SalemMontessoriSchool

1574 Roanoke Boulevard

Salem, VA  24153

(540) 387-1523

Elementary (1st - 5th grade)

In our elementary classroom we strive to lay down a solid foundation in the fundamentals of math, reading, grammar, writing, spelling, natural and physical science, geography, history, zoology, art, cooking, and so much more that the children will use for the rest of their academic lives.  Continuing to take advantage of the mixed age learning environments, students pursue learning around individual interests in an environment rich with opportunities and experiences.  As with all Montessori schools, we begin every lesson with a concrete example using time tested experiments and materials before we introduce the abstract concepts.   Math factors are not memorized from lists or tables, they are learned by working with equipment that helps them discover HOW such things as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division work.  To truly appreciate how these materials work you really need to visit our classroom and experience them for yourself.

The Montessori program is taught to individuals, not to entire classes.   Individualized learning establishes more exclusive contact between the child, the teacher, and the work.  Each student moves along at their own pace, with math and language lessons being introduced to each individual child as they are personally ready to move on.  Using this method each child reaches their own personal best level at all times.  The emphasis is not so much on teaching a child, as it is on providing the child with the appropriate material and guidance so that they can discover how things work on their own.  This process not only produces students with greater self-confidence and independence, it also means that the subject matter is truly understood by the child.

"Why should we be concerned about elementary school? We'll wait until college to really worry about where our child goes to school." is a question that is often heard when people ask us why they should place their child in a Montessori school instead of a public school.  The best answer is that the elementary years are precious ones.   Never again will your child be able to accept so much information so quickly.  Children at this age have a natural desire to learn and by taking advantage of that, instilling a joy of learning and a solid foundation in the basics, you are building a strong child that will get so much more out of their later years of education.