Lower and Upper School
Developmental stages of learning are at the core of a Montessori education. Our Lower School is designed for children between 6 weeks and 6 years of age, and our Upper School is for children between 6 and 12 years old. Within each school, there are programs designed to enhance learning for each specific developmental stage.
The Montessori Continuum: Process to Purpose
Montessori education is designed to evolve as children grow. At TMA, learning intentionally progresses from process‑focused exploration in the Lower School to purposeful, product‑based mastery in the Upper School—meeting students at each stage of development while preparing them for what comes next.
Lower School (Infant, Toddler, Early Childhood)
The Lower School emphasizes the process of learning. Within a prepared Montessori environment, children engage in self‑directed, hands‑on experiences that build foundational academic, social, and executive‑function skills. Teachers guide learning through careful observation, allowing children to explore, repeat, and discover without pressure to produce a final product.
Upper School (Elementary)
In the Upper School, learning becomes more goal‑driven and demonstrative. Students apply foundational skills through project‑ and product‑based work with clear expectations for mastery. Teachers act as guides, creating individualized academic work plans that empower students to manage their time, collaborate with peers, and pursue interests. While fully aligned with authentic Montessori practice and AMS standards, the Elementary program also incorporates elements that support a smooth transition to more traditional educational settings.
Lower School
INFANT
The program supports both younger and older infants in a peaceful, nurturing environment designed to support the growth and development of the whole child.
We welcome infants beginning at six weeks of age through 18 months, safely structuring their surroundings to accommodate infants that are non-mobile, as well as those who are beginning to walk.
TODDLER
Each of our toddler environments is prepared with developmentally appropriate materials and activities that support the child’s natural development. The two main areas of focus in this program are the development of language and learning the skills for independence and social interaction.
Our Toddler Program welcomes children between 18 months and 3 years old.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
The Early Childhood Program at TMA is a three year curriculum which includes children in the age range of 3 to 6 years (preschool – kindergarten). It offers students a combination of challenging academics and extensive enrichment experiences through daily hands-on activities.
The Upper School
The Elementary Program is divided into two groupings, based on the three-year cycle:
Lower Elementary – 1st to 3rd grade
Upper Elementary – 4th to 6th grade.
LOWER ELEMENTARY
The three-year curriculum is designed so that children revisit, build on, and deepen their understanding of many broad topics with each encounter increasing in complexity and reinforcing previous learning.
UPPER ELEMENTARY
We build upon skills introduced in the Lower Elementary program and strengthen skills in leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, conflict resolution, organization, and time management.
