Parent Infant Community

Montessori called the infant a “spiritual embryo.” She used the metaphor of the child’s physical formation within the womb to describe the natural process of mental formation between the ages of birth to three. The larger environment of home and the family is now the child’s womb. He or she absorbs impressions from the earliest days.

The goal of our parent infant program is to create a safe, natural, beautiful environment for you and your baby to come and experience Montessori together. The program is open to children from birth to 18 months with a parent or caregiver. Topics of interest will also be discussed including the developmental stages of infanthood, how to create an appropriate home environment, toileting, weaning, sleeping, discipline, and how to foster independence from a Montessori perspective.

Young Child Community

Between 18 months and two years of age, a child becomes mature enough to make a step beyond his or her family circle. Children's Gate Montessori provides a safe, secure place to engage the need for independence, coordinated movement, and language development. The goal of education at this age is to assist in meeting these needs through teaching skills necessary to care for one's self and the physical environment. Lessons in appropriate interaction with peers, toileting, and food preparation are among the many experiences children use to master this stage of their development.

Primary Community

The heart of the Montessori education occurs between the ages of three to six. During this sensitive period children have an ever-increasing awareness of themselves, others, and their world. The primary community is prepared with specially designed learning materials to aid in defining and ordering their experiences. The class curriculum includes hands-on exploration in the areas of language, mathematics, science, art, geography, music, and history. Practical living skills as well as "grace and courtesy" lessons are also included.

Kindergarten Community

As children grow older their lessons and materials become more complex. Montessori kindergarten provides a broad intellectual experience that is designed for the expanding needs of the six year old child.

At this age there is an increasing desire to interact with other students. Much of our work involves ongoing projects done in small groups so that the children learn together.

Kindergarten is the integration of everything the children have learned in prior years. The children become more than just learners at this stage. As they help the younger ones, they experience being a leader in the classroom and gain a sense of confidence that is invaluable as they prepare for first grade.