
Elementary

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
Montessori environments are designed to inspire the growth of active, curious learners. Children embark on a journey of discovery, exploring concepts and mastering skills through joyful, hands-on experiences at every stage of development.
A strong connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind is essential for optimal child development. Montessori emphasizes movement, tactile learning, repetition, and sustained engagement, all of which nurture cognitive thinking and strengthen critical neurological pathways. As a brain-based approach to education, Montessori supports the growth of executive functioning skills, fosters the acquisition of fundamental abilities, and cultivates a positive self-perception.
Montessori education is carefully crafted to meet the evolving needs of children from infancy through adolescence. This holistic approach provides a seamless progression, equipping children with the knowledge, adaptability, and resilience they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM

In the Montessori elementary environment, children step into a thoughtfully prepared space tailored to their psychological and developmental needs. Their foundational skills, developed in the early childhood classroom, allow them to embrace this new phase of learning with confidence. Collaborative learning and a natural inclination toward group work spark intellectual curiosity and inspire meaningful exploration. The deeply interconnected framework of cosmic education nurtures a sense of belonging, encouraging children to grow within a vibrant and supportive community.
Building autonomy in a Montessori elementary classroom is fundamental to the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes self-directed learning, independence, and responsibility.
Through freedom within limits, students have the freedom to choose their work, but within a structured environment that promotes responsibility. The guide sets clear expectations and boundaries to ensure productive learning.
The Montessori teacher acts as a guide rather than a lecturer, stepping in only when necessary. This allows students to develop problem-solving skills and resilience.
Montessori classrooms offer a variety of materials and activities, allowing students to follow their interests. Lessons are presented individually or in small groups, and students choose when to engage in follow-up work.
Elementary students often use work plans or journals to track their learning. They set personal goals, helping them develop time management and organizational skills.
Students are encouraged to work in mixed-age groups, fostering leadership and cooperative problem-solving. Older students often help younger peers, reinforcing their knowledge while building confidence.
Montessori materials are designed for self-correction, allowing students to learn from mistakes independently. There are no traditional grades; instead, teachers provide feedback through observation and discussion. Our progress report allows parents to see how their child is making progress as well as the sequence of lessons.
Elementary students take on classroom responsibilities, such as caring for plants, preparing food, or maintaining materials and school wide jobs, such as composting, recycling and laundry. Community service and real-world applications of learning encourage responsibility beyond the classroom.
By fostering autonomy, the Montessori elementary classroom helps children become confident, self-motivated learners who take ownership of their education.
Field Trips

Community service and real-world applications of learning encourage responsibility beyond the classroom. The Elementary students have frequent opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through field trips and going outs.
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE

Positive discipline in a Montessori classroom is rooted in respect, connection, and guidance rather than punishment. It aligns with Montessori principles being solution based by encouraging self-regulation, independence, and a sense of responsibility in children.
MONTESSORI MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Each spring WEMS Upper Elementary students and alumni participate in the Montessori Model United Nations conference each year in New York City or Rome, Italy.
Participating in the Montessori Model United Nations is a “life-changing” experience that enables students the opportunity to step into the role of ambassadors to debate international issues, negotiate and resolve conflicts, while navigating the UN’s “Rules of Procedure” to draft resolutions to solve global problems. The conference is a simulation of the United Nations committees that discuss real issues and convene to debate and vote on resolutions proposed by students who act as delegates in different committees.
Most recently WEMS 4th- 8th grade students had the opportunity to represent the countries of Azerbaijan, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Spain, and Tunisia with one of our alumni participating as a member of the MMUN Bureau.

LOWER ELEMENTARY DAILY SCHEDULE

8:15 – 8:30
Arrival
8:30 – 11:30
Work cycle:
Going Outs/Field Trips (Watch for Permission Forms)
Morning Message
Language
Math
Cultural: Geography and History
Science
Art and Music
11:30 – 11:45
Clean Up
11:45 – 12:10
Whole Class Lessons (1st – 3rd grade)
12:45 – 1:15
Outdoor/Indoor Recess
1:15 – 2:15
Individual/Group Work Cycles Continue
Specialty Classes:
PE (Tuesdays)
Art (Wednesdays)
Writer’s Workshop/Music (Thursdays)
Spanish (Tuesdays)
2:15 – 2:30
Student Jobs
2:30 – 2:45
PM Outdoor Time
2:45 – 3:00
Afternoon Dismissal
UPPER ELEMENTARY DAILY SCHEDULE

8:15 – 8:30
Arrival
8:30 – 11:30
Work cycle:
Going Outs/Field Trips (Watch for Permission Forms)
Morning Message
Language
Math
Cultural: Geography and History
Science
Art and Music
11:30 – 12:00
Lunch Time
12:00 – 12:15
Student Jobs
12:15 – 12:45
Outdoor/Indoor Recess
12:45 – 1:15
Positive Discipline/Class Meeting
1:15 – 2:15
Individual/Group Work Cycles Continue Specialty Classes:
PE (Tuesdays)
Art (Fridays)
Writer’s Workshop/Music (Thursdays)
Spanish (Tuesdays)
2:15 – 2:30
Clean Up
2:30 – 2:45
PM Outdoor time
2:45 – 3:00
Afternoon Dismissal
