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.
Process vs. Product
The Lower School provides a prepared Montessori environment and curriculum which encourages self-directed, experiential learning, where children learn how to learn, in preparation for the elementary years.
The Upper School focuses on more product and project-based learning with expectations of mastery. Students work independently, cooperatively, and collaboratively to develop the Portrait of a Graduate attributes. The teacher works as a guide to create an academic work plan based on observations of individual student progress from which children can choose how to schedule their day and follow their interests. While all programs at TMA are authentically Montessori and aligned with AMS accreditation standards, there are unique elements that have been added to the Elementary program that facilitate the transition of students to more traditional educational settings once they leave TMA.
LOWER SCHOOL
Infant – 6 weeks to 18 months
Toddler – 18 months to 3 years
Early Childhood – 3 to 6 years
UPPER SCHOOL
Lower Elementary – 6-9 years
Upper Elementary – 9-12 years
Lower School
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
