responsibility. This set-up also allows the students flexibility in their educational style and pacing, so that they may advance in strong areas and continue to work on areas that need additional attention.

Each classroom is a well-structured environment in which teachers (or “guides") provide a consistent approach and assistance in the development of orderly thought. Hands-on materials, which are a mainstay of any Montessori environment, are sequenced and carefully organized in curricular areas by degree of difficulty. Within this framework, the child is allowed to develop at his or her own pace. The teachers at every level monitor the child's progress though observation and extensive record-keeping.

In addition to the Montessori-based course of study, MLC follows all requirements of the California State recommended curriculum at all grade levels.

The Children's House" (Age 2.5-K)

Children at this level are focused on self-development. Pre-school aged children are trying to develop organized and efficient actions for dealing with their immediate environment. They have a need to explore, discover, and manipulate their environment. It is through the work of their hands that these children will develop independence, confidence, and a love of learning--all of which are crucial to the formation of their intellect. The environment in the Children's House is specifically designed with the manipulative needs of the child in mind. The classroom environment is divided into specific curriculum areas, including the following:

*Practical Life

This area focuses directly on practical skill development. Meaningful, hands-on activities--such as sweeping, cutting, gardening, and food preparation--help the child develop large and small motor skills, concentration, and a sense of order. These activities are divided into areas including Care of Self, Care of the Environment, Movement, and Development of Social Relations, including grace and courtesy activities.

*Sensorial

This area helps the child classify the images and material in his or her environment. It is the gateway to later math, science, geometry, and language work.

*Mathematics

The student at the Children's House is introduced to mathematic concepts by using concrete, hands-on materials. The child starts out by sorting and classifying. Later, he or she moves out to numbers, operations, and other mathematic principles.

*Language

Reading and vocabulary development are the two main sections of the Montessori language curriculum. Written expression, handwriting, and grammar are also areas of focus at this level.

*Culture

History, geography, science, music, and foreign languages are explored through concrete activities. Basic science and geography concepts are introduced, as well as timelines, and the common needs of humans.

Upper Curriculum ››

The Elementary Level (Gr. 1-6)

Children at the elementary level are entering a period of great physical and intellectual change. This period is also characterized by great curiosity; children are no longer satisfied with basic information. They want to know "why." They are fascinated by the immensely huge and the infinitesimal.

The Montessori elementary curriculum begins to present the universe to the and the whole of history. These large concepts spark the child's imagination and help motivate further research.

The elementary classroom is very much a community of children. Students assist one another in asking question and searching for answers, while they pursue purposeful work in small groups, with partners, or independently. They help establish the rules of the class, maintain the classroom, and act in leadership roles.

*Language

The Montessori elementary language program is based upon a whole language approach that also utilizes phonetic instruction. The use of cursive writing becomes the handwriting emphasis throughout the elementary division. Creative writing and poetry, as well as report writing and report strategies are areas of emphasis in the writing program. Grammar, parts of speech, and spelling are all integral parts of the language program.

*Math

The hands-on approach to math and geometry continues throughout the elementary level. Basic principles and operations are covered, moving into fractions, decimal fractions, factoring, squaring, and into geometry.

An integral part of the math curriculum is the integration of math into other curriculum areas. Real life problems are solved and practical applications are stressed. The use of math in other areas of the classroom extends to calculating distances on a timeline, determining bacteria levels, managing lunchtime pizza sales receipts, etc.

*History and Geography

The study of geography and history provide a common core into which many other areas of the curriculum can be integrated. The students study the fundamental needs of humans throughout time and around the globe. The children explore the history of the Earth, as well as the physical geography of the planet. California and the United States are studied in depth, as well as world and local history.

*Science

The elementary program includes studies in physical, earth, and life sciences, as well as environmental education. As in the area of cultural studies, the large concepts are introduced first to provide a context for detailed work to follow.

Physical education, music, art, drama and foreign language instruction are provided by specialty teachers at the elementary level.

After School Studio Programs

Our after school studio programs offer a variety of enrichment classes to students who want to pursue a special interest. Classes are taught by our staff or other qualified instructors with a background in the subject. These studios enhance the child’s educational experience by allowing exploration of their interest in a subject.

After school studio programs may include: cooking, arts and crafts, foreign languages such as Arabic and Japanese, ecology, drama, dance, computers and programming, music/choir, chess, and outdoor sports. The full program is offered for our elementary school students and a limited number of classes are available to our primary school students. Studios meet once a week between the hours of 3:00-4:30pm. Fees are separate from school tuition and are billed per student on a monthly basis.

Summer Program

We offer a summer camp program at the primary and elementary school levels. All camps are designed to stimulate the imagination of children. These camps are set up to strengthen creative talents and foster new friendships. Our summer program is open to current students and the community.

At the primary level, young campers ages 2 ½ to 5 years, will have an opportunity to explore their creativity. All camps incorporate art, music, literature and outdoor play. Children attending the primary camps must be toilet-trained before enrolling in the camp program.

Our elementary summer school program is open to camper’s ages 6 to 12 years. Your child will learn concepts and expand their knowledge through a wide variety of camp experiences. Cooking, foreign language and culture, science, music, drama, sports, ecology, and art are some of the summer programs offered. The student develops skills in time management, personal responsibility, and accountability. This is accomplished by campers working independently and in groups through creative and imaginative activities. Our camps are designed to strengthen a child’s creative talents and foster new friendships.

Summer camps are taught by our Montessori instructors and staffed with an additional teaching assistant. Extended care is available before and after camp for parents who need to have child care beyond the regular camp schedule. All new students enrolled for the upcoming school year are encouraged to attend at least one camp, but it is not required for admission.