Upper Elementary School
Passage to Adulthood (9 - 12 years)
HOMS has Expanded our Programming!
We are excited to announce the expansion of our programming to include grades 4 through 6!
The Lower Elementary program at Hands-On Montessori offers first through third graders an unparalleled opportunity for growth in a warm and nurturing environment. Each imaginative, social and creative child needs this environment along with freedom of choice and an expansive curriculum to support their curiosity and prepare them for the challenges of the future, a future where the most valuable traits will be confidence and adaptability, and a mindset that makes genuine curiosity a habit.
The upper elementary program is structured to embrace your 9-12 year old child’s increasing need for social interaction by delivering lessons in small groups and encouraging children to work with a variety of others resulting in a true learning community. The Montessori philosophy continues into upper elementary by providing children with the freedom to focus intensely on their self-selected work. They will, at the same time, collaborate with the guide/teacher to ensure that the work is challenging and purposeful – and that standards are met. In that way, the guide is in charge of the minimum scope of work and the child furthers the development of their independence by determining the maximum.
Do you or someone you know have a rising 4th-6th grade child who you believe would thrive in this environment?
Have they begun to lose their curiosity and love of learning? Are they tiring of worksheets and would they prefer a Hands-On learning experience? Would they benefit from guided uninterrupted work time that allows for real productivity and developed concentration personalized to their developmental moment?
Integrated Project-based Curriculum
Classroom subjects are explored in an integrated manner, where students grapple with real-world issues while honing their skills in math, economics, science, humanities, language and writing. The manipulative materials of the elementary are rarely used, as these students are now able to work, understand and visualize ideas in the abstract. The focus is upon the development of a successful process and innovative approach, rather than rewarding an expected answer.
Socratic Seminars
Our students learn to be sensitive to issues of social justice and personal dignity. Critical thinking and public speaking skills are learned through socratic seminars as students grapple with real world issues. Through this process an appreciation of multiple perspectives on a given topic develops.
Micro-economy
Students develop and run their own real business, marketing and selling products that they manufacture themselves. Supporting lessons are given on the scientific, historical, economic, practical and organizational aspects of their products. Student work includes bookkeeping, budgeting and purchasing, design, advertising, surveys, research, the writing of proposals, interviews of experts, and documentation.
Creative and Physical Expression
Students pursue the skills that will enable them to express their understanding of the world through art and music. Activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, tennis, running, hiking bicycling, and other group games help develop agility and strength, as well as a sense of fun and confidence in the meeting of physical challenges.
Community
Beyond intellectual development, our program guides students to become active citizens and fully informed problem solvers within the local community and beyond.
Our Alumni Excel in School — and in Life
Years of watching our students matriculate to high school, college and beyond confirms that an authentic Montessori Middle School is an excellent education for life. They excel in school and careers of choice but, more importantly, emerge as confident, well adjusted, happy adults.
“Moving Montessori learning onto an online platform definitely had its challenges for teachers, children and parents. However, with the love, patience, and strong bond already built between the teachers and students, online learning has gone beyond original expectations.
Amidst the chaos and upheaval of all our lives during these difficult times, the HOMS teachers and staff have been our rock through the storm. It has been such a comfort for my daughter to continue her routine of learning and see her friends and teachers every day. Online learning has been an adjustment for us all but we cannot thank everyone at HOMS enough for all the hard work, love and care that they put in to every single class.”
- Kat B