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

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.

TMA Programs

Lower and Upper School

Process vs. Product

LOWER SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Lower School

INFANT

TODDLER

EARLY CHILDHOOD

The Upper School

LOWER ELEMENTARY

UPPER ELEMENTARY

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