Upper Elementary Curriculum

Grades 4 to 8

The Montessori elementary curriculum was developed to serve the developmental needs of children from ages 6 to 12. Dr. Montessori termed this period the second plane of development. The continuity of the curriculum allows individual children to move through the various subject areas at the pace that supports mastering the subject material, building confidence and genuine self-esteem. The division of the elementary into two stages, 6 to 10 year olds and 10 to 15 year olds is based on the students’ developmental needs as they move towards adolescence. The work in the lower elementary is done with extensive Montessori material allowing the children not only to experience the depth and breadth of the curriculum, but also to become comfortable with their own learning styles. The upper elementary students, ages 9 to 15, transition to more abstract thinking relying more heavily on books and other resource material as they strengthen the work begun in the lower elementary. The overall goal of the Montessori Upper Elementary Curriculum is to provide a prepared environment that meets the needs and tendencies of the child at this stage of their development.