Curriculum
The study areas listed below are present at every educational level from the Toddler Class through the Primary and Elementary classes. The complexity and applications become greater as the students become older.
Art
Art is an integral part of the academic work that is done at every level from primary level and up. Materials are also available for expressive work as well. Clay (Plasticine and potter’s), paints, pastels, glue, tape, pencils, textiles/sewing materials are available to students on a daily basis. Art from around the world, with a specific continental focus, is studied and created. Guest artists are invited to instruct students. Elementary students participate in go-trips to local galleries and the VMFA.
Music / Performance
Piano, guitar and violin are offered at Central. Every class creates and preforms presentation to the Parents and students regularly. Our creations go from children's fables to Macbeth. Some are based on seasonal events and some are not. Performances are enriched with props and costumes made by students (with a bit of help from parents).
Intellectual DevelopmentThe Montessori materials, experiences and lessons develop the intellect. This development is often overlooked in traditional schools. It is the foundation for all other learning. Intellectual development includes:
Observational skills and problem solving Early research and comparative skills Sequential reasoning Increased vocabulary Critical thinking and prediction skills Concentration and patience Academic and knowledge acquisition Practical life and language Sensorial and math/geography and history Living and physical science Visual/performing arts/music Social skills Care of self and care of others Care of the environment Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” – Maria Montessori
Practical LifeTo master the skills of caring for self and for others, children use the materials and lessons from the Practical Life area. These include exercises on caring for one’s own personal needs, serving and caring for others, and learning to care for the many environments that compose their lives.
Lessons on character building are offered using the concepts of grace and courtesy. Art, music, and movement are all considered necessities of life in which children should actively participate. Central Montessori School supports these studies as rigorously as it supports all other studies. 
Social & Emotional DevelopmentA Montessori classroom is composed of a very complex social environment that is similar to an adult’s working environment. Students are prepared for life through working with people of mixed ages, skills, backgrounds, personal values and family structures.
The classrooms resemble successful business environments. Each classroom is composed of first year students (novices), second year students (participants) and third year students (leaders). The individual students bring varying academic abilities and cultural diversity into this dynamically pro-social environment. Good emotional development can occur in a stable classroom that is supportive of the individual as well as the whole classroom community. Children are encouraged to contribute to the general well-being of the classroom community. 
SensorialEach child actively prepares all his/her five senses to receive as much information as possible from the environment. Their study includes exploration of geometry, relationships, patterns, design, spatial awareness and fine and gross motor control. Children identify comparative and superlative relationships. Children learn observational skills and the ability to follow sequential steps to examine work. These provide an excellent foundation for the studies of Science and Mathematics.
LanguageThe classroom is filled with songs, verbal games, rhymes, riddles, poetry and conversational exchange. Language also includes extensive and correct vocabulary, spelling, dictionary and thesaurus studies, research skills, grammar, writing skills, composition, creative writing and research reports, literary discussions, comprehension skills, unrestricted reading, proofreading skills, record-keeping, diary writing, poetry, general reports and word studies.
We are developing our Dual Spanish/English Program. This allows children to hear and speak Spanish throughout the day. We speak, sing, read books and poetry, prepare food and perform skits in both Spanish and English. 
Math
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HistoryThroughout the continuum of studies, the students at Central Montessori School are exposed to the concept of history. In the Toddler Program, the youngest children hear history language such as now, after, before, last, first, etc. The Primary students experience history through calendar studies and their own personal history during their birthday celebrations. The Elementary students begin their studies with the story and theory of the Big Bang and creation stories representing several major religions. History studies Elementary begin with the physical history of the earth and the coming of civilizations. The Montessori Great Lessons introduce the major history units. Timelines are used for biographies as well as cultural histories.
The fundamental needs of humans (across time and space) are identified and the similarities between human needs. We compare and contrast the needs of other creatures. This study is the basis for many research projects that lead students into deeper understanding of the ecological and economical issues of today. 
ScienceThe land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” – Maria Montessori
Science concepts are introduced to even the very youngest students. All science exploration occurs within the natural environment and its application is fully developed within all areas of study.
Life sciences are fully integrated into all areas of the class room and include webs of dependency across time, botany, biology, biota, anatomy comparative studies, ecology, and environmental rights along with experiments and scientific observations. Physical sciences are also fully developed and studied in actual applications whenever possible. These include, but are not limited to, three stages of matter, simple machines, magnets and gravitational investigation, the cycle of water, the study of the atmosphere and cloud formations, the rock cycle and classification of rocks, the topography of the earth including the oceans, wind and water currents, chemical changes, and the relationships of the sun and earth. The study of planets, earth and her moon, the composition of our universe and our place within the universe is developed. The Physical and Cultural Geography scientists of the past and present are studied along with their contributions. Physical and Cultural Geography are inseparable in our natural world and in our classrooms. Globes, land and water forms, map studies, biota, and national and regional cultural expressions of peoples from around the world are fully developed together. There are flag and cultural celebrations scheduled throughout the year. The focus on any particular nation or region is determined by classroom and parental interests.
Movement & Physical Activities"Watching a child makes it obvious that the development of his mind comes through his movements.” – Maria Montessori
The outdoor and indoor environments are conducive to both gross and fine movement. The playground has minimal permanent structures, allowing for lots of imaginative play, structure and shelter building, cooperative play, problem solving and dynamic friendships.
Children spend about two hours a day outside. We venture out in all types of weather. These informative and delightful ventures to the outdoors provide lots of exercise. Outdoor time also provides invaluable opportunities for children to learn about our natural world during all seasons and to experience weather phenomena in all of its diversity. Central Montessori School is currently partnered with the Richmond Kickers. Professional Kicker team members interact and instruct our students in the art of soccer. Our summer program provides students with instructions in yoga, balance, and agility training. Central Montessori School partners with the Friends of Jefferson Park to maintain a beautiful park setting for additional play and movement programs for our students. |
The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.” – Maria Montessori
