Lower Elementary (grades 1-3)
Upper Elementary (grades 4-6)
Shrewsbury Montessori School’s Elementary program is divided into two levels: Lower Elementary (first through third grade), and Upper Elementary (fourth through sixth grade). Both of these programs build on the academic foundation laid in Children’s House.
In a Lower Elementary classroom one might see children working together to read “Who Am I” cards to identify animals. In another part of the room, two girls might be having their snack together. At yet another table a teacher could be preparing a laptop so two girls can start their research project. In a corner a boy may be working at a table with a pentagon shape, tracing it and creating the honeycomb for his bee project.
When observing an Upper Elementary classroom, students from both classes might come together for a large-group chemistry lesson. Afterward, they would work in small groups or individually to research an element of their choice. Later in the week, students continue to apply their knowledge in our Technology and Innovation class. This same integrated approach is used across all curricular areas.
The elementary child has an enthusiasm for learning as well as a lot of curiosity. The elementary child begins to move from concrete to abstract thinking. The Montessori curriculum integrates language, literature, mathematics, history, geography, and science. The elementary teacher prepares the environment with this in mind and offers an interdisciplinary approach. Children see connections and develop creative and critical-thinking skills. A collaborative, academic approach instills concepts of responsibility, independence, and the sense of belonging to a group.
The elementary child receives lessons and works on projects in individual, small-group, and large-group formats. Collaboration allows a child to practice the decision-making process. Students progress at their own pace within the framework of the curriculum.
Planning and Time Management
Elementary students develop daily work plans and choose the order of their daily work. This deep respect for the needs of the child to order their own day aids the development of internally motivated young people. Confident, engaged learners grow to be leaders in the classroom and the world beyond Shrewsbury Montessori School.
Assessment and Feedback
Shrewsbury Montessori School students are assessed both academically and socially through classroom observations, a collection of the child’s work, informal and formal assessment including annual standardized testing in grades 4-6. Student progress is shared with parents through parent conferences, progress reports, and as needed or requested throughout the year.
Student Support Services
Student Support Services complement the educational concepts taught in Montessori classrooms by teaching strategies that students will be able to use independently to support their learning styles and needs. The Content Support teacher provides one-to-one instructional support for First through Sixth Year students in a variety of academic subjects and administers early literacy skills assessments. In addition, the Content Support teacher integrates in-house tutoring with classroom work and provides academic support specifically tailored to a student’s abilities and developmental levels. The school assist parents in navigating the Special Education process when needed.