Our school offers Montessori education for children in the Big Bend region from ages three through sixth grade. We have four multi-age programs: primary (ages 3-6, full- and half-day options), lower elementary (ages 6-9), and upper elementary (ages 9-12), and adolescent (7th and 8th grades). Each program is tailored to children’s natural developmental phases. We also offer after-school care and extracurricular programs.
Primary
From birth to 3 years of age children are absorbing directly from the environment, almost like a sponge. It is during this phase that many language and motor skills are acquired without formal instruction. During the second phase from 3 to 6 years of age, the child reaches a different stage in which repetition and manipulation of the environment are critical to the development of concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order. The child learns skills for everyday living, sorting, grading, classifying – all of which lead to the development of writing, reading, and a mathematical mind.
Elementary
Our lower and upper elementary students in first through sixth grade may share a building but their individualized work is perfectly suitable to their capabilities. Every elementary student is encouraged to accept challenges in their daily work, building their knowledge to reach mastery of the subject at hand through lessons, applications, and enrichment.
Lower Elementary
From ages 6 to 9, the imagination of the child is the key to learning. At this age there is an increasing awareness of the world and an interest in its wonders. The classroom can now excite the child by using this increased imagination to explore the universe. During this phase the child is presented with “the big picture,” an overview of the interrelatedness of things. The curriculum works from the large concept to the more refined. Concepts are introduced through hands-on materials which encourage and engage the child and assist in an understanding of concepts before they are committed to memory.
Upper Elementary
As the child enters the next phase, from 9 to 12, the world is an ever-expanding place. The horizons of the imagination increase and concepts may be presented and abstracted with fewer manipulative materials. The students’ hands-on activities broaden in scope and include practical application outside the classroom. Projects become more involved and diverse in nature.
Adolescent
Alpine Montessori School piloted an innovative seventh- and eighth-grade program in 2018 with much success. After a two year hiatus, we are thrilled to resurrect the program in 2021. In addition to classroom work guided by instructor Joyce Downing, the students work within the community on a variety of subjects encompassed within science, language, mathematics, history, geography, and social sciences. Students travel throughout the southwest attending workshops with Montessori students from other schools, such as Nature’s Classroom Institute in New Ulm, TX and Crow Canyon Archeological Center outside of Cortez, CO. They also intern twice a year at a business of their choice. The adolescent program is tailored to the unique gifts and challenges of teenagers.
After-school Care
We offer enriching extended-day activities for children whose parents would like to pick up their children after school ends at 3pm.
Extracurricular Activities
Music, language, and STEAM activities enrich our students’ lives. Parents and community volunteers offer a rotating choice of programs, such as music, theatre, Spanish, robotics, and woodworking.
