Primary Community

Our Primary Montessori Program is designed to cultivate a love for learning and foster independence in young children ages 2.5 to 6 years. With three spacious primary rooms, we serve up to 20 students in each room, ensuring that every child receives personalized attention from our dedicated team of two teachers per classroom. Our program operates with flexible hours to accommodate different family needs, offering a half-day option from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and a full-day option from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Through a mix of hands-on activities and collaborative learning experiences, we create an enriching environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and social development in our primary students.

The average amount of time a child spends in our Primary Program typically ranges between 3-4 years, depending on their birthday and whether they complete their kindergarten year with MSWP. In our Primary classrooms, students’ progress through key stages: Bridgers (Typically 2.5-3), Explorers (typically 3-4 years), Experimenters (typically 4-5 years), and Experts (typically 5-6 years). As Bridger, children transition into the Primary environment, familiarizing themselves with routines and simple activities that promote independence. As Explorers, children engage with their environment through hands-on activities, developing independence and refining their senses. In the Experimenters stage, they tackle more complex tasks and begin to grasp basic math and language concepts, fostering deeper focus and creativity. By the Experts stage, children demonstrate confidence and mastery of skills, taking on leadership roles and engaging with advanced materials in practical life, mathematics, and language. Our Integrated Kindergarten includes a final stage, Leaders, for students who are 5 before October 1st. In this stage, children may take on responsibilities like leading group discussions, mentoring younger peers in activities, working on long-term projects, and engaging in more advanced academic work, such as exploring early research skills, field trips and/or collaborative problem-solving tasks.

What Your Child Will Experience:

1. Practical Life: Children engage in practical life activities that promote independence, responsibility, care of self and care for the environment, laying the foundation for important life skills.

2. Sensorial Exploration and Discovery: Through hands-on sensorial materials, children explore concepts such as size, shape, color, and sound, sharpening their senses and enhancing their cognitive development.

3. Language Enrichment: Our program offers a language-rich environment where children develop vocabulary, communication skills, reading and writing readiness, and a passion for storytelling and self-expression.

4. Mathematics and Numeracy: Children engage in math activities that build a strong foundation in numeracy, the decimal system and mathematical operations, fostering a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

5. Cultural Studies and Exploration: Children discover the world around them through cultural studies, geography, science, and art, cultivating an appreciation for diversity, nature, and the interconnectedness of all things.

At MSWP, we believe in providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond the traditional academic curriculum. Our Specials Program offers a variety of enriching classes and activities designed to complement and enhance your child's learning experience.

Cultural Exploration: In this program, children have the opportunity to explore the cultures of the world around them through hands-on projects and activities.

Spanish Language Learning: Our Spanish program introduces children to the rich and diverse Spanish language and culture. Through interactive lessons, songs, games, and activities, children develop language skills, cultural awareness, and a global perspective.

More Exciting Programs to Come: Stay tuned for additional Specials Program offerings that are currently in development! We are continuously expanding our program to provide even more diverse and engaging learning opportunities for your child. Keep an eye out for upcoming programs such as drama, STEM, gardening, and more.

Primary Specials

Parents can gauge what stage their child is in the Montessori classroom by observing their child’s engagement, interests, and skills as they interact with materials and participate in activities.
To gain deeper insights, parents are encouraged to take advantage of conferences and meetings with teachers. These opportunities provide a platform for open communication, allowing parents to discuss their child’s progress, strengths, and areas for growth. Teachers can share specific observations regarding the child’s interactions with materials, social development, and academic readiness within the classroom context. Parents should come prepared with questions or topics they wish to discuss, such as their child's interests, challenges, or any concerns they may have.
By collaborating with teachers, parents can better understand their child's developmental stage and how to support their learning and growth at home, ensuring a holistic approach to their education.
A student who turns 5 after the October 1st cut-off is not eligible for integrated kindergarten because we align our age requirements with those set by public schools in our district. This alignment ensures consistency and continuity for families transitioning between Montessori education and public schooling. The October 1st cut-off date is a widely recognized guideline used by many educational institutions to determine school readiness. Children who are 5 before this date typically have had additional time to develop essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills, making them better prepared for the expectations and responsibilities of the integrated kindergarten experience. For student’s who don’t meet the age cut off, their true kindergarten year is the following year.
Families have the option to continue their child's education with our integrated kindergarten (IK) program or choose to transition directly to public school.
Our IK program offers a valuable opportunity for students, as it is designed to better prepare them for future academic pursuits by focusing on holistic development and fostering essential skills such as independence, collaboration, and critical thinking.
By participating in our IK program, children benefit from a tailored curriculum that aligns with Montessori principles, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges of elementary school. This program emphasizes social-emotional growth and academic readiness, which can significantly ease the transition to public schooling.
We encourage families to discuss the best options for their child with their teachers. Teachers can provide insights into each child's development and readiness, helping families make informed decisions based on their child's unique needs and circumstances.
Whether families choose to stay with us for integrated kindergarten or move to public school, we are committed to supporting each child's learning journey.
If a student stays their IK year at MSWP, families have the flexibility to choose to do another year of kindergarten or jump straight to first grade when they go into public school. Talk with your teachers and discuss best options for your child.