The Elementary Montessori Program offers a nurturing, community-centered environment that supports the child’s development in what Maria Montessori identified as the Second Plane of Development — a stage characterized by a growing reasoning mind, intellectual curiosity, and a deepening sense of moral and social responsibility.

 

Our multi-age environment accommodates children from 6 to 9 years of age, with the addition of a Grade 4 Bridging Year for 10-year-olds.

 

Following the Montessori philosophy, the classroom is meticulously prepared with hands-on materials that encourage exploration, discovery, and independent reasoning. Our academic framework integrates the Montessori curriculum in English (Language Arts), Mathematics, and Geometry, guided by the South African Montessori Association (SAMA) standards. At the same time, we align with the Western Cape Education Department’s Curriculum and Policy Statement (CAPS) to ensure a well-rounded education that prepares children for future learning pathways.

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A cornerstone of our program is Cosmic Education, which fosters a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of life and knowledge.

 

This approach is introduced through the Five Great Lessons:

• The Formation of the Universe

• Life and its Beginnings

• The Story of Humans

• The Story of Communication

• The Story of Numbers

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These captivating narratives ignite imagination and inspire intellectual exploration across subjects, encouraging children to see their place in the larger story of the world.

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To further support literacy, we supplement the Montessori Reading Series with the Reading A-Z (RAZ) program, enhancing phonics and reading fluency. In addition to English, our First Additional Language (FAL) is isiXhosa, taught through Total Physical Response methods to reinforce vocabulary acquisition and retention. Afrikaans is taught as a Second Additional Language (SAL), offering children exposure to a broader linguistic experience.

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Social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into daily life through regular class meetings—run by the children themselves—to develop leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Peace Education, a fundamental element of Montessori philosophy, is consistently emphasized through guided problem-solving, fostering empathy, cooperation, and respect within the community.

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Grade 4 Bridging Year

 

The Grade 4 Bridging Year provides a gentle transition between Montessori and mainstream education, blending CAPS-aligned content with Montessori principles. This hybrid approach allows children to acclimate to the expectations of traditional schooling while continuing to benefit from Montessori’s child-centered methods. 

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Formative Assessments and Homework

 

Ongoing formative assessments from Year 2 through Year 4 take place at the end of every term. These help teachers identify individual needs and guide targeted support. Children are gradually introduced to small amounts of reading and spelling homework, helping to develop independent study habits in preparation for their next academic steps.

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The Magic of Elementary

 

Through this carefully designed program, children in our Montessori Elementary environment experience education as a joyful, meaningful journey—developing not only academic knowledge but also the independence, confidence, and social awareness that serves them throughout their lives.