The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that preceds or follows in the whole life of the child. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

The Stepping Stones program is designed for children as young as 21 months.  Children do not need to be toilet trained for this program.  The toddler program offers very young children a unique year of self-development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding, respect and support.

The toddler program also appropriately accommodates the very young child's sensitive period for language by offering creative and intriguing concepts to expand his/her growing vocabulary.  Joining conversations, listening to stories, classifying objects and learning songs and poems all nurture their budding language skills.  To help smooth their initial social interactions, the toddlers learn to use words for feelings they experience in themselves and others.

Many of the activities in the toddler program highlight the self-help skills that lead to independence.  Children are gently urged to hang up their own coats and aprons and to problem solve rather than say "I can't".   Since this is an age of very strong imitation, the teachers constantly model appropriate social skills, good manners and consideration of others.

The Stepping Stones classroom is thoughtfully set up foster an environment of freedom and exploration. Shelves, sinks, tables and toilets are all built at a comfortable height for small children. There is a max of 12 children in the class and the child-to-staff ratio is 4 to 1.

Children may be enrolled to attend 2, 3, or 5 days a week.  Children need to be 2 years old by December 31st of the school year.

It is necessary for the teacher to guide the child without letting him feel her presence too much, so that she may always be ready to supply the desired help, but may never be the obstacle between the child and his experience. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

Building Blocks' students are welcomed into a prepared environment designed especially to meet the needs of sensitive periods of 3 and 4 year olds. Initial steps towards independence begin for 3 and 4 year olds with practical life exercises, including, care of the person, care of environment, social relations, and movement.  The Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate exercises targeted at developing concentration, self confidence, development of the pincer grip, left to right orientation, integration of the body's movements with will, and self direction.  The classroom environment is filled with unique equipment which has been specifically designed to both involve and develop these skills in young children.

The Building Blocks 3-4 year old program was created as a transitional program.  It offers the perfect Montessori environment for children born late in the year or who are not quite ready for a five day program.  Enrollment is limited to 16 children with a child to staff ratio of 8:1.  For the child who is experiencing his first separation from his primary caregiver, the smaller class offers more opportunity to gradually bond with his new teachers and become more self confident to interact with classmates. 

Children may be enrolled to attend 2 or 3 days a week. 

Our schools show that children of different ages help one another. There are many things which no teacher can convey to a child of three, but a child of five can do it with ease. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

The day is designed to allow children the freedom to explore the prepared classroom environment and complete work in each of the main areas of learning: Mathematics, Practical Life, Language Arts, Sensorial, and Culture.  Concepts are introduced by the teacher in indivicual, small group, and whole group lessons.  Children are allowed uninterrupted blocks of time to explore new concepts through the hands on use of self correcting materials which promote independence. Teachers are always observing to see when children are ready for new concepts and the curriculum is designed for each individual child. 

In this multi-age setting, children are encouraged to work as a team to enhance their individual learning.  Younger children have the opportunity to see what the future holds for them by watching the older children.  Older children have the opportunity to confirm what they have learned by sharing knowledge with younger children.

 There is a max of 21 children in each class and the child-to-staff ratio is 11 to 1.

We see no limit to what should be offered to the child, for his will be an immense field of chosen activity. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

Creative Movement

It is our belief that the development of the body is as important as the development of the mind. In order to build an efficient, well-functioning body/mind, great emphasis is put on participation in structured and creative activities. The curriculum is a comprehensive program of movement and physical education, which focuses on enhancing gross motor coordination, eye-hand coordination, flexibility and agility.  Our Kindergarten students learn the challenging skill of roller skating, which is highlighted at a special performance for families and friends.

Spanish

This program is a conversational introduction to the Spanish language and culture.  Through music, dance and hands-on activities, students begin to apply the Spanish language to their every day life.  Lessons include numbers, letters, greetings, family traditions and much more.

Art

This program teaches basic art principles, approriate age/stage instruction and utilizes multimedia materials to foster creativity while exposing children to Art Masters such as Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.

Music

Library

Literacy is a core component of the Montessori education our students receive. The Library sits at the heart of our school and is visited weekly by all of our students. During that time, students are able to borrow books to read at home as well as choose from a variety of research materials to enhance their reading and writing projects in the classroom.