Early Childhood (Primary)
The "Conscious Mind" awakens. In this mixed-age community, children move from concrete to abstract learning, mastering foundational academic skills while developing deep social responsibility.
Three Program Tracks
We recognize that every family has unique goals. Families may choose to enroll their child in one of our three distinct language environments:
Classic Primary curriculum taught entirely in English.
Full Montessori curriculum delivered in a Spanish-speaking environment.
Full Montessori curriculum delivered in a Mandarin-speaking environment.
Practical Life
The foundation of the classroom. Children master complex multi-step tasks—like food preparation, sewing, and cleaning—that build the concentration needed for advanced academics.
Sensorial Refinement
Scientific materials isolate qualities like size, color, and pitch. By organizing these sensory impressions, the child builds a "key to the universe," laying the groundwork for math.
Concrete Mathematics
Math is held in the hands before it is understood in the mind. From the Golden Beads (place value) to the Stamp Game (operations), children gain a physical understanding of numbers.
Language & Literacy
The "Explosion into Writing" often precedes reading. Using Sandpaper Letters and the Moveable Alphabet, children construct words and sentences, unlocking the joy of reading.
Cultural Studies
Geography, Biology, and History come alive. Puzzle maps, landform models, and botany cabinets connect the child to the wider world and their place within the human family.
Peace Education
Social grace is explicitly taught. Children learn to resolve conflicts, offer grace and courtesy, and lead their community, developing a strong moral compass.
A Day in Primary
Our schedule is designed to protect the child's concentration. We provide long blocks of uninterrupted time so children can dive deep into their work without being rushed.
Morning Greeting
The day begins with a handshake and a warm greeting from the guide. Children hang up their belongings, change into indoor shoes, and transition calmly into the learning environment.
Uninterrupted Work Cycle
For three hours, the class is a hive of activity. Children choose work from the shelves, receive individual lessons from teachers, and work on projects. This long period allows for deep focus ("flow") that short classes cannot provide.
Circle Time
We gather as a whole group to sing songs, discuss the calendar, or reflect on community topics. It is a moment to practice listening, speaking, and togetherness.
Outdoor Play & Lunch
We head outside to run, garden, and explore. Afterwards, we return for a community lunch where children set tables and practice grace and courtesy while eating.
Nap or Extended Day
This is a special time. Younger children (3-4) transition to a peaceful nap. Older children (Kindergarteners) stay awake for the "Extended Day" cycle, enjoying advanced lessons and leadership roles while the room is quiet.
See the "Work Cycle" in person.
You don't have to wait. Schedule a tour now to observe our Primary students in their state of flow, or keep reading to learn about our Kindergarten year.
Book a TourThe English Environment
Our flagship classroom follows the classic AMS Montessori tradition. Led by experienced, English-speaking guides, this environment focuses on rich vocabulary, phonics, and cultural studies. It is the perfect foundation for families seeking a traditional preparatory experience.
The Spanish Environment
¡Hola! In this environment, the "absorbent mind" meets linguistic immersion. A lead Spanish-speaking guide conducts the entire work cycle—lessons, songs, and lunch—en Español. Children naturally acquire grammar and accent simply by living and working in the language.
The Mandarin Environment
A unique opportunity in the Clear Lake area. Our Mandarin classroom immerses children in the tones and characters of the Chinese language. Through calligraphy, song, and cultural celebrations, children develop a global mindset and a flexible, bilingual brain.
Life in Primary
A glimpse into the joy, focus, and friendship of our 3-6 year old community.
