Our Programs
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that the goal of education is to help each child reach his or her full potential. In a Montessori classroom, children cultivate their own desire to learn in an environment that is supportive and challenging. The children are grouped in three-year age spans. This grouping promotes a sense of family or community as well as providing role models for the younger children.
Pre-Primary Program (2K)
The first years of life are the most formative years. It is a time when children effortlessly absorb concepts and habits. It is also a time period when the roots of learning are established. At the Montessori School of Florence, children find an environment which provides the very best opportunity for individual growth and exploration. Areas of learning are defined, yet the space is open to provide plenty of room for the social interaction and movement required for growth and development. Age appropriate Montessori materials allow the child to follow his or her natural curiosity in a safe and nurturing environment. Areas of focus include language, motor skills, and social interaction.
Our youngest learners are welcomed into a nurturing environment where they can explore, discover, and build the confidence that comes with mastering new skills. The Toddler Program is designed to support the rapid development that occurs at this stage, with activities that promote both social and cognitive growth.
- Safe Exploration: Our classrooms are open and inviting, allowing children to move freely and interact with materials that stimulate their senses and intellect.
- Curiosity-Driven Learning: Montessori materials are designed to captivate young minds, encouraging them to follow their natural curiosity.
- Social Development: The Pre-Primary environment promotes social interaction, helping children develop the skills to work and play well with others.
Primary (Ages 3-6)
The Primary Montessori environment promotes the development of motor skills, a sense of order, concentration, and independence. The Montessori curriculum, under the direction of a Montessori-certified teacher, allows the child to experience the joy of discovery and learning. Dr. Maria Montessori reasoned that a child’s experiences could be enriched by a classroom where specially designed and beautiful materials demonstrate basic educational information. The multi-sensory, sequential and self-correcting materials facilitate the learning of skills leading to abstract ideas. There is nothing a child cannot touch, for this is how a child learns. Learning becomes an exciting opportunity rather than a chore to be completed.
In our Primary Program, children begin to take on more independence, exploring language, math, science, and the arts in a setting that is as nurturing as it is stimulating. Our Montessori guides help each child progress at their own pace, ensuring they build a strong foundation for future learning.
- Hands-On Learning: Multi-sensory materials allow children to engage with concepts in a concrete way, laying the groundwork for abstract thinking.
- Independence and Order: Our classrooms are designed to encourage children to manage their own learning, fostering a sense of order and responsibility.
- Social and Emotional Growth: Through group activities and peer learning, children develop the social and emotional skills necessary for success in school and life.
Elementary (Grades 1-6)
Our elementary students are divided into Lower Elementary, grades 1 – 3, and Upper Elementary, grades 4 – 6. At the elementary level, Montessori School of Florence students learn to think for themselves. They are encouraged to do their own research, analyze what they have found and come to their own conclusions. Montessori students are taught to think, not simply to memorize. They discover that the process of learning is natural, exciting, and lifelong. The educational philosophy meets the needs of all students whether gifted and talented or average.
Montessori believes all children are born intelligent; they simply learn in different ways and progress at their own pace. Montessori inspires children toward academic excellence and nurtures the curiosity, creativity, and imagination hidden within every human being. While nurturing the child’s natural talents and intellect, Montessori educators give great consideration to a child’s emotional development and character.
Our Elementary classrooms are where critical thinking and creativity flourish. Students dive deeper into subjects such as mathematics, literature, science, and history, developing the skills they need to succeed academically and personally. We emphasize collaborative learning, encouraging students to work together and learn from each other.
- Critical Thinking: Students learn to analyze information, form their own opinions, and present their findings confidently.
- Collaborative Learning: Working in groups, students develop teamwork and leadership skills while engaging in projects that cross disciplinary boundaries.
- Academic Excellence: Our curriculum meets and often exceeds state standards, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next stage of their academic journey.
