Primary
An academic program for students 3 to 6 years old.
The Primary program is truly a gift to your child. Designed for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years, it is an opportunity to nurture individual development within the context of a group setting. The result? Self-confidence, joy, and a lifelong love for learning.
Child-centered (not teacher-centered)
Unlike conventional classrooms, where all children are expected to pay close attention to the teacher, our program does the opposite – the teacher is trained to closely observe your child’s interests, tendencies, and needs. You won’t see the teacher standing at the front of the classroom at a chalkboard, but rather down at your child’s level, engaged with individuals or a small group.
A mixed-age classroom
Because the curriculum is customized for each student, your child can work at an individualized pace while participating in a mixed-age classroom community. Your younger child learns by observing the behavior and activities of the older children. Your older child gains self-confidence, leadership skills, and responsibility by setting an example for younger friends.
The gift of choice
Your child will be introduced to a broad range of concepts and activities in individual and small group lessons. The real learning, however, occurs through independent activity by choosing to explore it, repeat it, and perfect it.
Hands-on materials
The scientifically designed Montessori materials help your child learn through hands-on use and exploration. Through continued use of the materials, children develop a concrete understanding of abstract concepts, such as mathematics, providing a solid foundation for learning in the future.
Group activities and play
While most of the day is spent in self-directed work, there are also times for group activity and play. The teacher may gather a group for songs or to tell stories about a cultural, scientific or historical theme of interest. Ample time is also given to run, dig, explore and play with friends outdoors.
One size does not fit all
Instead of a top-down curriculum based upon age, the teacher is trained to respect your child’s unique potential so as to provide lessons best suited for precise moments of development. Your child will be challenged in a highly personalized way, not to a generic standard.
Kindergarten included
Montessori is a continuum of education that allows your child to build upon experiences each year. Your child will stay in the Primary classroom for three years, including the traditional “kindergarten year” – when the seeds of learning come to fruition. Reading and writing come to life from sounds and symbols. We introduce numbers and the decimal system, geometric figures, and the political countries of our world. Your child leaves the program with a strong set of academic skills; but, far more importantly, with the attitude that learning is fun, exciting, and boundless. At this point, it is time to move up to the Elementary program, which is designed for children from the ages of 6 to 12.
“Both of our children have thrived and we love the community we’ve found at Acorn.”
K. MacDonald
“Our kids are thriving at Acorn, because the teachers, environment and education are exceptional!.”
M. Malzberg
“As a former Acorn student, it felt completely natural to send my own children here. Knowing they’re growing in such a caring, thoughtfully designed environment gives me immense peace of mind—and it’s incredibly meaningful to share this special place with them.”