Children ages 6 weeks to 12 months are part of the Infant Program. This is a period of great activity in your child’s development cycle. One of our primary goals is the development of movement and of independence. The environment we have designed is made to support and respond to the infants’ basic needs for independence, exploration and building of trust and self-esteem. At Riverchase Montessori we are aware of the ability infants have of absorbing from their surroundings. The daily needs such as diapering, feeding and playing are optimal times for interaction. Using these times for social learning experiences encourages full participation of the infant and the caregiver. These times become the opportunity for communication and for nurturing. The infants’ curriculum is based on Physical and Motor Development: Infants have a sensitive period for movement. Gross motor skills develop rapidly from three months to three years. By providing the appropriate movement opportunities and maintaining a safe environment that does not restrict the exploration for the infants in the room, motor development is allowed to unfold naturally and at the infants’ own pace.

Children ages 13 months to 17 months and 18 to 23 months are part of the Toddlers’ Program. This Program prepares the child for the Transition Class. The curriculum for toddlers is based on a well prepared environment with activities in different areas

The Pre-Primary Program is an extension of the Toddler Program. Children age 2 to 3 years are part of this program. The Montessori Curriculum formally starts in this class. The environment is very carefully prepared and divided into centers such as Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Cultural Subjects, Cultural Subjects Puzzles, Art and Manipulative materials designed to prepare the child for more abstract thinking and learning. A consistent routine of work is established with the purpose to guide and fulfill the needs children have at this age. Our carefully prepared environment allows them to have a positive experience and the opportunity to develop self-discipline and concentration. Toilet training is a fundamental aspect of this program. Children at this age are more sensitive and aware of the control of their body. Therefore, they contribute very willingly to the process of Toilet Training, which is a criteria for children to be promoted into the Primary class. The Montessori Teacher is very much aware of the particular needs this stage of growth requires and Riverchase Montessori is glad to provide the environment in which the needs of your child can be met in a natural and rational manner.

Children ages 3 to 5 are part of this program. The beginning process of phonetic reading formally begins at this phase. It is at this age when children, once they master to speak, start enjoying to read in an effortless manner. Montessori schools are characterized by this distinctive and unique philosophy of “children learning to read and write at an early age”. Beginning at age 3 and completely toilet trained; the children are invited to work independently in the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural Subjects. All the material the child works with is designed to lead the child towards abstract thinking. The Montessori teacher facilitates the lessons and classroom activities in order to help each child progress from one activity to another. The teacher is trained to work with each child individually, allowing the child to choose and to work on something while observing the child’s progress and/or difficulties. This gives each child the satisfaction of their own efforts and a feeling of accomplishment and pride when completing a task. Dr. Montessori outlines various periods of Sensitivity, in which a child is more able and motivated to learn reading, writing, math, and order effortlessly. Teachers are very much aware of these Sensitive Periods and encourage the children to develop these skills during these periods.

Children in this program are within the age range of 5 to 7 years. Beginning at age 5, the Kindergarten and Elementary programs are a philosophical extension of the preschool, with a curriculum consisting of the traditional disciplines. Sensitive Period of Memorization takes place during this age range. In addition to our rather unique academic program being high on our hierarchy of importance, we also place stress on the child’s social/emotional development. Social relationships, emotions, and positive attitudes are among the topics of discussion which are treated openly in the classroom. Our goal is that children at this age, in addition to receiving a formal and highly academic education, will come to appreciate their own worth and have a high regard for others. At the end of the school year, the children will be tested by either the California Test of Basic Skills or the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills. If your child is going to be transferring to a traditional or another private school, please let us know, so we can better prepare your child for this transition, especially if your child will take an acceptance examination.

This is a perfect time for children to complement our school curriculum by exploring their own interest such as Lego Robotics, Ballet, Karate, Soccer and Sports, Piano Lessons, Drums and other classes. Contact Riverchase for more information on each activity. Classes are administered and billed by vetted 3rd party partners. Our afterschool program is specially designed to nurture and entertain your child. Children ages five to twelve are welcomed with a snack as soon as they arrive from their school. Shortly after they are offered different choices of work and fun such as: homework support, physical activities, arts and crafts, puzzle mania, and technology time.