Montessori School of Denver

Toddler and Primary Programs

Toddler Program (ages two to three)

The MSD Toddler curriculum and environment are thoughtfully designed to meet the Toddler’s growing emotional and cognitive abilities during this formative period for the development of personality, trust, independence, focus, and problem solving. Teachers provide warmth, patience, and the encouragement necessary for each child to reach their personal best.

 
• Children are free to explore and find works that spark their interest in a safe and carefully prepared indoor and outdoor environment.
 
• Montessori materials emphasize exploration and experimentation and help to develop the child’s ability to concentrate and focus.
 
• Toddlers are taught practical life skills such as how to pour their own juice, serve themselves a snack, put on their coat, blow their nose, and clean-up a spill (not to mention toilet-training)!

The materials in our Toddler classroom help develop and refine sensory perceptions, motor abilities, and language skills. Making and identifying patterns, learning to count, watching the weather, and discovering what animals and plants need to grow are also part of the Toddler’s day.

The classroom has plenty of room for social interactions, grace and courtesy lessons which provide opportunities to learn about sharing, taking turns, being patient and being a good friend.  Activities are designed to develop coordination and independence as well as to encourage group interaction and increased self-esteem.

Outside, Toddlers have room to play and discover just steps from the classroom doors. The Toddler Program is a nurturing and secure environment where young children can do what they do best - explore everything!

Toddler Program hours are 8:30 to11:30 am or all day from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm five days per week.

Primary Program (ages three through five, pre-Kindergarten).

The MSD Primary Program differs from traditional early-childhood education in that each classroom is a carefully prepared environment designed specifically to capitalize on the student’s natural curiosity and love of learning. The Primary classrooms are well organized to allow children the freedom to select from a wide variety of learning materials designed to match their developmental needs and personal interests.

 
• Manipulative, concrete materials in the classroom enable each child to work at tasks that are naturally engaging and developmentally appropriate.
 
• Children have a long, uninterrupted work cycle to develop concentration and mastery of work.
 
• Under the teacher’s guidance, each child is able to select his or her own work according to personal interests and curiosity.

The Primary curriculum is rich and expansive and provides opportunities for a child to develop concentration, coordination, independence, order, and the five senses as well as enriched language and math skills. Rounding out the curriculum, are integrated continent studies, art, music, and physical education. In addition to the formal curriculum, children are taught the skills necessary to get along well with others and be a part of a group. Children are empowered to solve difficulties through lessons on reflective listening, empathy, and personal responsibility as well as engaging in meaningful service learning projects throughout the school year. Our Primary Program focuses on helping students to make intelligent choices, focus and concentrate, and engage in caring and purposeful interaction with the environment, lessons, and with others.

There are two different program options for Primary students: mornings only from 8:30 to11:30 am or All Day Primary from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm five days per week.

Kindergarten (ages five through six)

The Kindergarten student is entering a transitional year between Preschool and Elementary school. The Kindergarten program consolidates the skills gained during the previous Primary years and is structured to meet the developmental needs of students capable of pursuing a more academically challenging agenda in the context of a smaller peer group in the afternoon. Learning in Kindergarten becomes contagious and collaboration begins to take place as the child’s social skills and self-confidence are solidified. Children at this age are emergent readers who also need one-on-one time with a teacher to strengthen decoding skills and increase reading fluency.

 
• Our teachers use strategies that support and facilitate the unique and total growth of each individual.
 
• Kindergarten students have longer and more in-depth lessons in the afternoon.
 
• These students often have special studies of the various cultural subjects like science, geography, zoology, and biology.
 
• Here, students are encouraged to learn respectful, caring attitudes for oneself, others, and the environment.
 
• These students have the opportunity to integrate conceptual skills and to pursue academic and cultural subjects in depth, thereby becoming independent learners, well prepared for the rigorous Montessori Elementary experience.

Kindergarten students attend school from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm five days per week.