The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that preceds or follows in the whole life of the child. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

The Stepping Stones program is designed for children as young as 21 months.  Children do not need to be toilet trained for this program.  The toddler program offers very young children a unique year of self-development in a tender atmosphere of special understanding, respect and support.

The toddler program also appropriately accommodates the very young child's sensitive period for language by offering creative and intriguing concepts to expand their growing vocabularies.  Joining conversations, listening to stories, classifying objects and learning songs and poems all nurture their budding language skills.  To help smooth their initial social interactions, the toddlers learn to use words for feelings they experience in themselves and others.

Many of the activities in the toddler program highlight the self-help skills that lead to independence.  Children are gently urged to hang up their own coats and aprons, to take out and put away their own work.  From the beginning of Montessori education children are encouraged to become problem solvers.  Since this is an age of very strong imitation, the teachers constantly model appropriate social skills, good manners and consideration of others.

The Stepping Stones classroom is thoughtfully set up foster an environment of freedom and exploration. Shelves, sinks, tables and toilets are all built at a comfortable height for small children. There are approximately 16 children in the class and the child-to-staff ratio is 6 to 1.

Children may be enrolled to attend 2, 3, or 5 days a week.  Children need to be 2 years old by December 31st of the school year.

It is necessary for the teacher to guide the child without letting him feel her presence too much, so that she may always be ready to supply the desired help, but may never be the obstacle between the child and his experience. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

Building Blocks' students are welcomed into a prepared environment designed especially to meet the needs of sensitive periods of 3 and 4 year olds. Initial steps towards independence begin for 3 and 4 year olds with practical life exercises, including, care of the person, care of environment, social relations, and movement.  The Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate exercises targeted at developing concentration, self confidence, development of the pincer grip, left to right orientation, integration of the body's movements with will, and self direction.  The classroom environment is filled with unique equipment which has been specifically designed to both involve and develop these skills in young children.

The Building Blocks 3-4 year old program was created as a transitional program.  It offers the perfect Montessori environment for children born late in the year or who are not quite ready for a five day program.  Enrollment is limited to 16 children with a child to staff ratio of 8:1.  For the child who is experiencing his first separation from his primary caregiver the smaller class offers more opportunity to gradually bond with his new teachers and become more self confident to interact with classmates.  The children have freedom of choice as to where their interests lie and our teachers carefully observe where each child is and plans the environment accordingly.

Children may be enrolled to attend 2 or 3 days a week. 

Monday, Wednesday, Friday program children have Creative Movement each day and Spanish and Music one time a week.

Tuesday, Thursday program chilren have Creative Movement each day and Music one time each week.

Our schools show that children of different ages help one another. There are many things which no teacher can convey to a child of three, but a child of five can do it with ease. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

The day is designed to allow children the freedom to explore the prepared classroom environment and complete work in each of the main areas of learning: Mathematics, Practical Life, Language Arts, Sensorial, and Culture.  Concepts are introduced by the teacher in indivicual, small group, and whole group lessons.  Children are allowed uninterrupted blocks of time to explore new concepts through the hands on use of self correcting materials which promote independence. Teachers are always observing to see when children are ready for new concepts, they are keenly aware that each child will learn at his or her own pace. Children are encouraged to explore all areas of the classroom.  The classroom contains unique, age-appropriate equipment which has been specifically designed to stimulate both interest and intellectual growth and autonomy.

The Children's House consists of 3, 4, and 5 year olds.  In a multi age setting children learn from eachother, and they learn because of each other.  Younger children have the opportunity to see what the future holds for them by watching the older children.  Older children have the opportunity to confirm what they have learned by sharing knowledge with younger children.  In addition children are brought up to be tolerant of different levels of ability. The mixture of ages results in a calm and peaceful learning environment.

 There are approximately 24 children in each class and the child-to-staff ratio is 12 to 1.

We see no limit to what should be offered to the child, for his will be an immense field of chosen activity. 
MARIA MONTESSORI

Creative Movement and Drama

Creative Movement and Drama is offered to all children enrolled in our school. It is the School’s belief that the development of the body is as important as the development of the mind. In order to build an efficient, well-functioning body/mind, great emphasis is put on daily participation in structured, as well as creative, activities. The curriculum is a comprehensive program of movement and physical education, including such activities as gymnastics, running, jumping rope, dance, aerobic exercise, and drama.  The Kindergartners learn to roller-skate and highlight their skating talents and skills at a special performance for families and friends.  This program promotes physically healthy, creative, confident youngsters.

Spanish

For all Children's House and 3-day Building Blocks students. This is a conversational introduction to the Spanish language. The Total Physical Response method used to teach this program is wholly compatible with the Montessori philosophy.  The Child hears, understands and responds to command through a corresponding physical action.

Art

For all Children's House and 3-day Building Blocks students.  This program teaches basic art principles, approriate age/stage instruction and utilizes multimedia materials to foster creativity while exposing children to Art Masters.

Music

Library

An elementary and pre-school library has been established for the use of faculty and students at the North Shore Montessori School. The Library has been developed over the years through grants, donations, and a Library Fund Drive. In addition, we offer to our parents a small, but interesting, lending library on topics related to your child’s development along with Montessori information.

All classes participate once a week.  Utilizing a multimedia approach, the program fosters a love of books and literature.

Computers

Computers are set up in the Children's House classrooms.  Software includes math, science, social studies, puzzle brain teasers and encyclopedias.