Elementary Program (Ages 6 to 12)

Maria Montessori viewed the education of children between the ages of 6 and 12 as “education for life.” During this point in a child’s life, he has become conscious of his own learning process and desires a variety of learning experiences.

Our elementary program inspires academic excellence and  encourages each child’s curiosity and creativity. Elementary aged children use reason and imagination to visualize the interconnections of life. They use their imagination to explore and construct the abstract world. The Elementary student has the mark of a philosopher; wonder and excitement is intrinsic to their learning. They are taught to do research, analyze what they have found, and come to conclusions based on what they discover.

Children of this age are social beings, desiring to be with their friends as much as possible. The Elementary classroom provides countless opportunities for collaboration among students. Under the guidance of their AMI-trained teacher, students work together to establish the core values, expectations, and rules for their classroom community. In this mixed-age classroom, older students are given leadership opportunities, as they serve as role models for their younger classmates.

The Elementary curriculum provides instruction in all traditional subjects: reading, writing, language studies, math, geometry, history, geography, art, and environmental studies. The children are also encouraged to care for their environment and practice their practical life skills. Additionally, the Elementary Program includes formal instruction in instrumental music (violin, cello, flute), physical education, and Spanish. Students have the option of taking part in extracurricular soccer classes, drama classes, chess club, and Chinese language classes right here at Lone Oak!

In addition to the time spent learning and exploring their interests in the classroom, Elementary children take part in “Going Outs.” When children discover that they can not always find the answers to their questions inside their classroom, they realize that they must go out into the world to find the answers. These “Going Out” trips, which are planned by the students, show children that the whole world is indeed their classroom, providing endless possibilities in their search for knowledge and understanding.