"The most important period of life is not the age of university studies but the period from birth to the age of six... for that is the time when intelligence itself, her greatest implement is being formed." -Dr. Maria Montessori

The Pre-Primary Program at Children's Meeting House is the first stage of our program and the foundation of our school's educational approach.

In all classes of the Pre-Primary Program, materials, equipment and furniture are child-size to allow for a maximum exploration and use of the senses. Each classroom is dynamic to meet the changing needs of the child. New materials are introduced daily to encourage physical, emotional and intellectual growth.

Trained teachers work with children individually and in small groups to foster and encourage new learning opportunities. Careful observation of each child leads to valuable insight about learning needs and styles which are incorporated in work and play.

The areas of the classroom are: Animal Care, Art, Botany, Cultural Studies, Eco-Learning Lab, Everyday Living, Fundamental Movement, Physical Science, Geography, Handwriting, Health/Safety, Kitchen Science, Language, Library, Math, Music, Physical Education, Reading, Sensorial, Workbench, Zoology.

The preschool child receives information on a wide range of topics and has a chance to explore them in ways that employ the child's senses. Our curriculum emphasizes the development of perceptual and motor skills as well as social and academic abilities. Children are encouraged to develop good work habits and to share in the responsibility at their own pace and on their own level in the preschool classrooms with gentle guidance from dedicated teachers.

The All-Day program offers the older preschoolers and kindergarteners a chance to enrich and extend the morning experiences. Children complete the morning work cycle, prepare for and have lunch, then spend the afternoon building upon their morning activities in addition to enrichment lessons including music, physical education, health, library, etc.

We have three pre-primary classrooms. Each oversized room provides space for 30 students, divided into three equal age groups. Classrooms are equipped with in-room boys and girls' restrooms, large sinks for works requiring water, and external doors leading to playground space.

Preschool children attend a half-day morning session Monday through Friday from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. Kindergarten children stay for lunch/recess, and an afternoon enrichment program which dismisses at 3:00 p.m. Visit our classrooms, and you will see happy children!