Elementary

Ages 6-12

The Elementary program at Amherst Montessori School is an educational environment that engages the child’s natural curiosity, and fosters each child’s sense of themselves and the community.  At ages 6-12, children have entered what Montessori termed the "second plane of development." In this second plane they are developing a sense of themselves as part of a social group. Through their interactions, they learn collaboration, accountability, and adaptability while constructing an internal set of moral values. With imagination and reason, they are driven to learn by their own questions about how and why the world works the way it does.

At Amherst Montessori School, our students are encouraged to take risks and pursue learning while exploring new ways to investigate, research and share their experiences with their peers and teachers.  We provide a rich curriculum in language, math, sciences, and history, individualized for each child so that he or she may continue to work at his or her own pace with time to pursue interests that are unique to them.  Our small class size fosters social problem-solving and full participation from all members in creating our community.  Here your child’s voice is heard and respected by teachers and peers alike, for each voice contributes to the wealth of our community.

The Elementary workday incorporates a traditional three-hour work cycle in the morning. Afternoons are dedicated to special study in Spanish, art, music, and physical education. Our Elementary program also takes frequent field trips to support our learning. Regular visits to the Munson Library in South Amherst, as well as special trips (such as to the Hitchcock Center for Environmental Education, the Mead Art Museum at Amherst College, and outdoor locations such as Mount Skinner and Groff Park) underscore our belief that the classroom serves as the center, but not the boundary, for the child's education.

The Elementary program is a five-day program, 8:15 AM-3:15 PM.