Keystone Montessori offers an exceptional Elementary School program for children in Grade 1 to Grade 8. The curriculum includes Language (Grammar, Reading and Writing), Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Geography, History, French, Music, Technology, Visual Arts and Physical Education. The program is supplemented by extracurricular activities in Athletics, Excursions, Music and other activities that are developmentally appropriate.

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Like the preschool program, the Montessori Elementary program has been developed based on the characteristics and needs of children at this age group (see Foundations of Learning & Leadership). Several significant developments characterize the needs of the elementary child:

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• Intellectual challenge and mastery become paramount

• Focus on social skills

• Tremendous power of imagination through greater cognitive development

• Innate sensitivity to morality and justice

• Physical strength and coordination

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Elementary children have a great capacity and enthusiasm for understanding the accomplishments of humanity, whether these are in sciences, the arts, languages or technology. When the Elementary child’s great imagination and potential for ownership is engaged, they are highly motivated and hardworking. They become fascinated with the “how’s and why’s” that lead to creative thinking and problem solving; and the Montessori methods have been specifically developed to provide instruction in necessary academic areas, while encouraging these thought processes and motivations.

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The Elementary program runs in three-year age groupings. While the Montessori Methods remain concretely based in Lower Elementary (6 – 9 years), they become much more abstract as the child moves into Upper Elementary (9 – 12 years). The transition from Lower Elementary to Upper Elementary is marked by a movement from the Foundations of Learning approach to the Foundations of Leadership approach that is prevalent in the Junior High. As these children are highly focused on social skills and sense of justice, the Upper Elementary program offers many opportunities for community service, independent project initiatives, opportunities for class meetings that build understanding of the roles of government and effective community structures, and practising more sophisticated skills of leadership.