Primary Program

3 - 6 years old
Half Day 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Extended Day 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The hallmarks of Countryside's primary classrooms are their order and beauty. Each classroom contains natural wooden shelves full of materials organized to aid children as they work toward their fullest potential. Each classroom bears the distinguishing marks of children and adults working together to create a beautiful environment for learning.

Children in primary environments work with materials designed to strengthen their fine and gross motor skills, to organize their intellects, and to expand their knowledge. Most children graduate from primary classrooms reading fluently and writing legibly.

Primary curriculum includes studies in:

• mathematics
• language
• geography

• music & art
• social studies
• science & biology

The Montessori primary curriculum includes and typically extends well beyond traditional kindergarten programs. Children remain in the primary classroom at least three years, until their sixth birthday, and benefit from the cumulative effects of the primary curriculum. When he graduates from the primary classroom, each child has acquired self-confidence, internal motivation, self-discipline and a great love of learning.

Extended Day Program

Countryside's Extended Day program is open to children who are no longer napping. Typically, children join the Extended Day class after their fourth birthday, but it is not unusual for teachers to invite a child to join sooner. All children in the primary class must begin staying until 3 PM by the time they are 4.5 years old.

They Extended Day class offers children opportunities to extend their concentration, to work cooperatively within a groups of peers, and to begin working with more advanced and detailed academic materials.

Children in the Extended Day class eat lunch together in their classroom. They learn to prepare their tables using plates, cloth napkins and utensils. Each child serves himself from the school's superb hot-lunch service, or from food sent from home. Children share quiet conversation as they eat, and work together to clean the tables and dishes when the meal is complete.

Click here to for an overview of the Primary Curriculum