
Gilman Montessori Academy
Lower Elementary Program
6 Years Old - 9 Years Old

We are excited to introduce our new Montessori Elementary Program. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy, this program nurtures young learners’ boundless imagination, curiosity, and potential, fostering independence, collaboration, and a lifelong passion for learning. With a hands-on, integrated curriculum and a vibrant, multi-age community, we create an environment where children excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our Elementary Program is designed to harness the developmental strengths of 6-9-year-olds, a period marked by vivid imagination and a strong capacity for focused work. Building on the skills developed in early childhood, such as concentration, organization, and self-direction, our program empowers children to tackle complex projects. As they transition from concrete to abstract thinking, our advanced Montessori materials and Cosmic Curriculum open new realms of learning, sparking wonder and curiosity about the world.
Our Lower Elementary (ages 6-9) structure fosters a collaborative environment where children learn from and inspire one another. Younger students gain from the guidance of older peers, while older students develop leadership by mentoring others. Small class sizes and dedicated Montessori educators ensure personalized attention, fostering deep, lasting relationships that support each child’s unique journey.
Our curriculum inspires exploration and creativity, weaving together subjects like mathematics, language arts, science, history, geography, and the arts. Montessori’s Five Great Lessons—engaging stories about the universe, life, humans, language, and mathematics—ignite students’ imaginations and provide a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of all things. Key elements include:
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Mathematics: Montessori elementary level materials help students master concepts from basic operations to fractions, algebra, and geometry, building a concrete foundation for abstract thinking.
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Language Arts: Interactive tools like movable alphabets and grammar symbols foster reading fluency, comprehension, and creative writing, encouraging personal expression.
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Science: Hands-on experiments and research in biology, chemistry, and physics enable students to explore and classify the natural world.
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History and Geography: Lessons on the universe’s origins, human civilizations, and global geography connect students to their place in the world, promoting environmental and global awareness.
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Arts and Music: Integrated into all subjects, art and music encourage creativity and skill-building, with opportunities for performance and self-expression.
Field trips to community resources like museums, science centers, and botanical gardens enrich classroom learning, fostering independence and real-world connections.
Our classrooms empower children to take ownership of their learning. Students set goals, manage time, and make choices within a structured framework, cultivating independence and confidence. Collaborative projects and class meetings promote teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, creating a cooperative, non-competitive atmosphere. This balance of individuality and collaboration builds a strong sense of community and empathy.
Beyond academics, our program prioritizes social-emotional growth and character education. Through guided discussions and daily interactions, children develop respect, responsibility, and compassion. Regular class meetings hone emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills, preparing students to be thoughtful, caring global citizens. Community and environmental service projects reinforce their commitment to positive impact.
Enrichment and Extracurricular Opportunities
Our program is enhanced with specialized classes to broaden students’ horizons:
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Spanish/ Mandarin: Small-group lessons immerse students in language and building vocabulary and conversational skills.
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Science: Hands-on experiments in physical science and chemistry spark inquiry and discovery.
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Drama: Activities foster confidence, collaboration, and self-expression, culminating in an annual spring play.
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Music: Students explore notation, singing, and instruments, with opportunities to perform at winter and spring events.
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Physical Education: Activities promote fitness, teamwork, and healthy habits.
Our program goes beyond traditional education to nurture the whole child. We are committed to:
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Fostering independence and critical thinking through self-paced, child-led learning.
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Providing hands-on experiences with Montessori materials that make abstract concepts tangible.
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Encouraging collaboration and leadership in a supportive, multi-age community.
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Cultivating a love of learning and a sense of global responsibility.
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Offering individualized attention with low student-to-teacher ratios and passionate, Montessori-trained educators.