Programs
The child has a deep love and need for purposeful work. He works, however, not as an adult, for completion of a job, but for the sake of an activity itself. It is this activity, which enables him to accomplish his most important goal: the development of himself –mental, physical, and psychological powers.
Toddler Program
In our Toddler level, under the guidance of two teachers and one assistant, children participate joyfully in purposeful tasks, such as slicing bananas or tending the garden. They develop the skills needed to foster independence and care for themselves and each other. The environment is rich in opportunities to move with balance and control as well as lessons in art and music. The child’s development of self-confidence and understanding that he or she is part of a community are fostered. The children work together at tasks such as setting the table for snack or dressing for the outdoors. They gather as a community to play musical instruments, sing nursery rhymes, or listen to stories. Once the child has shown readiness, usually around age 3, he or she moves into the Primary Program.
Primary Program
The Primary classroom is an atmosphere of calm, order, and joy, as children ages three through six learn together. The younger children are guided by the teacher and by observing and working with older students. Primary students literally absorb information, experiences, and life around them. The older children learn leadership and compassion in this mixed-aged setting. Children learn to work at a task from beginning to end and develop their self-discipline and the capacity for deep concentration. Respect for others and good manners develop naturally as the children grow within the Montessori environment.
Elementary Program
Our Elementary level program is a six year plan of studies for children between the ages of six and twelve. They follow a traditional Montessori curriculum and philosophy. Elementary students, in what Montessori referred to as “the second plane of development”, typically can be characterized by their reasoning minds; their ability to abstract and imagine; and their passion for research and hands-on exploration. The Namaste Elementary school day and the learning environment are organized and structured carefully to allow for sufficient work time and to provide access to the materials needed for in-depth study and investigation. Students tend to work in small groups in a variety of projects, building skills and achieving the mastery and confidence they will one day need as productive and contributing citizens.
