3- Elementary Montessori: Grades 1-5

Children who stay for Elementary Montessori are rewarded with a developmentally appropriate world to explore. They grow at their own pace in a multi-age classroom community where they feel connected. They spend years in the same place with the same teachers, and leave their Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms with confidence and pride.

As parents we love when our children are truly engaged. We cheer for the two year old who reaches on tiptoes, pushes the button, raises lips to a stream of water and gets a first drink from the water fountain. Most toddlers are given the opportunity to explore their world, follow their interests and achieve something new everyday.

What happens when they get to elementary school? If the child is lucky enough to be in a Montessori classroom, these opportunities keep coming. Children are encouraged to explore topics of interests, and complete a well-rounded, individualized work plan by the end of each week. They smile with well-deserved pride in their effort.

How is Montessori different from traditional school?

An Elementary Montessori classroom is purposefully designed to meet each child’s unique developmental needs. Elementary children are at a very social stage, and teachers encourage collaborative learning with group lessons and projects.

Students work in a multi-age classroom and are free to move around and chose tasks that interest them. Younger students learn from older children, who in turn benefit from serving as role models. Montessori classrooms are child-centered, not teacher-centered.

What does an Elementary Montessori classroom look like?

Students will recognize some of the materials used in the primary classroom, with additions appropriate for their age. A classroom visitor would see many different things going on at once: two children working on a poster for a class play; mats attended by a single child; a group of mixed-aged students creating a science presentation together at a table; the teacher conducting a lesson for three students. A lot is being accomplished in this single space.

APS Elementary Montessori...

• • Helps develop confident and responsible students

  • Encourages collaboration and leadership

  • Promotes independent learning and research

  • Strengthens social skills and conflict resolution in a multi-age community

  • Fosters a child’s natural curiosity and imagination

  • Builds a solid academic foundation in math, science and reading

  • Allows for freedom of movement, time to get focused and time to carry tasks to completion

  • Teaches time management and self-discipline

  • Is a child-centered program

  • Will be getting its own standalone school when it moves into Patrick Henry ES in Fall of 2019

  • Offers free countywide transportation

Arlington Public School Elementary Montessori Program

Arlington Public Schools offers a public Montessori program for children beginning at three years of age and going through Elementary and Middle School (sliding scale for PreK and free for K-8th grade). The APS Elementary Montessori program is currently housed in Drew Model School but will be moving to Patrick Henry Elementary School in the Fall of 2019 where it will run as the first standalone public Montessori program in the state of Virginia. Students not currently enrolled in Drew Model School must fill out an APS Pupil Transfer Application.

The APS Montessori application deadline is usually April 15. Details are available on the APS website.