
Lower Elementary (1st-3rd)
Like Montessori Primary, Montessori Elementary is organized in three-year age groupings. At Turtle River Montessori, grades 1 to 3 are clustered in the Elementary classrooms and grades 4 to 5 are clustered in the Upper Elementary classrooms. At both levels, the multi-age grouping provides children with opportunities for broad social development. Our Teacher/Student ratios are low; not more than 10 students to 1 teacher. The rooms are furnished with many hands-on materials, and abstract learning is introduced at the Elementary level and advanced in the Upper Elementary level. With the strong foundations that the students have based on their concrete experiences, the abstract concepts begin to fall into place at this age.
Our students test off the charts when it comes time to enter Middle School, but the most important qualities instilled in a Montessori Elementary environment are these:
- Self-Esteem
- Student Empowerment and Individual Responsibility
- Self-Motivation and Self-Organization
- Love of Learning
- Global Viewpoint
- Strong Basis in Abstract Concepts
- Critical Thinking Skills