Programs Offered
Children's House - Toddler PROGRAM 18 - 36 months
8:30am - 12:00pm, 12:00pm - 2:30pm Aftercare
The toddler community at SVMS offers a unique beginning of self-development
in a warm atmosphere of respect, understanding and support. Within
a small group setting, our experienced teaching staff fulfills the
social, physical, emotional, developmental and psychological needs
of each child.
Our toddler program follows the Montessori philosophy that encourages
vocabulary development, independence and self- confidence for each
child. In this environment there is space for movement, individual
work and room for group activities. The environment is designed
to be safe and aesthetically pleasing. This freedom in a safe space
is a key element of the toddler program. Through positive daily
activities even the young child will gain an appreciation and respect
for the environment and his peers.
The program serves toddlers with a ratio of 1:6 and serves children
between the ages of 18 months to 36 months. The program operates
five days a week Monday-Friday with options of half day and full
day programs, partial and full week.
Children's House - primary program 3 - 6 Years
8:30am - 12:00pm, 12:00pm - 2:30pm Aftercare
The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment that allows children to work towards their own development, be part of a community and explore the environment by means of all the senses and through movement. The child literally absorbs everything in the environment. In our program, a broad range of activities enrich our program including French, Music and Gardening.
Children's House - Afternoon Workers 5 - 6 Years
8:30am - 2:30pm
The children remain together in the afternoon for special activities appropriate for their stage of development. The peer group becomes important at this age and the children enjoy their special time together. This small afternoon group has an opportunity to know the feeling of team cooperation while developing leadership skills. Continuing the child in the Montessori program in the kindergarten year allows him/her to realize concepts and skills that were previously experienced and practiced, but not yet mastered.
Lower Elementary 6 - 9 Years
8:30am - 2:30pm
Children develop a reasoning mind that asks why and how things happen in the world. The children's own questions then provide the basis for their explorations. "And what better answer," said Maria Montessori, "than to provide them with the universe itself." With their ability to think abstractly and the power of their imaginations to 'see' what cannot be seen, the universe is the limit for their search.
The stories of the Great Lessons and other presentations provide a framework in which the details of the various disciplines: mathematics, language arts, the sciences, social studies, history and geography are demonstrated. The Montessori curriculum encompasses an inter-disciplinary approach and emphasizes the interconnectedness of life, as well as emphasizing the unique role and responsibility human beings have on our planet.
The Lower Elementary class also enjoys afternoon specials such as Drama, Home Economics, Physical Education, Art and Spanish.
Upper Elementary 9 - 12 Years
8:30am - 2:30pm
The curriculum provides opportunity for self-development and self-discovery. Students are encouraged to discover their own innate abilities, and to develop a strong sense of independence, self-confidence, and self-discipline.
The methods used in the Montessori curriculum literally help students learn how to learn. We encourage them to think for themselves, do research, analyze what they've found, and reach their own conclusions. In most areas of study, rather than simply using textbooks, we have students use reference materials, libraries, and the Internet to acquire information and to prepare materials for presentation to their classmates.
There is an emphasis on community involvement through a partnership with local colleges, community gardens and the arts.