Ages 6-12
Elementary
In Montessori elementary, which serves children roughly ages 6 through 12, the approach shifts from the sensorial, hands-on explorations of early childhood to a broader, more intellectual engagement with the world.
Dr. Montessori described this stage as the period of the “reasoning mind,” when children naturally seek to understand cause and effect, explore moral questions, and develop abstract thinking. The curriculum expands to include history, geography, science, mathematics, and language in an integrated way, encouraging children to see the connections between disciplines rather than treating them as isolated subjects.
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Equally important at this stage is the social development that comes from working in multi-age classrooms. Elementary children have a strong drive for peer interaction, and the mixed-age setting allows them to practice leadership, cooperation, and conflict resolution in authentic ways. Rather than being confined to desks, students move freely, engage in group projects, and even take their learning outside the classroom through “going out” experiences such as field trips and service projects. This balance of intellectual exploration, moral development, and social responsibility prepares children not only for academic success but also for active, thoughtful participation in the wider world.
