Elementary Program
Ages 5 – 9 years / 1:15 Teacher-to-Student Ratio
The Montessori journey does not end with preschool. Our Elementary Program builds upon the strong academic foundation, independence, and love of learning children have already developed, and opens the door to deeper thinking, greater responsibility, and more advanced discovery.
As children become ready, they progress from working primarily with concrete Montessori materials to understanding increasingly abstract concepts. Because the curriculum is carefully sequenced, each new lesson builds naturally upon skills the child has already mastered.
With a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:15, our experienced teachers closely observe and document each student’s progress. Children are assessed individually rather than compared with one another, allowing them to be appropriately challenged while learning in a supportive, noncompetitive environment.
Individualized Learning with Greater Responsibility
MOLR elementary students receive individualized instruction while also participating in cooperative projects, group discussions, and collaborative learning. They have meaningful choices in their work and are held accountable for completing daily, weekly, and long-term assignments.
Through this process, children learn to:
- Manage their time and materials
- Set priorities and complete assignments
- Work independently and collaboratively
- Think critically and solve problems
- Communicate their ideas with confidence
- Take responsibility for their learning
A Comprehensive Academic Curriculum
Our broad curriculum extends beyond state standards and encourages children to make meaningful connections across subject areas.
Language Arts: Reading, spelling, grammar, word study, handwriting, creative writing, literature, and poetry
- Mathematics: Place value, the four operations, decimals, fractions, time, money, geometry, graphing, logic, probability, problem-solving, squaring, cubing, and introductory algebra
- Science: Botany, zoology, ecology, geology, nutrition, the human body, chemistry, and physical science
- History and Social Studies: Physical and political geography, economics, the timeline of life, early humans, ancient civilizations, Native American studies, and American history
- Advanced Practical Life: Cooking, sewing, weaving, plant and animal care, and meaningful classroom responsibilities such as table washing, sweeping, dusting, recycling, and maintaining a shared environment
- Enrichment: Art, drama, music, music history and appreciation, technology, physical education, and foreign language, with additional optional enrichment opportunities offered throughout the year
Learning at MOLR extends well beyond the classroom. Our elementary students enjoy fun, educational field trips that bring classroom lessons to life and help them connect with their community and the world around them.
Experiences such as whale watching, visiting the pumpkin patch, Santa Ana Zoo, and attending live performances at South Coast Repertory encourage curiosity, cultural appreciation, scientific discovery, and a sense of adventure. These memorable outings allow children to learn together, explore new interests, and create lasting friendships.
Prepared for Whatever Comes Next
Parents often ask how Montessori students transition into a traditional school. At MOLR, Montessori lessons are thoughtfully complemented by selected traditional materials and learning experiences. This ensures that students are familiar with a variety of instructional methods and are well prepared to succeed in their next educational setting.
Our elementary students leave MOLR with more than strong academic skills. They know how to ask thoughtful questions, conduct research, solve problems, adapt to new situations, collaborate with others, and advocate for their learning. Most importantly, they leave as capable, compassionate, and confident young people with a genuine love of learning.