ELEMENTARY PROGRAM (ages 6-12)

West Hills Schools' Elementary Montessori Program is a joyful learning community of students ages six through twelve (1st through 6th grades). As in the primary, the elementary environment is thoughtfully prepared to nurture the physical, emotional, social, moral and intellectual growth of the children at this unique stage of their development. Montessori elementary provides a natural continuation of the work of the primary class, and the fundamental Montessori principles of independence, social responsibility, self-discipline, and love of learning continue to apply.

In Montessori elementary programs all over the world, the Universe is presented to the children as their “curriculum,” providing a field of study challenging enough for their newly developing cognitive powers of imagination and reason, and inspiring enough to touch their hearts. Montessori elementary teachers offer multi-disciplinary stories called The Great Lessons, inviting the elementary child to explore the natural and cultural worlds. All lessons are presented in the framework of human responsibility and appreciation of the interdependencies of life on the planet. This integrated academic and moral approach was called Cosmic Education by Dr. Montessori.

The Great Lessons are supplemented with experiments, demonstrations, discussions, hands-on materials and other resources. The children are supported in repetition of key concepts and independent research. Art, music, Spanish, creative writing, creative movement and drama are integrated into the children’s work in all subjects.

Montessori elementary students are invited to collaborate with the adults in their own education. All students keep detailed work journals and consult regularly with the teachers, who also keep complete records and observe each child’s progress. The teachers provide a child-friendly version of the public school standards for each age level, and facilitate the children’s use of these standards to ensure appropriate, balanced, and challenging work choices and completion of a basic skills curriculum.

This focus on personal responsibility results in deeply engaged students who take an active role in the creation of the learning community, and students work cooperatively, not competitively. Because of the mixed age group, students are able to work at their own pace with a variety of peers, and peer support and peer teaching is the norm. Keeping a harmonious classroom is the work of everyone, not just the teachers. Students learn joyfully and extend their growing understanding and commitment to peace within our classrooms to the world beyond.

Research and follow up studies have shown that Montessori students transition well to a variety of settings after the elementary years. These individuals are highly adaptable and prepared academically and socially for the next state in their development. Our alumni speak with affection and gratitude about their time at West Hills Montessori.

Our elementary program is registered as an Oregon Private School as well as a member of the Oregon Association of Private Schools. The class is guided by caring, AMI-trained, experienced teaching staff and administration, and fully equipped with Montessori materials. The elementary environments include beautiful outdoor extensions and many opportunities for “going out” to make use of our community’s cultural and natural resources.

Students enrolled in our elementary program must be at least six years old prior to September 1 st of the current school year. Enrollment is limited. Students with primary experience from our school have the first opportunity for placement. Students who wish to enroll and are new to our school will be asked to supply previous school background information and references from previous teachers. The application process includes a parent observation of the elementary classroom and an observation of the student in the current school by the West Hills staff when possible. Parents are encouraged to attend an evening Parent Information Night or afternoon Open House prior to application, and prospective students are invited to meet the teachers and spend a morning in the class as well. We look forward to having you visit our busy, thriving elementary community.

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