The Preprimary Program
Preprimary is our program for children ages three to six. Each of four classrooms has a lead teacher and an assistant. Classes are limited to twenty students. Children remain with the same teacher for three years.
CVMS follows a traditional Montessori curriculum and uses Montessori manipulative materials, lessons and mixed-age classes. Our philosophy is student-centered. Students have group instruction as well as time for working independently on what interests them. During the morning, older children act as role models and helpers for the younger ones, and the younger ones see and are motivated by higher level work. Young children are hungry to learn and Montessori students are joyful, active participants in their education.
The curriculum includes mathematics, sciences, language - both English and Spanish, geography, art, music and practical life skills, as well as educational speakers and field trips.
The Role of the Teacher
Our teachers are the heart of our program. They are full time, Montessori-trained and certified. All hold a minimum of a Bachelors degree.
CVMS teachers act as enthusiastic guides through the three-year curriculum as each child moves at his or her own pace. This allows the student's development and curiosity to help direct learning. She or he helps the child make good choices and redirects inappropriate behavior in a firm but positive manner.
The Montessori teacher is a warm and caring partner in learning who respects the unique nature of the young child and charts each child's progress through daily observation and written reports.
The Kindergarten Program
Students follow the morning session with a much smaller group setting in the afternoon, usually fewer than seven children per teacher. They enjoy advanced work in math, science, language and geography; plus cooking, art, music, drama, and field trips. They also begin separate instruction periods for Spanish, music and physical education. Should a student finish the curriculum ahead of schedule, the teacher provides the appropriate level elementary work.
Schedule
Three year-olds - 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Kindergarten - 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Our by-invitation full day program for fours is also 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The CVMS school year is similar to area public school schedules, from early September to mid-June.
Typical Preprimary Day
8:30am - 8:45 - Montessori Movement
8:45 - 9:15 a.m. First circle group lessons
9:15 am - 10:30 - Independent work and individual lessons
10:30 - 11:00 Second circle group lessons
Spanish group lessons are twice a week for fifteen minutes.
Kindergarten Spanish is an additional half an hour once a week.
Kindergarten Music is once a week for half an hour.
Curriculum Topics
Language
Hands-on activities for pre-reading and vocabulary development, phonetics, spelling, reading and creative writing
Math
Games and three dimensional materials for counting and recognizing numbers, addition and subtraction with small and large numbers, basics of geometry
Science and Nature
Classroom pets, plants, rocks, shells, weather and seasons, dinosaurs, the solar system, biology, botany, science experiments and gardening
Geography
Globes, wooden puzzle maps of the continents, national flags, holidays and the customs of many diverse lands
Introduction to Spanish
Beginning vocabulary using Total Physical Response method and some American Sign Language; songs, stories, and games
Daily Living
Familiar activities of pouring, washing, sorting, sweeping, plant and animal care, food preparation, and dressing skills
Sensory Development
Colors, shapes, sizes, tastes and textures to compare and categorize using all of the senses
Music and Movement
Rhythm instruments, records, songs, creative movement and dance, crafts, field trips and outdoor play
Grace and Courtesy
celebrating diversity, learning to care for others, oneself and the environment
