Our Classes

At  Redwood Montessori Academy, we offer four class groups during the academic year:

Early Primary (ages 2-3) 

Primary (ages 3-6)  

Transition Class (ages 4-5)  

Elementary (grades 1-5)

The Early Primary Class (ages 2-3) is the ideal starting point for 2s, or for young 3s who are new to preschool or need help with toileting. The children enjoy activities that nurture curiosity and independence. They learn basic social skills, build motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and practice vocabulary. They are introduced to a variety of materials for sensorial development, reading readiness, and counting. The Early Primary class has outdoor playtime every morning and enjoys music class with the Primary class twice a week. Children do not have to be potty-trained.

The Primary Class (ages 3-6) is a three-year program which includes the Kindergarten year. Each child is taught individually and works at his or her own pace. The children are given lessons and real-life, hands-on activities that teach a wide range of skills and concepts, including reading and writing, math, geography, science, social studies, music and art. The Primary class also has music class and Spanish lessons. In the afternoon, children ages 2 to 4 go to the nap room, where they have quiet time and a rest. The non-nappers have outdoor playtime, and then additional class time. The afternoon classes also have a weekly piano class.A child must be fully potty-trained before entering the Primary class.

The Transition Class (ages 4-5). This Kindergarten-level class is designed for children who are 5, or almost 5, and are new to the Montessori classroom. The curriculum uses Montessori materials and procedures to teach reading, writing, math, geography, science, music and art. The children also participate in activities with the Primary Class, including Spanish, piano, music, and outdoor playtime.

The Elementary Class (grades 1-5) takes students to the next level in their education with advanced Montessori activities in language, math, science, history, geography, and social studies. Our program offers a rich and accelerated curriculum that meets and exceeds state and local standards.  For more information about our Elementary class, click here.

Which class is right for my child

The age groups for our classes overlap at certain key development points. By providing a consistent curriculum from age 2 onward, we give children the opportunity to pursue a variety of activities for emotional, intellectual, and social growth appropriate to their own needs without being "held back" or "pushed ahead." We believe it is important to match each child to the environment that will support his or her growth according to his or her own timetable. The Director will have the final say in placing children who are on the border between age groups.

As a general guide:

3 year olds – A 3-year-old child must be able to go to the bathroom independently before joining the Primary class.

4 year olds – New 4-year-olds are welcome to our Primary Class at the beginning of the school year. A child who turns 5 before December 31, and has not been in a Montessori school, will enjoy the activities and camaraderie of the Transition Class.

5 year olds – The Transition Class is designed specifically for 5-year-olds (and older 4s) who are new to the Montessori environment.

6 year olds – Children who turn 6 before December 31 of the school year may be considered for the Elementary Class, which begins with 1st grade.