Elementary
An academic program for students in grades 1–3 (ages 6 to 9) in Gilbert, Arizona.
Our Elementary program offers each child an unparalleled opportunity for growth in this new period of life. Your imaginative, social, and creative child needs an environment with appropriate freedom and limitations, supported by an expansive curriculum that satisfies their limitless curiosity and offers them preparation for the challenges of the future.
Expansive Learning
Your child will study both broadly and deeply, covering many subjects not attempted in conventional schools. Because there is not a rigid schedule or prescribed curriculum that the whole class must follow, your child can focus intensely on self-chosen work, with minimal interruption. At the same time, collaboration with the teacher ensures that your child’s work is challenging and purposeful – and that educational standards are met.
The teacher is an “enlightened guide”
To quote Bruce Lee: “A teacher is never a giver of ‘truth;’ he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that the student must discover for himself.” Rather than having teachers with a specific area of expertise or “specialist” teachers for subjects like art, P.E. or music, our Montessori trained teachers have a broad knowledge of all subject areas; More than enough to help your child discover interests in any area imaginable and to offer challenges that deepen their field of study through research.
Engagement is essential
Real learning occurs when children are engaged – not when the teacher makes a blanket assignment for everyone. Curiosity is championed in the Elementary program, and your child is encouraged to explore concepts to a level of detail only limited by their imagination. Key engagement strategies include deep-dive projects based on personal interests, small-group collaboration, storytelling for curriculum, and a non-competitive environment that cultivates intrinsic motivation.
Beyond the classroom
We want the children to be comfortable navigating the world, not just our classroom. We have a number of excellent books, but not everything there is to read about a topic. As a result, the children must ‘go out’ beyond the limits of the classroom to find the information or resources that they need. A ‘Going Out’ is a planned undertaking by a small group of children. They find a resource in the community, schedule the outing, arrange for their own transportation and supervision (by staff or parent volunteers), prepare themselves for the experience, and conduct themselves with dignity while out in public.
The format mirrors your child’s developmental needs
Your elementary-age child has a strong drive for social connection. This is when children are starting to develop deeper friendships and a connection to the community around them. Why then, would we want our children to learn in rows of desks, confined to a chair, while the teacher lectures the class as a group? Instead, we embrace your child’s natural need for social exploration by giving lessons in small groups and encouraging children to work with a variety of others on follow-up projects and research into subjects of intense interest.
Learning in context for deeper understanding
Unlike in a conventional program with a separate time of the day for each subject, your child will gain a much deeper understanding of concepts by learning in context. The starting point for all courses of study is the “Great Lessons.” These impressionistic and scientific stories give your child the “big picture” of astronomy, earth science, geography, physics, biology, history, anthropology, cultural and social studies, language, math, music, and art. Meaningful learning happens when children understand the “why” as much as the “what” – and are inspired to learn even more on their own.
Developing flexibility, resilience, and grit
We believe children learn adaptability when we support them in solving their own problems, rather than solving the problems for them. With the help of an encouraging adult, your child can, most often, find the best solution.
Learning as its own reward
We have high expectations for your child and believe that rewards and punishments appeal to the lowest levels of individuals’ intellect. Given a sticker, children will do their best for a few minutes. Given experiences that help them to believe in themselves and their abilities, they will do their very best for a lifetime.
Prepared and confident
The ultimate goal of the elementary program is to develop students’ abilities and self-confidence so that they are able to take charge of their own learning. Students who have gained an appreciation for the enormous scale and resources of the world through the elementary curriculum are ready to explore their place within that world.
Affording Montessori elementary tuition
For children over the age of 5, the state of Arizona offers two different options for scholarships for private school tuition.
- ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts) Program- The Universal ESA program is a simple application that guarantees your student receives funds to use towards private education. The average Arizona student receives between $7,000-$8,000 that can be used to offset the cost of private school tuition. For more information on the ESA program
- STO (Student Tuition Organization) Program- Non-Profit organizations raise funds through corporate donations, individual donations, and personal tax credits. STOs award scholarships throughout the school year. Spondeo partners with IBE
Comparison of Universal ESA and STO Tax Credit Scholarships
| Universal ESA | Tax Credit Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed amount, all you need to do is apply. If your tuition is more than your ESA amount, this also guarantees you will have to pay some tuition yourself. | Not Guaranteed. People donate their tax liability and recommend your family receive the funds. |
| The amount varies but is around $7,000 depending on where you live and the age of your child. | You can get 100% of your tuition paid for. |
| Guaranteed amount is paid in quarterly payments. | Scholarships are awarded Monthly as funds come in. |
| Can be used for many educational expenses | Can only be used forTuition |
“I know my child is in the best environment to meet his needs. I couldn't ask for a more loving community!”
Jane S.
“This is the way learning is supposed to be."
Henry B.
“Sending our children here was the best decision we’ve made as parents."