Our Montessori Programming

Children’s House

3 to 6 years

Children’s House is available to children ranging from 3 to 6 years of age and is the natural entry level for 3-year-olds. At this stage of development, a child’s inherent desire to learn becomes apparent. Concentration, coordination, independence, and a sense of order are encouraged during this phase of the child’s education at Stepping Stones Montessori. Parents will see their child developing initiative, inner discipline, and a deep respect for themselves, others, and their environment. The child who completes Children’s House naturally transitions to our Elementary Level. 

Children at this age are required to attend Monday - Friday, with no exceptions. Half-day and Full-day options available.



Elementary Level I

6 to 9 years

At this stage of development, the child enters a classroom where she will be for the next three years, with the same teacher and peer group. In an environment of continuity, this unique feature of the Montessori curriculum promotes creativity, builds self-esteem, and allows the development of leadership skills as the older children naturally become mentors for their younger classmates. With a heightened sense of curiosity, a well-developed ability to solve problems, and a greater sensitivity to the environment, the child begins, in earnest, to learn the traditional disciplines of mathematics, literature, and science.

It is at this stage, too, that the child begins to expand his cultural boundaries through active participation in the areas of art, music, creative dramatics, and foreign languages. In these years, the child becomes accustomed to success and simply treats the obstacles that he encounters as new challenges to overcome.



Elementary Level II
(Upper Elementary)

9 to 12 years

The Upper Elementary classroom provides the capstone for the Montessori elementary experience at Stepping Stones. As one Stepping Stones Elementary II teacher explains, “The teacher’s role at Stepping Stones Montessori is not to force interest or entertain students. Rather, it is to create a ‘learning environment’ where the child is continually challenged to reach his or her maximum learning potential.”



Middle School (Ada)

12 to 15 years

Opened in fall 2018, our Middle School is located on a 100-acre property in Ada. It provides students with an intellectually rigorous and rewarding experience rooted in the belief that motivation for learning is an end in itself as well as a means to other achievements.  Learn more>

Transitioning to traditional school

Our children are well prepared to face future challenges. They leave Stepping Stones with a strong sense of self, a solid academic experience, and, most importantly, a love of learning that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Graduates of Stepping Stones Montessori School transition successfully into other school settings.

School Hours

SSMS is open from 7:30am - 5:30pm. Parents have schedule choices when completing enrollment. Trained staff members will be present throughout the entire school day.