The Elementary Program fosters your child’s creativity, logical thinking, social growth, and emotional intelligence through personalized and small group lessons.

    Apart from enhancing the child’s proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing, the Elementary curriculum facilitate the student’s exploration of the interconnectedness of life in the universe. In addition to the standard academic program, students participate in classes with our dedicated instructors in music, art, physical education, and Spanish.

    The Elementary curriculum revolves around a three-year cycle. The framework used to orient the subject matter are known as the “Great Lessons”:

    • The formation of the Universe & planet Earth
    • The emergence of life on Earth
    • The arrival and development of human beings
    • The creation and use of the alphabet & signs
    • The discovery and use of numbers

    Lower Elementary (1st-3rd Grade)

     Through the use of weekly work plans and independent work, children learn independence, time management, collaboration, goal-setting, and responsibility to oneself and others. Our elementary program engages regularly in field trips and service projects around our community.

    Subjects covered in addition to reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics include cosmology, geography, geology, biology, mythology, history, and cultural studies.

    Upper Elementary (4th-6th Grade)

    Students continue to foster a strong sense of community and become empowered individuals. Children develop the values of politeness, acceptance, and compassion for others. They learn to make complex decisions, embrace responsibility, and build resilience.

    Within the Montessori Elementary curriculum, children are encouraged to articulate their thoughts and engage in self-directed learning through research and collaborative projects. This process enables them to exchange a wealth of knowledge with their peers.

    In addition to the furthering their knowledge in the subject areas listed above, Upper Elementary students will begin work in chemistry and physics.

    Upper Elementary students annually participate in the Montessori Model United Nations Conference. The class selects member countries of the United Nations to research throughout the school year and represent at the international conference in early Spring. Each student acts as a committee member representing their country’s concerns in a specific area, such as Food Insecurity, Disaster Preparedness, or Access to Education. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why should I choose The Glen for elementary school when I have a public-school option?
    Parents choose to continue their child’s Montessori education into the Elementary program because of the individualized approach. Each child progresses at his or her own rate, allowing a child to be intellectually challenged while feeling supported in their community of peers. A Montessori elementary education not only helps your child learn academic subjects at a deep and meaningful level, but also it gives children a set of interpersonal and pro-social skills that they will use throughout their school and professional careers. Traditional schools spend little time developing these crucial skills.
    How do I know my child is mastering what they need to in order to succeed in Middle School and High School?
    The Glen provides four written reports to parents each school year and two parent-teacher conferences (November and April). Updates are given throughout the year on our Transparent Classroom app. In addition, to provide students with the experience of testing and timed responses, The Glen participates in annual standardized testing beginning in the third grade. These results are provided to the school and shared with parents.
    Do you assign homework?

    We do not assign homework. Homework is often a point of contention in families. In addition, research has shown that homework in elementary school has little value. Our job to teach the academic subjects, and give you the chance to fully enjoy your child’s precious youth. At school, children are doing the work that is just right for them, and they waste no time on busy work. At home, we encourage children to read, write, and research to their heart’s content. But they should be entitled to spend time at home learning practical life skills and sharing in positive family experiences.

    How do you know my child is making progress if they don’t get letter grades?
    Montessori teachers are trained to become skilled observers, and utilize this skill to monitor and assist in each child’s progress. This intense observation results in teachers identifying the students’ strengths, challenges, interests, and habits. They use these insights to tailor a child’s work for optimum growth and learning.
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