Program
Lower School (Primary - 4th Grade)
Primary
Welcome to the Primary Program
Two years of primary precede the Kindergarten program, beginning with 3-year-olds. While there are many benefits to a multi-age classroom, the most significant is that it promotes peer learning: younger students learn directly and indirectly from their older peers, who in turn gain a deeper understanding of the material and are able to practice their leadership skills. Montessori materials guide students from simple to more complex skills and concepts. The Primary classes blend reading and math readiness skills with practical life skills. The academic program includes world cultural studies, science exploration, art, social skills and play. Primary students enjoy light-filled, spacious, and inviting indoor and outdoor classrooms, and a beautiful garden that they tend throughout the seasons.
Academics
List of 4 items.
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Reading and Language Arts
The development of fundamental reading and language arts skills is integrated into every area of our Montessori inspired curriculum. Materials are sequenced left to right to train eye movement. Fine motor tasks train the fingers to hold a pencil. Sensorial materials develop the visual discrimination required for reading. A wide variety of activities and materials foster pre-reading and beginning reading skills: building awareness of the sounds that make up words (phonemes), brainstorming activities to build vocabulary, journal writing, basic decoding skills, sight words and high frequency words. -
Cultural Studies
We use the Montessori philosophy and a global perspective to present the world to our students, exposing them to the magnificent diversity of human culture, ecosystems, and living creatures on our planet. Our cultural curriculum develops a respect, understanding and appreciation for our Earth and all its inhabitants. -
Math
The math curriculum in the Primary classes uses Montessori methods and materials. The children develop a firm understanding of mathematical concepts through the use of manipulative materials; they always start with a concrete, hands-on experience, before advancing to the symbolic and abstract. -
Science
Young students have an innate sense of wonder about all living things, which we foster and encourage daily utilizing the five senses. Students become keen observers through hands-on study, science experiments, and learning about growing vegetables and flowers in our gardens. Through studies of subjects such as ecosystems and the web of life, teachers aim to spark inquiry and curiosity daily.
Daily Schedule
8:20-8:50 a.m. Arrival Time
8:45-11:20 a.m. Snack, Work Time Lessons
11:20-11:50 a.m. Recess on the Big Playground
12:00-12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30-1:45 p.m. Work Time Lessons, Read-Aloud, Circle Time
1:45-2:00 p.m. Dismissal, Enrichment Classes or Aftercare
*2:30 p.m. Third Year Primary Dismissal
Art, library and music classes are infused within our program
Whole Child Approach
- Social
- Emotional
- Physical
- Creative
Our instruction recognizes the present and future need for children to become keen problem identifiers, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and creative innovators. These skills are introduced to very young children and honed as they grow older.
Program Options
- 4 or 5 days
- Extended morning care available starting at 7:30 a.m. and afternoon care from 2:00–5:30 p.m.
Primary Faculty
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Dyeann Bartlett
Teaching Assistant
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Kyle Donohoe
Teacher
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Kelley Gallardo
Teacher
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Kathleen Hazelton-Leech
Teacher
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Michele McCulloch
Teacher
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Feevé Wells
Teaching Assistant
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Marin Horizon School
Non-discrimination policy: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, gender identification, disability or other category protected by law.