". . .if we wish to alter the habits and customs of a country, or if we
wish to accentuate more vigorously the characteristics of a people, we
must take as our instrument the child. . ."

Recognizing the individualism and needs of each child, the curriculum is not limited to just academic achievement of the child, but seeks to assist in the growth of the child - morally, socially, emotionally and physically.

With the wide range of activities on campus, the child experiences real life practical application in the following areas, leading to his appreciation and respect for the environment: manipulating class materials, learning, respecting other children and adults, discovering plants and animals, understanding the historical progress of man, and ultimately respect and appreciating for himself.

From her acute observation of young children, Dr. Maria Montessori discovered that children loved to work (in any absorbing activity) and that from this "work" they learned simply for the joy of learning. She also discovered that children progress through "Sensitive Periods" during which they are especially ready for certain skills and activities. Dr. Montessori's "prepared environment" takes advantage of these periods of readiness by providing a vast array of educational materials geared to helping the child learn through his senses, his corresponding skills and knowledge with which he continues to teach himself.

The Lower Elementary classroom provides an expanded learning situation for the child who is interested in relating to the world around him. Field trips, not just to see, but to study and understand, are important. Reading is encouraged by teacher-made materials. Graphic charts and impressionistic materials stimulate imagination and continued development of reading skills, vocabulary, spelling and writing skills as they convey the world around us. All areas of study are intertwined. Math, Geometry and Algebra are learned by manipulation of materials and by stimulating the child's imagination and desire to self-discover the fantastic secrets of numbers. Cultural arts are learned through the use of various media to a study of the history of arts, contributions made by countries and people, literature, dance, drama, and music. The child is encouraged to achieve for for his own reward and self-challenge. The teacher guides the child to understand himself and others and to develop emotionally, imaginatively, and morally.

By the time children reach the Upper Elementary classroom they will have developed their role of imagination combined with research and will now use the classroom as a home base for their exploration into social studies, history and the sciences as they venture into the outdoor environment for a broader perspective. Individual and small group projects extend to the wooded areas of the campus for primitive shelter building and cooking, animal care and ecology, and biological studies.