Primary
2.5–6 years
Short day | 8 am - 12:15 pm (5-days/week)
Full day | 8 am - 2:30 pm (5-days/week)
Aftercare | 2:30 - 5:30 pm (5-days/week)
A 10-month program with summer care available through
Camp MCS.
About our Primary program
Our primary program is rooted in independent activity and extended periods of “free choice,” allowing students to work at their own pace without interruption. They learn by choosing to explore it, repeat it, and perfect it.
Rather than a top-down curriculum or teacher-centered learning, we employ a supportive teacher-guided approach. Teachers are trained to closely observe a child’s interests, tendencies, strength and needs—then engage at the child’s level.
Each classroom’s three-year age span serves a distinct purpose. Younger children learn skills through observation and behavior of older kids; while older children gain leadership skills and responsibility by setting an example for younger friends.
A day in our Primary program
Every day in Primary begins with time outdoors with friends followed by a morning of discovery, community and skill-building in our Montessori classrooms.
- 8:00–8:30 am - Arrive at school (carline drop-off or parent walk-in) & enjoy time on the Primary playground
- 8:30-9:00 am - Class meeting
- 9:00–11:30 am - Montessori uninterrupted work period
- Montessori lessons and works
- Snack available (organic fruits and cracker offered)
- Specialist classes (art, music, Spanish, Mandarin, library & sports)
- 11:30 am–noon - Lunch time as a class
- 12:00–12:15 pm - Parents pick up for short day dismissal
- 12:15-1:00 pm - Playground & garden time with friends
- 1:00–2:15 pm - Naps offered or afternoon work time
- 2:15–2:30 pm - Parents pick up full-day children
- 2:30–5:30 pm - After care available
"Selecting Montessori Center School has been the best decision we have made as parents, hands down. The teachers are truly gifted in their ability to nurture, engage and inspire children. They have been an invaluable sounding board and support system for our family throughout the years."
- MCS Parent
"MCS has provided invaluable tools to our kids to navigate the demands of everyday life and challenges. It has taught them important lessons in teamwork, collaboration, mentorship, communication, time management, and conservation. We truly believe that the school raises creative, conscious, and aware custodians of the future."
- MCS Parent
