Montessori Elementary Program (Ages 6 to 12)
Curiosity, research and group work through cosmic education
Program Overview
The Montessori elementary program builds on the primary years with a connected curriculum in which history, science, language and math are taught as parts of one story.
Good to Know. Some schools divide it into Lower Elementary (6 to 9 years) and Upper Elementary (9 to 12 years), while others keep children together from 6 to 12. AMI standards allow either grouping.
The Five Great Lessons
Cosmic Education
- Coming of the Universe
- Coming of Life
- Coming of Humans
Human Achievements
- Communication in Signs
- History of Numbers
Core Academic Areas
Language & Literature
- Advanced reading comprehension
- Creative writing
- Research skills
- Grammar analysis
- Literature studies
Mathematics
- Advanced operations
- Fractions and decimals
- Algebra foundations
- Geometry exploration
- Problem-solving
Cultural Studies
History
- Timeline studies
- Ancient civilizations
- Cultural evolution
- Research projects
Geography
- Physical geography
- Political geography
- Economic geography
- Map skills
Science
- Biology studies
- Chemistry basics
- Physics experiments
- Scientific method
Key Program Features
Learning Approach
- Project-based learning
- Collaborative work
- Independent research
- Hands-on exploration
- Going out (small groups leave school to research a topic in the community)
Social Development
- Community service
- Leadership opportunities
- Conflict resolution
- Group dynamics
- Moral development
Program Divisions
Lower Elementary (6 to 9)
Foundation years with concrete materials and basic concepts.
Learn more about Lower Elementary
Upper Elementary (9 to 12)
Advanced studies and a gradual move to abstract thinking.
Find Montessori Schools Near You
Search by city, zip code or school name, or browse every country.
Browse All LocationsRelated Guides
What Is a Montessori School? A Morning in the Classroom, Explained
What a Montessori school is, told through one illustrative morning, with mixed ages, the guide, the materials, programs by age and honest trade-offs.
6 min read
How Much Does Montessori School Cost Once You Add Fees and Aftercare?
Build a real Montessori budget from tuition, fees, meals, aftercare and closed weeks, with dated national figures, tax help and questions for the school.
6 min read
How to Choose a Montessori School Before You Book a Tour
Narrow a Montessori shortlist before touring, using your child's age at entry, an ordinary weekday school run, your top priorities and what listings show.
5 min read