Programs

Ages 18 months to 3 years The Toddler Program is designed to give each child a positive first school experience and to expand his world beyond the home. The materials and activities in the class satisfy the children’s natural curiosity, sense of order and desire for independence as they learn and explore through their senses. The children are given freedom of choice and movement in a safe and nurturing environment within clearly defined limits. Our primary goal is that our toddlers feel safe and happy and that we are meeting their physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs. The Montessori teachers are there to love them, guide them and support their efforts at mastering their environment, thus building their confidence and independence. This program is designed for children ages 18 months – 3 years. Children do not have to be potty-trained. There are three toddler groups with a child-to-teacher ratio of 5:1.

“Little he cares for the knowledge of others; he wants to acquire knowledge of his own…to experience the world through his own unaided efforts.” – Maria Montessori

Ages 2 1/2 to 6 years There are five Early Childhood Programs at MCHL. Each of our Early Childhood Programs is staffed with a lead teacher and one or more assistant teachers. The teacher prepares the classroom in a highly orderly fashion, with a series of sequential, manipulative and sensorial materials. It is the materials along with the careful guidance of the teachers that bridge the gap between concrete and abstract learning.

“Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.” – Chinese Proverb

The Kindergarten Program at MCHL is full day – 8:30 – 3:00. The children spend the morning in their respective early education programs mixed age classes. Being the oldest members of the early education programs fosters self-confidence and leadership as they are occasionally asked to assist their younger classmates. During the morning class the kindergartners work throughout the classroom, under the careful guidance of our teachers. Lessons are individualized to meet each child’s abilities. One child might be mastering how to tie his shoes while another is writing a story. After lunch, the kindergartners work in groups of approximately fifteen children with two Montessori teachers. The curriculum offers the children a rich variety that includes language arts, math, geography, science, art, music and spanish. Special field trips are planned for the kindergartners throughout the year, including an annual visit to the Kennedy Center. Occasionally, assignments are given to the children to do at home with the assistance of a parent, such as measuring items in the home or creating a project that illustrates one hundred. Our primary goal is to instill a love of learning as well as provide a strong academic foundation. We strive to nurture flexible thinkers and creative problem solvers. Parents of our alumni have assured us that their children have excelled in both the local private and public schools, thanks to the rich curriculum and philosophy of MCHL.

The MCHL Lower Elementary environment includes 1st through 3rd grades. Children at the elementary level are actively social and begin to demonstrate the ability to think abstractly. Montessori education, at the Lower Elementary level is designed to spark their imagination. Through observation, teachers outline individual plans for each child’s developmental level. Children are encouraged to learn both in cooperation with each other and independently. A multi-age group provides a community of support.

The Lower Elementary class is child-directed with a certified teacher acting as a guide. Our Lower Elementary classroom at MCHL is a bright, warm inviting space, filled with intriguing Montessori materials, fascinating models and colorful maps. These materials in the classroom are tools that stimulate the child into logical thought and discovery. Plants, natural light and beautiful materials are part of our elementary classroom. Children have jobs and feel a sense of ownership within their environment. Children learn about making plans and setting priorities in their work with planners. Students are self-motivated and enjoy the discovery and interactions that Montessori works provide. Montessori elementary studies are based on a cultural curriculum that integrates history, geography, mathematics (including geometry and algebra), life and other sciences, language, literature, art and music. The child has his/her own work plan. Each year, your child will be introduced to the same elemental concept, but a new lesson will be given at a higher level. This helps reinforce and build upon the previous concept, to expand into a new concept and understanding. A child who has completed a Montessori elementary program will have set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning knowing that one may use both concrete and imagination to explore the world.

“To consider the school as a place where instruction is given is one point of view. But to consider the school as a preparation for life is another. In the latter case the school must satisfy all the needs of life.” – Maria Montessori – From Childhood to Adolescence

Studies have shown that teaching a second language to children at an early age greatly improves their chances of achieving fluency and a native-like accent. Our Spanish teachers are native Spanish speakers and have extensive Montessori experience.

Early Childhood

In the Early Education Programs, the children at MCHL attend Spanish class once a week. Spanish is learned through games, puzzles, songs, stories, puppets, and books. The curriculum includes numbers (1 to 20), colors, farm animals, holiday celebrations and family, parts of the body, clothing, food (especially fruits and veggies), shapes, seasons, and favorite places.

Kindergarten and Lower Elementary

In the Kindergarten and Lower Elementary Programs, the children attend Spanish class twice a week. By this time, the children’s vocabulary has advanced enough that grammar and phonetics are introduced to them. The children create their own books, learn to play board games in Spanish, and make projects to take home.

Bilingual Program/Room 4

In addition to our small group Spanish classes, MCHL offers parents the option to enroll their children in a Spanish/English bilingual education program. The children are introduced to the Spanish language by conversation, songs, and frequent vocabulary repetition on a daily basis. The children are always encouraged to respond to the teachers in Spanish. The children do daily calendar activities in Spanish and instructions are given in Spanish with as little translation as possible. Singing songs is one of the best ways for children to have fun while learning a language and is a regular part of the school day. Lessons such as language, math, sensorial, and geography are given in English. The lessons are presented in English to ensure the children understand the lessons while maximizing their ability to be successful in their work. This combination of English/Spanish has been well received and the children leave MCHL with a firm foundation of a second language.